Pastor, author and mental health advocate Jarrid Wilson dies by suicide - Religion News Service
Again, the Church at large, no matter what denominational "flavor" you adhere to-- is again FORCED to address the issue of the existence of mental illness. Yes-- it is alive and well, thriving in the Church. It will continue to thrive there until this issue is dealt with. It saddens me greatly.
From the article: "Sometimes people may think that as pastors or spiritual leaders we are somehow above the pain and struggles of everyday people. We are the ones who are supposed to have all the answers. But we do not,” Laurie said. This comment gives me great relief (relief in that all Believers do indeed suffer and, in this, we hopefully will support each other in our suffering-- but often, we do not) and yet great sadness that he was moved to end his life. I am happy that at least he is no longer suffering.
Sadly, this demonstrates a Great and Awful Truth, one I have suspected for a while now:
The Church DOES NOT have all the answers. I believe we must find the answers-- to all things-- within ourselves, ultimately. After all, the Deity cannot live our lives FOR us-- only WE can. We can only hope and be positive that the Universe will guide us lovingly to the people and resources to help us heal and become better human beings.
Another quote (this time, from Jarrid's wife): “Suicide doesn’t get the last word. I won’t let it. You always said “Hope Gets the last word. Jesus does,” she added. Sadly, in this case, suicide DID get the last word, just like it got the last word in the story of Samson in the bible. After all, WHO REALLY KILLED SAMSON and why didn't god stop him? Seems to me that in the story of Samson, god supports suicide. I find this fact interesting, yet sick. But it is what it is.
Again, the Church at large, no matter what denominational "flavor" you adhere to-- is again FORCED to address the issue of the existence of mental illness. Yes-- it is alive and well, thriving in the Church. It will continue to thrive there until this issue is dealt with. It saddens me greatly.
From the article: "Sometimes people may think that as pastors or spiritual leaders we are somehow above the pain and struggles of everyday people. We are the ones who are supposed to have all the answers. But we do not,” Laurie said. This comment gives me great relief (relief in that all Believers do indeed suffer and, in this, we hopefully will support each other in our suffering-- but often, we do not) and yet great sadness that he was moved to end his life. I am happy that at least he is no longer suffering.
Sadly, this demonstrates a Great and Awful Truth, one I have suspected for a while now:
The Church DOES NOT have all the answers. I believe we must find the answers-- to all things-- within ourselves, ultimately. After all, the Deity cannot live our lives FOR us-- only WE can. We can only hope and be positive that the Universe will guide us lovingly to the people and resources to help us heal and become better human beings.
Another quote (this time, from Jarrid's wife): “Suicide doesn’t get the last word. I won’t let it. You always said “Hope Gets the last word. Jesus does,” she added. Sadly, in this case, suicide DID get the last word, just like it got the last word in the story of Samson in the bible. After all, WHO REALLY KILLED SAMSON and why didn't god stop him? Seems to me that in the story of Samson, god supports suicide. I find this fact interesting, yet sick. But it is what it is.