Because everyone deserves to be seen, and everyone deserves to have a resource to reach out to. I’m doing this for Ian and Zack, life would have been that much sweeter with both of you still here.
The affect of suicide on our family hasn’t been a ripple effect, it has been a tsunami. We have lost our niece Britney, our nephew Logan and our dear friend Mike to suicide. There is a gaping hole in our lives where they once were.
Nobody is immune. Suicide WILL affect you if it hasn’t already. Suicide doesn’t have a “type” or a certain look or a certain obvious lifestyle. There is such a stigma regarding mental health and the resources needed are lacking.
Please consider a donation or participate in this walk to raise awareness of the suicide epidemic and support these mental health organizations.
I’ve had several people close to me attempt suicide because they thought it was their only option. I know that more can be done to support those going through tough times.
Please consider donating to support my participation in Strength 2 Thrive to help mental health organizations combat the issue of suicide.
Death by suicide happens all too often. I’ve seen the aftermath more times than I would have thought imaginable. From a friend shortly into his career in the Marines to family that forever affected the lives of my sister-in-law and my nieces and more since then. One is too many. We have resources to help with the dark thoughts that plague us. Let’s raise awareness so someone we know that doesn’t show signs of struggle knows where to go or give us the knowledge to help them get to those resources. Never leave someone alone that is thinking of suicide. Take their hand. Walk them into a place of healing so they and we can continue to enjoy our lives together. Be aware of the signs. Let’s not let anyone fall through the cracks.
Anxiety, depression, and the general feeling of worthlessness are all a reality I know well. I woke up to these feelings every day for a very long time. As a teenager, it felt more and more difficult to find purpose especially when, so often, I was made to feel like an outcast. However, I learned that these feelings were not what defined me. I learned how to be present and mindful in the moment, seeing the good in the midst of the bad. Mentors, teachers, family, and friends poured into my life to show me the truth about my worth and my future. And for the first time in a long time, I saw that my future wasn’t defined by my past, but rather that I could use my past to influence my future for the better. My story is my own, and I would love to discuss the depths of my story in time, but I’m one of the lucky ones who made it through. I’ve watched my friends, family, and even students in my ministry struggle with self-harm.. A few ending in tragedy.
I’m supporting this cause because life is priceless. I’m asking you to give a small amount in order to potentially give the most valuable thing to someone on the fringe of suicide: hope. I genuinely believe that hope in the future, freedom from the past, and healthy conversation can be the difference between life and death. If we cannot stand up to fight for people who struggle with their mental health (myself included) we cannot stand together at all. Although I am unable to attend the walk, I highly encourage you to gather a group together and stand for life!
Mental illnesses make it hard for people
day-to-day in an unseen way that leave
them feeling isolated and invisible.
September is National Suicide Prevention
Month, and we need to remember that we
don’t know what that the other person is going through.
We never know who is being affected or
how much impact a simple action could
make. Please consider donating to this
cause and supporting my contribution to this event.
