I responded to this email several years ago. Just saw it in my old files and thought somebody might need this tonight: I recently received this email: I just wanted to let you know how glad I am that I attended your concert this evening in Texas. I have had a lot of issues with suicidal thoughts, and you gave me so much to think about through my thought processes. I have been through all the counseling and other things, but the things you said made more sense than anything else I have heard. I couldnt understand why it is such a bad thing to want to go to heaven now instead of living in this painful world. You made it clear in your own way that God may not be finished with me yet, and He may have a reason for the pain I am going through. I know it is beyond my understanding, and that I might just have to live through faith as I go through each trial. I just want to thank you for giving me another way to look at these things. Its amazing how many people I meet who have either thought of or are thinking of committing suicide. If you are a Christian there are many reasons not to do this. #1. Your mansion may not be ready. That may sound funny, and I guess it is, but its also TRUE! You are taking into your own hands what should only be reserved for God. Your entrance and your exit should not be your decision. #2. You might miss a resurrection. Your deliverance could be tomorrow and you wouldnt want to miss it. Just think, if Judas had waited a day or two he would have seen the resurrected Lord. I believe the angel of the Lord would have said, Go and tell the disciple and Peter and Judas that HE is RISEN! Jesus died for Judas too, but Judas took matters into his own hands and never saw resurrection. #3. When you feel like taking your life...put it off a day. Then tomorrow put it off again. Im telling you, resurrection could be tomorrow. #4. Because, I SAID SO! If you have no other reason not to do it but THAT, I give you permission to take it, use it, hold on to it... “MARK SAID I COULDNT DO THIS! And then call somebody and ask them to pray for you and help you through this desperate time. Mark Also… #5. Dont be ashamed to take medication prescribed by your doctor that can help you. In James 5 it says to call for the elders to pray for you and anoint you with oil. Did you know that oil represents medicine? But we got better medicine than oil now. And it was GOD who gave these gifts to the world through doctors --where many can be healed. Listen! We are all broken. It happened when we decided to be our own bosses and left God. But thats another story. And sometimes depression can be as much of a physical problem as cancer or spina bifida (sp?). Theres nothing wrong taking chemo for cancer or letting a crippled child use a wheelchair. And theres nothing wrong with getting medical help that will help those broken things in your head connect and you will be free to stop looking inward and start looking outward on a world that needs you and the Jesus in you. Before you kill yourself at least promise me youll see a doctor who might have a little pill that will make it all better. Im serious! And let’s say… …...Youre ten. Youre ten years old and you want to kill yourself. Youre probably much older than that and I hope theres never been anyone as young as ten who wanted to kill herself, but lets just say. If you are 10 years old youve only got 70 to 80 years left to live…IF YOURE LUCKY! Trust me thats nothing. Itll be over before you know it. And the older you get the faster it goes. Ive heard someone say life is like a roll of toilet paper, the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes. And it’s true so ride it out. You’re going to miss where God could have taken you. Look for God in your sorrow. If you open your eyes wide and look around you’ll see that God has left diamonds everywhere. You can sometimes find them on good days, but they’re always in abundance in places like despair and on what I call May Days. You know, May Day! May Day! The ship is going down!! Days like that. It probably feels to you like most days are ‘May Days’. Well if they are, please look around. Youve already made the trip-- its not like youre having to go out of your way. You’ve arrived! Open your eyes! Open them wide in faith and ask God to show you the diamonds. Youll be amazed. But I guess the main thing… Is to know that youre not alone. Even if you think you are. The Bible says that we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. Just beyond this dimension are saints above and around you cheering you on. And in the middle of them is Jesus. Hes clapping the loudest. You cant hear him, but Hes there. He said He would never leave you or forsake you. Every one you can see may abandon you, but the One who lends them breath has bottled every tear youve cried. (I know thats in The Bible somewhere I just cant remember right now where.) Did you know He has the very hairs of your head numbered? Not just counted, but Hes numbered each one. That’s how special you are to Him. Trust me you can trust Him. You may not feel Him, you will probably never see Him (until you get Home) but Hes there. And one day were gonna soak our feet in a crystal river and Hes going to play back beautiful parts of our lives when we thought we were lost. He was there crying with us. He is touched by our infirmities, brokenness and yes even our depression. Rest in Him. Close your eyes and picture Him with his arms open wide. Hes smiling at you. You are the apple of His eye. And He would NEVER leave you. And you’ve got to start… ...agreeing with God. You were worth dying for. How do I know? Because God said so. And who are we to disagree with God? The pot doesnt get to tell The Potter what the pot is worth...The Potter tells the pot what the pot is worth. The pot doesnt get a vote. Go to the nearest mirror, look yourself in the eyes and say, You were worth dying for. And after you stop laughing or crying say it again. It may feel strange at first. But say it and then say it again. Look into your eyes and say it again. It’s in our best interest to agree with God. We must! Its very rude not to. #6. You need to laugh Go to Itunes and download The Office (if you’re over 18). It’s hysterical. Hey! I hear y’all. All you self-righteous folks who think that’s bad advice because it’s “Woorrrrrrldly.” Shut Up! I’m not talking to you. Anyway, get that and watch my Hollywood video (it’s my favorite.) And google comedy. Chonda Pierce is funny. But, you need to laugh as soon as possible. AND DID YOU KNOW… …that suicide has a contagion affect? In other words, if you were to kill yourself your little brother or sister or mom or dad or someone close to you has a higher chance of committing suicide, too? Just thought you ought to know.
Posted on: Wed, 28 May 2014 05:31:05 +0000