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This week my heart was broken by the tragic death of Jarrid Wilson, an author and pastor, from Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. To be quite honest, I wasn't extremely familiar with his work, but since his death I've read and seen a tremendous amount of the good he was putting out into the world. Jarrid took a topic that gets a bad rap or neglected and he brought it to light. It saddens me that I wasn't aware of his work sooner and that his fight with depression and suicidal th0ughts overpowered him.
When I was a kid, I was made fun of a lot because I was tenderhearted -- little things bothered me and others found that as a vulnerability they could exploit. Adults (not my parents) told me to get over it and man up. Stop crying. But now at 34 years old, I'm beginning to realize that those people were wrong. Was it bad that I didn't like to be called names? Was it weak that I didn't want to be pushed and shoved? No! It's taken me 27 years to get to a place where I can actually open up my heart to share my struggles with the world.
My challenge to you is don't wait 27 years to open up. If you are reading this and on the verge of taking your life, then PLEASE STOP!!! Find one person in your life who you know loves you and share your heart with them. Share everything that is hurting you. I promise that bringing it to light is the first step toward healing.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).