In this mornings paper I saw an obituary, and immediately the name stood out to me. the reason being, is because he was the father of one of my brother's best friends growing up.
I was probably 10 or 11 years old, and Greg was about 6 years older. He would come over all the time and hang out with my brother. They would pick on me, and I would complain, but then come back for more... Sounds familiar...Greg seemed larger then life. He seemed to always be smiling. They were friends for a year or so, and then started getting into trouble. Small things at first, like harassing animals, and then bigger things like vandalizing the schools. I was young enough to where I didn't quite get everything that was going on, but just knew the cops were coming over a lot. This went on for awhile - Greg was no longer allowed to come to our house, nor was brother allowed to go to his.
One evening, we got a call. Greg had gone into his room with a shotgun, and committed suicide. He only lived a couple of blocks down the street, and it was devastating. For his family, for my brother, for my parents, and everyone who was involved. For me, it was hard to imagine that this boy who at one point seemed so happy was now not here. What happened? When did things change for him?
His mother died a few years later, and his Dad apparently remarried. In reading his obituary this morning, it appeared as though he had committed his life to the Lord, and became very involved in his church. I was glad to hear that.
I have learned that you can not look at someone on the outside and be able to tell everything that's going on inside. We can be good at masking, can't we. I have also learned we have an answer. When you come to the Lord, it doesn't mean you won't ever have problems. It means you have an answer to those problems.
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans of good and not evil. Plans to give you a hope and a future.
Some Statistics:
In 2006, it was the eleventh leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for 33,300 deaths. The overall rate was 10.9 suicide deaths per 100,000 people. An estimated 12 to 25 attempted suicides occur per every suicide death.
In 2006, suicide was the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24.
Children ages 10 to 14 — 1.3 per 100,000
Adolescents ages 15 to 19 — 8.2 per 100,000
Young adults ages 20 to 24 — 12.5 per 100,000
I am so thankful to be part of a church that loves the children and youth! From the time they are in the womb we are speaking life into them. Our Children's Ministry is called "History Makers", because we put a purpose in their heart, and truly believe they can make history now, and not have to wait until they're older. Our Youth is dedicated to purity and training young men and women to be passionate about the kingdom of God, and fulfilling God's will and purposes in their life everyday.
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