No one is spared...

I flipped on the news this morning and was saddened to hear of the suicide death of Rick Warren's son.

Some of you may know who Rick Warren is.  He's the pastor of the Saddle Back Church in Lake Forest, CA.  A mega-church - which I state for a reason.  Rick Warren is also the author of the book, The Purpose Driven Life.  If you're Christian and you've read this book, you've probably heard of him.

Relax people...  I've never ever denied my status as a Christian - but I've also never crammed it down your throat.  Read on...

This post is meant to show - no one is spared.

No matter how good or bad, wealthy or poor you may be - depression can sneak in.  Depression knows no boundaries.  It doesn't care who you are or what you do.  Depression hides in the nooks and crannies.  In the places you don't even think of looking.  No matter what some people try to do or say or feel, it's there.

Watching the brief interview on the news with Pastor Warren and his wife, I saw the familiar grief.  The grief of parents who lost their son... to suicide.  Forget that he's an author, a pastor of a mega-church.  He's a father.  She's a mother.  They are the grieving parents of a 27 year old man who took his life, because life was too much for him.  Matthew Warren struggled with depression.

It was quoted that Pastor Warren's son said to him ten years earlier, "Dad, I know I'm going to heaven.  Why can't I just die and end this pain?"

WOW

When every instinct in the lives of most is to survive - he just wanted to die.

While this has always been something I have not been able to wrap my head around,
this continues to be the re-occurring theme of suicide.

The thing that those afflicted can't seem to get away from.  The pain is just too much.

It always hits me hard when I hear of suicide.  It's like reliving my own pain over and over again through the tears of others.

Today it was wanting to reach through the TV and hug them - to tell them they weren't alone.

No one is spared.  Not the rich.  Not the poor.  Not the most holy or the most evil.

Anyone can suffer from depression.  Any family can lose someone they love in the most horrible way.

No one is spared.

To Matthew, a man I never knew - I wish you the peace of heart in heaven which you were unable to find here on earth.  I wish an end to your pain.

If you are feeling depressed, or suicidal or need someone to talk to - reach out.  Hurting yourself isn't the answer.  Don't suffer in silence.  Someone does love you.  Someone wants to help you.  Someone will be there for you.  Please reach out!

Thank you for reading my blog!

~Jenn

National Suicide Prevention Life Line:
No matter what problems you are dealing with, we want to help you find a reason to keep living. By calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) you’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, anytime 24/7. Follow my blog with Bloglovin