Tonight, I felt and saw some very deep hurt and pain. To see a person, so utterly helpless and in deep grief can motivate even the most coldhearted to cry. The community came forth this afternoon and I was amazed and comforted by such a display of love and united front for a father, son, and their family.
It seems like a 'little' gesture of comfort to hug a mother and let her know you have been praying -- but I have been in a place where there was deep deep pain and when that person stated to me that he or she was in prayer and was in continued prayer -- my soul was filled with HOPE.
Still when I am told, " I prayed for you..." ..... My heart is full and hopeful.
Prayer is it.
It is NO coincidence that this past weekend... the WAR ROOM ( movie ) opened up in theaters.
It is NO coincidence that you are reading this tonight.
It is NO coincidence that God has placed you within this community, within THIS period of time and within THESE friends and family around you.
It is NO coincidence that our community is mourning the loss of a very bright star.
And it is NO coincidence that this topic has to be shared.
Satan is a liar. Per research, there are over 1 million people that commit suicide each year. That is about 1 every 40 seconds. The stats of younger people and teenagers continue to rise.
The spirit of suicide is a very real and demonic. Everything God created -- life -- is copied and used in a counteractive way by Satan. He steals, kills, and destroys. The demon or spirit that convinces a person that they are worthless - is very real. Take a look at our world -- you must agree, we won't be a complete peace until heaven.
But even as I state that, I have this complete and real peace that in a special woman's last moments...she called out to Jesus her Savior. She was welcomed into heaven and glory.... and Satan did not win. And this very sad time -- will bring Glory to God.
As.... there will be beauty out of these ashes. IT will take some time, and more tears -- but if we call upon our LORD- seek the Holy Spirit within us -- we will overcome.
And her family will be different...but there will be healing - there will be.
Therefore, it is with a little trepidation that I share this. Some may read this and feel it is too soon to write and share this -- but the HOLY Spirit is reminding me that TIME is short. For far too long, Satan has been able to beat people down -- and this girl -- is doing EVERYTHING possible through God to send that devil to HELL.
Over 400 people read and/or shared my recent blog post about being thrown a man sized weight. People are hungry to make sense of a loss. People want the hurt to be less..... I pray that these words the Holy Spirit writes through my fingers -- brings comfort and insight to your own relationship with your Heavenly Father.
Therefore, I am following up my previous blog with God's word and perhaps THIS can help a reader tonight or another person who is going to be called by God to intervene for another - as a crisis hits. I found this as a resource from a Jan Hunt book on suicide prevention.
Lord -- again, that THIS is Your encouragement through this media -- may THIS bless You Lord. In Jesus name. - Michelle
When we find our selves in a crisis - state aloud:
"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'" Jeremiah 29.11
In Crisis...pray --
"In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge: let me never be put to shame: deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue: be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me." Psalm 31: 1-3
In Crisis.... recite Scriptures aloud:
"Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed" Psalm 57.1
In Crisis .... claim God's promises:
"My comfort in my suffering is this : your promise preserves my life". Psalm 119.50
In Crisis.... Listen to Christian Praise Music and Scripture Songs --
"Sing to the LORD, you saints of his: praise his holy name...Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning" Psalm 30. 4-5
In Crisis.... Consider HOW special it is to be a child of God:
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" 1 John 3.1
In Crisis....question yourself --
- Why do I feel the need to hurt myself?
- What do I think I will accomplish through this?
- According to God, is this the truth or a lie?
- Are my actions and feelings reflecting my true identity in Christ?
"Surely you desire truth in the inner parts: you teach me wisdom in the inmost place" Psalm 51.6
In Crisis... make positive affirmations --
- I am worth being treated with goodness and kindness.
- I am a child of God.
- God loves me and has a purpose for my life.
- I am also loved by others.
- Even though I can't see the future, I will walk by faith, not by sight.
"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you: he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid: do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31.8
In Crisis... read and review encouraging words:
- Reread positive notes and letters from family and friends.
- Recall those who believe in you.
- Rehearse God's promise on your life.... scritpure!.
- ...don't act on impulse -- don't take action to harm yourself -- don't act rashly -- don't get in your car and drive if there is a possibility you will drive recklessly
In Crisis.... CALL for HELP....
"If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" Ecclesiastes 4.10
In Crisis .... are you willing to be willing?
Are you broken --
"unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, 'my foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul" Psalm 94. 17-19
Will you YIELD to HIM?
Prayer is needed...... "Submit yourselves , then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you" James 4. 7-8
Be willing....... "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand". Isaiah 41.10
Be grateful .... How could one feel gratitude for what I must endure???
"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thes. 5.18
Be hopeful ....
For God has promised:
"We rejoice in the hope of this glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces, perseverance: perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us". Romans 5. 2-5
Lord, you know --
Lord, again I thank you that there will be beauty out of these ashes.
Lord, be with the entire family as they go through the ceremony tomorrow and lay to rest a body. And I will believe and thank you for her spirit -- that is with You, as we will see her again. IJN.
This blog and the one before it touched me very deeply. I know Jill, and the short time I knew her she and her family touched my family very deeply. I believe she is a beautiful Angel in Heaven as she was here on earth. You beautiful words and verses brought me to tears. I had a family member commit suicide 29 years ago. It was devastating and to this day we aren't sure why, yes we have our ideas but we will never really know why or fully understand.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous...thank you -- so sorry for your loss 29 years ago. I agree with you - that she is in heaven and pain free. I must. No matter what --- and I believe her life touched many and brought them closer to their maker in the past week!
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