Life Worth Living

I try and keep my blog positive, and upbeat. But today I want to be more serious. This is World Suicide Prevention Day. Over 6000 people in the UK committed suicide last year. That's more than 16 lives lost every day of the year. 

In my life I've known a number of people who have attempted suicide- sadly , some of them succeeded. My heart aches for those left behind. 
So often the person concerned is lonely,  in real despair and has nobody to talk to. A few years ago, just before Easter, I received an email. It was from a person - a complete stranger to me - who said she always read my blog. Her life was in a mess, she had sorted out her affairs, written the necessary letters etc, and planned to take her life on Good Friday. She said she wanted somebody to pray for her, that God would forgive her - and wondered if I would do that, please - she knew from my blog that I was a Christian. 
I assured her of my prayers, and asked a few more questions, and saying I felt that her decision to end her life might not be the only way forward. She lived a very long way away - but I sent her details of people near her who could help with her particular problem. I heard nothing more, and I struggled through Easter, constantly thinking of her and praying. Three weeks later, she emailed again and said thank you,  things were improving, she had found the urgent help she needed. I heard nothing for five years. Out of the blue, a long email, again saying thank you, explaining how everything was better, friends were helping and life was bright again. Whenever I remember her, I pray she is still going on OK, and I thank God for the good support she found locally.[Maybe she's reading this] For a brief moment, I was a tiny link in that chain which helped her hold on.

We can all be part of the chain. If we are concerned for our neighbours, then we need to be brave enough to gently start the difficult conversations. Groups like The Samaritans are there to help. If you are worried about someone, they will advise you. 
A few years ago, a young woman went to the station with the intention of throwing herself under a train. Someone noticed her and started a conversation - and now she is working to help others in a similar situation, and her story inspired this brief, but brilliant, video  Read more here.
There are also some excellent and helpful links on the Shoebox blog this morning Click here

Many people at the moment are expressing despair about life, and the future. Brexit, Climate Change, Economics... some of them are really struggling. Look for the warning signs. Be brave, start a conversation - it might save a life.