Another full circle of life completed for me tonight...... Was asked to bring Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program to a group of teens in the exact same place I gave my first ever suicide presentation 19 years ago. As I stood in the sanctuary this evening prior to the kids coming in, I literally laid all of my materials & supplies (including the manual I never open anymore) ON the alter. I cried this forming at just the thought of how that is where this journey began for me - by chance & circumstance... Im glad God gave me something good to do with something horrible that happened to us. There were so many more things I couldve told those teenagers tonight, but just like every time - I prayed for Him to give me the words they needed to hear. At the end of my presentation they played a praise & worship song & the incredible Youth Pastor Anthony asked them to take a moment to pray. Even though at the end of my talk we laughed, many put their knees on the alter or or the pew in front of them & sobbed as they prayed. Kids WANT someone to talk them about the stresses of their lives --- they want to know that though they may fail or find themselves in trouble, that their feelings are understood, heard & acknowledged..... And believe it or not, they WANT someone to talk to them about something as difficult & heavy as suicidal thoughts. If they didnt want to hear about it they wouldnt listen.... Ive never given a presentation where I didnt have their undivided attention - regardless of the audience, they listen & hang on to every word, EVERY time - and that speaks volumes about the subject matter. I was blessed for the attention they gave me tonight.... what an incredible group of kids. Being at St. Lukes felt like going home to me tonight.... The people in that building 19 years ago embraced me during some of my darkest hours & toughest weeks, months & years after Jamies suicide - I know for certain God had His hands in my mess of a life in getting me through those doors. I know they not only heard me tonight, but they felt me. You cant expect your children to be able to come to you about anything, if youre not willing to talk with them about every thing.... Even the hard stuff. I pray for a hedge of protection around the hearts & minds of those kids tonight... And I hope their lives are never touched by another suicide for the remainder of their days on earth.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 02:33:47 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015