Spirituality
When a loved one is taken from us suddenly or suffered for a long period before death, it’s not uncommon to feel anger and bitterness directed
at God. We ask, “Why did you allow this to happen?” Our spiritual beliefs may be challenged when the death of a loved one appears senseless
and we are left bewildered and perplexed. When a loved one dies by suicide, we may ask, “Where is my loved one now?” “Will I see him or her
again?” Many find answers by talking with their faith community leaders. The following are two persons of faith and their perspectives on this:
Billy Graham received this letter:
Dear Dr. Graham: I have been haunted for years because my first husband committed suicide after a long struggle with severe depression. Is
suicide the unforgivable sin? I am convinced he was a Christian, but he couldn’t conquer his problems.
Here is his answer:
Dear Mrs. K.V.: Whenever I answer a question about suicide I am very concerned I will not be understood. I never want anyone contemplating
suicide to use anything I say as an excuse to take that final, terrible act. Suicide in itself is not “the unforgivable sin.” From what you say, your
husband’s mental condition was such that he was not fully responsible for his actions. God knows about your husband’s battles. You should not
doubt he is safely in God’s hands in Heaven, saved by his grace.
Cameron McDonald, Pastor, Southern Acres Christian Church, Lexington, KY.
It doesn’t matter where you are from, what you believe, how old you are or what socio-economic strata you might be in; the one consistent strand that connects all of humanity is our need for one another. Research has proven again and again how social isolation can take a lethal toll on people. Dr. James S. House of the University of Michigan wrote, “Social isolation is as significant to mortality as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and lack of physical exercise.” Bottom line; community is essential to life…it’s no wonder why God, the one who designed us, said all the way back in Genesis that “It is not good for man to be alone. (Genesis 2:18)” While suicide prevention is still a dynamic field of study I can’t help but wonder how many suicides could be prevented by simply
participating in the type of community that we were made for and that down deep we all long for.
Shelby Cain was a friend of mine, I had the privilege of leading him to Christ and I watched as he was baptized. I am so thankful for his decision to place his trust in Christ because I know exactly where he is and I look forward to the day when I will see him again. But on this side of heaven I have a regret…I wish so badly that I would have immediately gotten him involved in a small group. Shelby had so many inspiring gifts, what an incredible Kingdom influencer he was growing to become, even in his death he led so many to life in Christ.