WHY DID SHE KILL HERSELF?

Today was one of those days I would love to forget. We went to visit the family of a young woman who had committed suicide early this morning. It is hard to fathom why a person would resort to this drastic act in a tribal culture where the family support system is still strong.

Could it be the influence of an all-pervasive media that has 'normalised' this behavior (suicide is less reprehensible than homicide?) or is it the downside of urbanization making its way into a well-knit society and sorely testing the coping skills of everyone? Hard to say but the look on the faces of her father and mother, her brothers and sisters, her nieces and nephews shows incomprehension and deep pain.

We need to sit down and examine what is going wrong, before we help one another by providing the suitable ambient to discuss and handle tension and distress in ways that are growth-enhancing, responsible and effective. Faith and already existing support systems can help.

FAITH NEEDS SIGNS...

It has been sometime since the last post and once again tragedy seems to make the pen move.

I received news a couple of days ago that a good friend has been diagnosed with cancer. She says she knew it was coming, but with the load of other responsibilities just kept putting off the visit to the doctor. Well now her worst fears have been confirmed.

I would like to share with all the readers of this blog her words - some of the most beautiful I have heard in a long time inspired by Mark 4:35-41. She will I hope pardon my use of them, realizing that they can bring solace to many in pain whose faith does not pre-empt worry, anger, frustration and depression. She writes:

"Having the Lord in the boat does not give us the guarantee that storms will not come our way. The only thing we know for certain is that He will get up from his sleep before we sink. The problem for me is that I don't want Him to sleep even for a second!"

So don't be too upset if in facing the problems of life your faith does not seem powerful enough to remove anxiety and worry. You, too perhaps wish that He does not sleep even for a second on His watch.

Good news - He never sleeps.