The rise in suicides and filicide-suicide among baby boomers is attributed to the recession, according to numerous media reports and studies like one recently published in the September/October issue of the journal Public Health Reports. How unfortunate that those victims saw no remedy to their dilemma except to opt out.
Some things in life are beyond our control. In his book “The Purpose Driven Life” Rick Warren wrote, “No one is immune to pain or insulated from suffering, and no one gets to skate through life problem-free. Life is a series of problems. Every time you solve one, another is waiting to take its place.” We cannot avoid every negative occurrence that affects us, but we can decide how we react to those daunting events.
Copping out by commiting suicide is a selfish choice and should not be an option. Suicide and murder have a prolonged effect on the family members and friends left behind. As long as there is life, there is hope. Christians in distress often rely on prayer to overcome dire circumstances, non-believers may choose other resources. Whatever works to help one cope is better than the finality of death.
I strongly believe in the value of constantly reading inspirational materials. Not only do the positive messages facilitate getting through the hard times with an optimistic attitude, but they provide hope and alternatives to settling in a perceived doom and gloom existence. Years ago, I bought two life changing books; one by James Allen titled “As A Man Thinketh” the other was Dr. Norman Vincent Peale’s “The Power of Positive Thinking.” Those books not only uplifted my wounded spirit, they enabled me to see things from a different perspective, and thereby redirected the course of my life.
Life is short enough as it is. Problems can be remedied, but suicide is final. Whatever dark road you see ahead could look brighter tomorrow, but if you are dead there will be no tomorrow.
“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” Deuteronomy 30:19