Faith and Suicide Revisited

      Since being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, I’ve been inundated with all the alarming statistics about my future functioning (or lack thereof).  By the grace of God, I have more-or-less beat the odds thus far.  For this, I’m grateful.

       Many others aren’t so fortunate.  There are many people who try just as hard as I do to stay sane only to fall victim to the illness, even to the point of death.  And it’s not a question of the measure of faith they have.  Personal faith can’t save you from tragedy.

         Some time ago I read an article in the New York Times that poignantly illustrates this -

           The police arrived at the small Astoria, Queens, apartment of Mr. Guglielmini’s mother, Francesca, soon after she last saw her son. A young man had jumped off the 59th Street Bridge, they said. A backpack had been recovered. In it were two Bibles, and Mr. Guglielmini’s name.

       So if our faith can’t save us, what can?  Only the hope of Christ, given to us through the gracious mercy of God.  Why everyone doesn’t receive this gift is a terrible mystery.  The fact that some do is evidence of God’s amazing love.

       For my part, I just cling to the belief that Someone stronger than I am is keeping me alive and is leading me through dark valleys to greener pastures.  God has saved me from the point of death not because I have more faith than anyone else, but because He has others plans for my life.

       So if you find yourself lost in a dark valley, hold firm.  Keep the faith of Christ that carries us through.

 

 

 

 

 

 

{adapted from “Faith and Suicide, published May 15, 2007 in Necessary Therapy}