It was one of the saddest stories I had ever watched on the local news, yet it inspired this blog.
A mother’s teenage son had become depressed and withdrawn after months of being under lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic. I can only imagine what thoughts must have gone through the parents’ minds as they watched their child’s life change right before their eyes. According to his mother, the one thing that seemed to encourage him and help him manage was his dog. Unfortunately, the dog passed away. The parents got their son another dog to be his companion, but his sadness at losing the first dog was profound, and he committed suicide.
I listened to this mother share the story of her tragic loss. WOW! I was amazed by the strength she revealed during the news interview. Even though she was truly hurt, her desire was to make a difference on her son’s behalf. She immediately went into action and started a nonprofit to help other parents. She began to work with teenagers in her community because she did not want another parent to experience the loss of their child to suicide.
After I heard this story, I decided to do some research on suicide among young people. You will find that I always operate with a heart for the care and concern of teenagers and young adults. In 2018, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34, and the fourth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 54.
The meaning of life
Let’s take a moment to consider the meaning of life. Webster’s dictionary defines life as “In animals, animation; vitality; and in man, that state of being in which the soul and body are united.” I believe God is the source of life. God created us in His image and developed our bodies and then our souls (Genesis 2:7 and 5:1). No, I do not believe that human beings arrived on the earth due to the Big Bang or some other evolutionary process. Creation was God alone.
God created Adam without sin and gave us life. When Adam sinned in the garden, his action cost every human being the immediate loss of eternal life. But God loved us so much that he already had a plan of redemption for us. Jesus, God’s Son, gave His life as the ultimate sacrifice for Adam’s sin, to redeem the entire world from hell. This was the fulfillment of God’s agenda. He gave mankind the chance to be reconciled to Him and spend eternity in Heaven. This chance comes through Jesus Christ. If Jesus Christ had not died on the cross and arisen from the grave, we all would have no choice but to spend eternity in hell. But today, anyone who wants to spend eternity in Heaven only has to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their life (Romans 10:9).
The value of your life
Your life matters to God. Do you sometimes have questions about the circumstances of your birth? Have you ever asked yourself why you were born? Regardless of how you may feel about life, or what others may say, your life is valuable because God predestined you to be alive on this earth at this time (Ephesians 1:4-5).
You were formed in your mother’s womb before the foundation of this world. Yes, your parents did play a part. However, realize that before anything ever existed upon the earth, you were an original part of God’s plan. He wanted to save you from hell, from being separated from Him.
Never disqualify or feel intimidated about who you are. Understand that you are precious, unique and immeasurable with greatness on the inside of your soul. Sometimes, when you just show up and stand firmly for what you believe, this can be enough to make a profound impact on the lives of others.
Valuing the lives of others
You should try to practice consideration for the lives of others.
I strongly encourage you to sit down with someone and share your feelings about the impact of the COVID-19 virus on your household. Schedule time to call your extended family, and keep an eye out for any neighbor who is unable to leave their home.
Always maintain at least a distance of 6 feet whenever you visit or stop to speak with someone. Or consider a visit via Zoom to speak with your family or neighbors.
Do not take for granted that everyone around you is doing well. Someone might need an outlet to share and express what is happening in their lives with family and friends.
Be safe and always wear a facial mask whenever you are outside your home.
Exercise caution, care and concern as you reach out to others. Also, never forget, your words which can provide comfort, love and make a life-changing difference.
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