For some people, the holidays can be very depressing. That has been the case for some in my family for a few years because I had a nephew that passed away on December 14, 2007. He was only 7 months old. It has been a sad reminder every year since then. But, for us, we have realized that we are blessed and he is with Jesus. That is not the case for many other families. Some people get so depressed and upset over the holidays and they turn to suicide. Maybe they are in a situation like ours, or they may have lost a job and can't afford gifts. Whatever the reason, I want to reach out to anyone that may have suicide thoughts this holiday season.
There is help for anyone that has suicidal thoughts, and I pray that if anyone reading this knows of someone that may be suffering, that you will please direct them to this post and the sources I have to share. Here is a link to a site "God Test". http://godtest.com/surveya/index.html Go here and take the test to see what your results are. They also offer a new believer's Bible study http://www.godtest.com/surveya/biblestudy.htm and other resources such as books about suicide and coping with death http://www.godtest.com/surveya/books.htm.
Here is a download that I also wanted to share with you. At the bottom you will see a phone number for the suicide hotline:
Dear Friend,
I'm so sorry you’re going through a hard time. Good news, though—there
really is hope. Time will change your current situation. You’ll soon find that
these dark feelings are temporary. Peace and joy are available to you.
I'm not promising that you’ll never have losses, but the pain will pass as you
keep praying and seeking God. Keep your head high in this storm until the
sun shines again. Soon this dark period of your life will be behind you.
There is hope. Jeremiah 29:11-13 says,
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give
you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come
and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me
and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Recommendations:
1. Go to other believers for encouragement.
Find a church home. Join a small Bible study in a home or church
setting. Surround yourself with others your age who seek God and
study His Word.
2. Listen to inspirational music.
You can find Christian music in your favorite style. Try your local
Christian radio station or one online.
3. Take time to read the Bible.
If you don't have a Bible, there are versions available on the Web
that you can download. Or ask your church for assistance.
4. Read the book, Purpose Driven Life.
This is a great Bible study and will give you a sense of direction
and purpose for your life so you feel plugged in.
5. Get help.
Call 9-1-1 or go to an emergency room if you fear you are no
longer able to prevent taking your life. Allow someone outside
your situation to intervene. Also, consider going for counseling.
Seek out a pastor or other professional who will listen, care, and
help you with your struggles.
You are in our prayers during this difficult season in your life.
Linda Evans Shepherd
www.GodTest.com
Suicide Helpline: 1-800-SUICIDE
Sometimes good things happen suddenly. It was New Year's Eve 2003 when I
considered all the people contemplating ending their life that very night. As a
person who has also experienced a dark night of the soul, I understood how a
crisis, circumstance or depression could create a state of hopelessness. It’s only
by the grace of God that I survived my dark night to live a life of joy.
Sometimes all it takes to survive a dark time is a little hope and encouragement
as well as a fresh perspective of God's love. That's when I decided to hook up
my interactive website, GodTest.com, with the suicidal lanes of the Internet.
That night 20 people came to Christ. By
Monday morning 100 people had escaped
suicide and found faith. Two weeks later, we
were at 12,000 hits and 2000 souls coming to
faith.
I soon added other features to the site. With
each improvement, we experienced greater
statistics. More than that, we received
personal reports to show the site served a
purpose. A depressed pastor wrote, "Thank
you. This was the worst ministry day of my life.
Your site helped me feel better."
A dad of a disabled child wrote, "You saved
two lives tonight. You see, I was going to kill
both myself and my child, but your story has
encouraged me. The two of us will live."
Since then, we have seen thousands of suicides prevented and over half a
million people have come to faith. Millions have found the encouragement they
need. We’ve recently redesigned the site and hope this will attract even more
people to the site and encourage them to draw close to God.
As the president of a tiny nonprofit, Right to the Heart, we are delighted to help
and encourage so many. Please visit the site, link to it from your online
presence, and spread the word.
Linda Evans Shepherd
www.GodTest.com
U.S. Suicide Statistics
(2005)
• 1.3% of all deaths are from
suicide.
• On average, one suicide
occurs every 16 minutes.
• Suicide is the second leading
cause of death for 25-34
year olds, as well as
college students.
• More people die from suicide
than from homicide.
• There were over 800,000
suicide attempts in 2005.
About
GodTest.com
Suicide Helpline: 1-800-SUICIDE
Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Unfortunately, we have turned it into a time of stress and even sadness. Please seek help if you feel overwhelming stress and sadness this Christmas. There is a better way!!
I pray that you and your families have a very Merry Christmas!! And for those people that only want to say Happy Holiday I say this ~~~without Christ there would be no holiday!!
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