One Story, One Lesson: Why Life’s Worth Isn’t What You Think

One of the saddest stories I ever saw on the local news still lingers in my heart—and yet, it inspired this blog.

A mother shared how her teenage son had become depressed and withdrawn after being stuck in lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like so many young people, the isolation deeply affected him. According to his mother, the one thing that gave him comfort was his dog. That dog became his emotional anchor.

Then, suddenly, the dog passed away.

His parents, wanting to ease his pain, got him another dog. Sadly, the loss of his first companion hit him so hard that the new dog couldn’t fill the void. Not long after, he took his own life.

I watched the mother recount her loss, and I was struck by her strength. Even in the middle of unimaginable grief, she chose to take action. She started a nonprofit organization to help other parents and began working with teens in her community. Her mission: to prevent another family from experiencing this kind of heartbreak.

The Reality of Youth Suicide

After hearing her story, I felt compelled to learn more. As someone who cares deeply about teenagers and young adults, this hit close to home.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2018, suicide was:

• The second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 34

• The fourth leading cause of death among those aged 35 to 54

These are more than just statistics. These are real lives—sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, friends.

The Meaning of Life

As I reflected on the pain so many families carry, I began thinking more deeply about life itself—what it means, where it comes from, and why it's so valuable.

According to Webster’s Dictionary, life is “in animals, animation; vitality; and in man, that state of being in which the soul and body are united.”

I believe creation was the work of God alone.

The Bible says in Genesis 2:7 that God breathed life into man. He created us in His image and developed our bodies and then our souls. While some believe in evolutionary theory or the Big Bang, I personally find peace and purpose in the belief that God created us intentionally and with love.

When Adam sinned in the garden, humanity lost the gift of eternal life. Yet, God had a plan from the beginning—to redeem us. He sent Jesus, His Son, to take our place, to suffer and die for our sins, and to rise again. Because of Jesus, we have the chance to be reconnected with God and spend eternity with Him.

Today, anyone who wants to spend eternity in Heaven only has to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their life. According to Romans 10:9, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

The Value of Your Life

No matter what you have been through—or how you feel—your life matters to God.

Choose no longer to question your worth or wonder why you were born. Possibly others

have made you feel like you do not belong. But the truth is, you were created for a reason.

Ephesians 1:4–5 tells us that God chose us before the foundation of the world. That means before anything else existed, God already had a plan for you.

You were formed in your mother’s womb with care and purpose. Yes, your parents gave your life—but God gave it meaning.

You are not a mistake.

You are not invisible.

You are not beyond hope.

You are precious, unique, and filled with potential.

A Final Word of Hope

If you’re struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, please know: you’re not alone. Help is available. Talk to someone you trust—a parent, a teacher, a counselor, or call a mental health support line.

Your life is worth the fight.

Your story isn't over.

You are here on purpose, with a purpose.

You matter—to God and to the people around you.

Let your life be a light. Someone else going through the same thing might find hope in your story.