To weep with those who weep...

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."  ~John 10:10

Part of me wishes that I knew exactly how it would play out, but I do know that I want my life to reflect and radiate God’s love for those who are hurting.  I want to bring the light of God’s Kingdom against the kingdom of darkness that is reeking so much havoc and destruction in this world.

Robin Williams’ recent death by suicide has sparked numerous articles, blog posts, and comments from multiple angles regarding mental health, depression, and suicide.  Emotions are understandably high on both sides of these issues, and the main cry of my heart is for more sensitivity, grace, and compassion all around, particularly among Christians.

I have personally faced major depression to the point of desiring death; it is a dark and confusing place to be - God delivered me from it and I pray that I will never return there, but I understand the feeling and my heart breaks for those currently facing that.

I would love to say more, but I don’t feel the freedom or peace to go into great detail about my own story right now.  I will simply say that we rarely know the full extent of what other people are going through and how it is affecting them.  I pray that God will give me "eyes to see" when people are hurting, and the wisdom and discretion to love and encourage them... or perhaps just to weep with them and be there to listen, without peppy clichés or placing any pressure on them... to be sensitive to what they need and to respond in love.  It may require a great deal of patience and selflessness to stay in relationship with people who are struggling with depression or feeling trapped in despair, but please, please do not write them off or give up on them.

Lord, let us never belittle or dismiss the pain of others simply because we do not understand it.  Let us NEVER give anyone the indirect message that they are a burden and the world would be better off without them.  Help us to stay engaged and to care for others even when it is difficult, to pray and fight for the hearts that are under enemy attack.  Let our presence be a source of light and life and comfort to those dealing with heaviness, darkness, depression, and/or grief.

"To care about someone is to feel bad for them when tragedy strikes.  To care for someone is to show up when tragedy strikes, preferably with food in hand, and sit with them in silence and grief.  Caring for people, rather than just about them, makes all the difference.  Love, as it turns out, is more than a feeling.  Great stories - and great relationships - are defined by actions, not sympathies.  As such, we should all pay more attention to the people in our various circles who treat us and others this way, and guard those connections fiercely."  ~Scott McClellan

On that note, I am so grateful that God is close to the brokenhearted.  And I am grateful for the friends and family who stepped in and cared for me around this time last year.  Every ounce of kindness and compassion and loyal friendship was desperately needed and deeply appreciated.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you for pointing me to the light of Christ in the midst of a very dark season.

{The one-year anniversary of the ending of my best friendship is nearly here.  Her disengagement and my depression went in an unhealthy circular pattern that eventually led to her rejecting me, repeatedly and completely.  I’m really fighting my flesh not to write something entirely different here, but in the long run, I’ll be thankful that God is not letting me go there.  I've come such a long way over the past year, but right now, my heart feels freshly raw as I remember how it ended, so please pray for God to strengthen and sustain me through the week ahead.  Thank you!}