Letter to My Community

My heart is heavy as I reflect on the increasing number of suicides in this valley. Someone right now may feel so hopeless they are contemplating death. Our life circumstances vary, but I understand that sinking feeling that can come and go, and be all consuming at times.

Each person is born with a void inside that we try to fill with fleeting things. Years ago my fillers included a career, college degrees, a successful business, good deeds, physical activities, adventure, people, etc. But fourteen years ago I realized none of them reached deep enough to fill that emptiness within. My career was at the mercy of the boss. The economy affected my business. Adventures lasted only for a time. I couldn’t do enough “good deeds.” One injury could change my ability to be physically active. Friends walked away. Too many loved-ones died. My identity and security were all temporary, and founded in my selfish pride. I had no unchangeable purpose that filled the space that tried to devour me.

I reached out, and found someone who explained biblical scriptures that touched me. Once I realized my need for and accepted Jesus as my Savior, my identity in Christ would never change, no matter my job, marital status, friends, etc. [John 1:12; 1 Cor 6:17; Col 1:13-14] I am only able to live as God’s child through the presence of the Holy Spirit. Through God’s love, my “old self” died with Christ on the cross, and I would no longer be slave to my pride after accepting His resurrected life. He alone makes me righteous, having nothing to do with my works. [Galatians 2:20; Romans 6]

That day I gave Jesus permission to be Lord of my life. A sense of freedom accompanied that prayer. Though I’ve walked through many hardships since then, great victories have followed. I now see trials as an opportunity for God to show off, and grow me. And my imperfections are a daily reminder of my need for Christ. I have never regretted surrendering my life to Christ, and following His lead. The Holy Spirit filled that empty place with hope, peace and an eternal purpose. That sinking feeling has never returned, in spite of my circumstances.



Jesus came to carry our burdens, but will never just take them from us. He came to give us life, but will not force it upon us. He came to set us free from the bondage of sin and death, but will never make us accept it. God gave us free will to chose, and we have a choice. No matter the depth of pain, the Lord is waiting to touch your heart. He wants a relationship with you that will never leave you or forsake you. He offers courage and strength to press on, and joy amid the sorrow.

I encourage you to seek God. He will show up and rock your world with a more fulfilling purpose that you ever thought possible. There is eternal hope in Jesus Christ—right now.

God made a way through faith in his one and only Son. Believing in who Jesus really is leads to an abundant life on earth, and eternal life with God. He didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son just to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. [John 3:16-17]

Choose the abundant Life!!