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Good Morning Awesome People,
Let me begin with some bad news and an invitation. Author and Pastor Jarrid Wilson committed suicide yesterday leaving the Christian community devastated, again. Suicide is becoming more and more prevalent that pastors are taking their lives due to anxiety and pressure.
Although suicide among those in the ministry is nothing new, the way we address it has to change. A new level of candor and honesty is needed. As one who has struggled and does struggle with depression and takes medication for it, I can tell you the word that hides my true feelings.
If you ask me how I am, I will say “Fine” or “Ok” which is code for, “I am having a really hard time, but I can’t talk about it with you because …” What’s the word that hides how you really are? Change it, better still, share openly and honestly.
I have zero guilt or shame about my condition, because it is exactly as I said, a condition. The more public the suicide, especially in Christian circles, the more public I feel I need to be about it because I have been where you have been. I have felt the pressure of performance and the insecurity of my abilities.
I want to make sure you know, I am always available for you to talk to. E-mail, Skype, FaceTime, or phone call. If you need to vent or walk something through, don’t suffer alone. If you can’t or don’t wish to talk with me, talk to someone, a counselor, a therapist, your doctor, somebody, and if necessary, get medication. The number for the Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255.
Here’s a video I created when another young pastor took his life not long ago.
Quotes
“After the match, I think she just proved that she’s a true athlete. For me, the definition of an athlete is someone who on the court treats you like your worst enemy but off the court can be your best friend. I think that’s what she did tonight.” – Coco Gauff
Never act until you have clearly answered the question: “What happens if I do nothing?” ~Robert Brault
“Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions.” – Henri Nouwen
Articles
College
Secular Student Alliance has seen growth at religiously affiliated colleges
Church
Dinner Church Movement Sets The Table For Food, Faith and Friendship
Health
Why Some People Get Burned Out and Others Don’t
Youth Ministry
Big Dreams Require Little Details
Videos
Fun service kick off video
DIY Green Screen
Billie Eilish – All Good Girls Go To Hell lyrics here
This might be a good discussion with your young adults and/or your seniors about education and privilege.
Fun options for greeting each other. Do one a week or show all of them and let kids choose.