This is a re-post from six years ago. But, as I was reminded just yesterday, suicide is an issue that is, unfortunately, timeless. Friends, if you are hurting, talk to someone. Please. You are far more loved than you know.

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Last week, a friend’s teenage son committed suicide. The news was devastating – to his family, his friends, everyone. But it wasn’t just devastating – it was completely unexpected. Had his parents known he was struggling, they would have done anything possible to help him. Their love for him is deep.  There is nothing they would not have done to spare him this tragic end. But they had no idea. He suffered in silence and, when he couldn’t stand it any longer, he chose to end his suffering.

As I pray for this precious family, I keep thinking how I am sure they would give anything – anything – to turn back time a week, a month, to change what happened last week. I have no doubt his parents would have gladly given their own lives to spare his, had they been given that option.

Tragically, time cannot be turned back, and this painful reality will always be a painful reality for this family. But, just in case any of you reading this are considering suicide, please – PLEASE – seek help. Talk with someone. Pain is real and disappointments are real and life can sometimes be incredibly difficult. But the answer is not to end this life. Even if you have been hurt by family, by friends, by a girlfriend or boyfriend, by crushing disappointments, life is worth living.

There is help. There is hope. You are not alone. There are caring counselors and medical professionals who have tools and expertise to help you. You don’t have to suffer in silence.

You are loved. Deeply. By the Creator of the world, the Savior of mankind. “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Jn. 3:16 All through the bible, we read about God’s amazing, incredible, limitless love – for all of us. Because all of us are flawed, sinful, in desperate need of a Savior. God knew that, and He sent us a Savior: His son. And that Savior is waiting with open arms for YOU. Because He loves you so very much. Because your life matters.

If you are considering suicide, talk to someone you trust or call the number above. Today.