THE VALUE OF PERSONHOOD

How can one ever calculate the value of a person? A single life is of more value that all the things in all of our lives. Someone put it this way: Why would anyone wish to end something as precious as life? To hate life, and to hope every day that every minute would be the last, to look at a little baby grow and see the wonder of nature, and still want to die. . .

That sounds a little like a contradiction, doesn’t it? How can one look at the uniqueness of life, on the one hand, and still want to die? That’s an enigmatic mystery to say the least. Knowing the value of a person makes one wonder why anyone would want to die.

One thing I have observed in life is that it is very easy to give up on anything. I’ve also observed something else: THE ANSWER IS ALWAYS THERE IF I KEEP SEARCHING AND KEEP TRYING. I might say that the searching for the answer is sometimes half the fun of living. The important thing is: DON’T EVER GIVE UP. If you do you miss all the fun.

I know one thing for sure. In most of us there is a religious side. Oh, I know I have talked to so many who say they have given up on God. But, the fact is: people of all religious persuasions attempt and even complete suicide. But, those aren’t the important facts I know.

Consider this: Nothing in all the universe could have caused Jesus to come to this earth but persons. The value he placed on persons is inestimable. You know a little about his life of sacrifice and his ultimate death on a Roman cross (The Romans were really good at crucifixion). Why did he do it? Why did Jesus leave heaven, come to this world and then die such a miserable death?

Jesus did all that because your life is so valuable to Him. The value of a single person was worth his death. That’s love at its deepest level. So, don’t ever say someone doesn’t love you. He died to save lives and to make life better for us. On the other hand, some folks loose all hope and just want to end it all. Something doesn’t make much sense here.

Can I suggest something? I know all the arguments. Churches are full of hypocrites that don’t really care about anything but themselves. But, not everyone is that way. Why don’t you give it a try? Look for your answers to life and living among others who are attempting to do the same thing.

A suggestion: there are answers and you can find them. If you need help, please write to me. I will try to steer you to just that person that can help you. Give it a chance! Okay?

"DREAM BIG"

I don’t know about you, but I really like a little encouragement every now and then. It doesn’t hurt to get a pat-on-the-back, a hug, or a thank you, you did a great job. When we don’t get these things it doesn’t necessarily mean we haven’t done well or that we are bad persons.

As I write to you, I realize you probably don’t know me. That’s okay. I still care very much or I wouldn’t spend time writing. Perhaps, if you weren’t looking for some answers you wouldn’t be reading this. It’s really a two-way deal.

As long as I can do it, I will keep writing. I have been so busy completing another university degree and I have been a bit slack in my writing. I am sorry for that but there are many of us that wear numerous hats in a world that is hurting and crying out in need.

Just last evening I talked with a fellow who was open with me, and I might add, in front of others who I hope use what they heard properly. He shared his psych evals with me and then spoke of his suicidal ideation over the past few months. He does not have that problem right now so we must move in and help him build his hope. Don’t you agree? What would you tell him? How would you encourage him?

I really like Ryan Shupe & the Rubberband. Their little song Dream Big really hits the spot. When you cry be sure to dry your eyes, cause better days are sure to come. That is almost always the case. Don’t tell me that many of your clouds haven’t had silver linings. Sometimes we can all get into the absolutely everything is awful mood, but we can always get out of it too. Let me know what you have done to get out of those moods?

When you laugh be sure to laugh out loud, cause it will carry all your cares away. And when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself, and it will help you feel okay. There is not a single person who does not house some terrific beauty within. That’s right! We need to see that more within ourselves and we need to laugh more. That’s why we need to carefully choose who we want to be around. Find people to share your laughter and beauty.

The next part is critical to living: And when you walk, walk with pride, and don’t show the hurt inside, because the pain will soon be gone. That is so true. The words would never indicate ending the pain by ending your life. These are alive words and that’s what we most need to hear.

Our lives are for living. If you feel you just can’t make it, seek professional help. Visit a support group. Get involved where there are people who care because there are many people who care, whether you might believe it or not. Some final words: And when you pray, pray for strength to help to carry on when the troubles come your way. You could write to me--I would respond.