So much hate in this world today, and it’s difficult to remain fully immune to it sometimes. At least for me. Seems there’s madness everywhere I turn. Short tempers, raised voices, bullying, mocking, beatings, murders… Good grief. As you may or may not be aware, “go kill yourself” has apparently become an acceptable insult, at … Continue reading I Choose Love…No Matter What
Suicide
My Mama — The Angel Who Saved My Life
This is a picture of me from the early 80s, along with my mom and my sister. You can't see the pain behind my eyes, can you? Yet it's there, like so many others; bubbling, boiling just below the surface. Why? I don't know, why do people hate themselves so much? There are so many … Continue reading My Mama — The Angel Who Saved My Life
Why I’m Not A Veteran
“No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends. (John 15:13 AMP)” In two of my earliest blogs, “My Suicide Part 1” (https://brokenpeople.blog/2016/12/22/my-suicide-part-1/) and “My Suicide Part 2” (https://brokenpeople.blog/2016/12/23/my-suicide-part-2/), I shared the story about my suicide attempt while in Army basic training at Ft. Jackson, South … Continue reading Why I’m Not A Veteran
Don’t Suffer in Silence
On that dark night, so many years ago, as I was slipping into the abyss of anguish and dejection, do you know who I shared my feelings with? Nobody. As I walked to my Army locker, looked inside at various bottles of pills, and began consuming them all, do you know to whom I reached … Continue reading Don’t Suffer in Silence
Live In The Moment (i.e. “Don’t Blow It”)
My dad has taught me for years that, financially, we should plan as if we’re going to live to be 100 years old. Spiritually and emotionally, however, I would like to assert that we should live as if the world is ending at the stroke of midnight. Because, for some, it just might.
Jesus Felt the Terror of Humanity
Naysayers will scoff when those of us who are followers of Christ say things like, “Jesus understands,” or “Jesus cares.” I get it, man, I honestly do. Don’t you think every Christian at one time or another has wondered, “Is this all real? Am I just fooling myself? What if there is no HEAVEN? What … Continue reading Jesus Felt the Terror of Humanity
Finding Purpose in the Pain
Could there possibly be a purpose for our pain? A reason for all the suffering? A rationale or goal for our affliction? The very thought seems insulting, but it may be true. As someone who has suffered chronic pain for over 30 years, and after two major back surgeries, I certainly have experienced my share … Continue reading Finding Purpose in the Pain
You Can’t Give Up — Not Today
When I was in my early 20s I worked "night maintenance" (which was a fancy term for "janitor") in the headquarters building of a major Pentecostal denomination. My wife, Laura, and I were having marital problems, and I thought we were headed for divorce. The thought of her beautiful face, along with my precious baby … Continue reading You Can’t Give Up — Not Today
Letter to the 1970-Me
"It's gonna be a tough road, for sure, but you can handle it. Nobody will think to tell you this, but you're much tougher than what you give yourself credit for. Yeah, there'll be setbacks, disappointments and pain, but overall, you're in for a wild ride, kid."
Hurt People Hurt People
One unfortunate result of tragedy and turmoil is the emotional fallout. They spew venom from the pits of their own personal lake of torment, and we get dumped on. Then we turn around and judge this person solely on a single action, such as flipping us off in traffic, or not replying as happily as we felt they should've in the drive-thru. But we can't see the torment their weary eyes have veiled. We are fully unaware of the agony they have endured. They might've felt they were going mad last night, yet, having been awakened by the coming dawn, decided to give life just one more shot.
