As I contemplate the life and death of Robin Williams, I first want to give thanks for all the joy and laughter he brought to my life through the years. The thought that his brilliant comedy may have been in part a creative and constructive outcome of dealing with depression makes me that much more grateful. He will be missed but not forgotten. There are often comments following a suicide that reflect more of the emotions and fears provoked by the means of death rather than a helpful response. There were periods in Church history where the fear of copy cat suicides was met with teachings that one who takes their life goes to hell. The church has not yet recovered from such an unfortunate and misinformed theology. The social and religious stigmas from frightened and confused people lay an additional burden on family members already broken. As one who has lost friends and family to suicide I encourage us to examine our own emotions before making quick judgements. One can never completely know everything going on in a mind battling depression. A friend recently told me of the description from one who had survived a suicide attempt. He said it was like he found himself in a room engulfed in flames. Before him was a window to jump to safety. In that moment of terror no one contemplates anything other than escape. Suicide may be a permanent solution to a temporary problem. But depression of that severity cannot tell time or see any other perspective. The community is best served in times like these by withholding judgement and extending grace. We never know the weight some people are bearing.
Posted on: Wed, 13 Aug 2014 03:12:10 +0000
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