"Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God.
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." Luke 12:6-7
Robin Williams died a few days ago (as of this writing). The beloved actor and comedian took his own life during a bout of intense depression. For those who have never dealt with any sort of depression it is an overwhelming feeling of failure, no matter what is good in your life, no matter what you have accomplished, no matter how people feel about you, you feel unloved, unworthy, unneeded. It is awful when anyone kills themselves, but it is especially hard for us when it is a life that brought so much laughter and joy to so many.
I have had a couple small bouts with depression, none were anywhere near the severity of contemplating suicide, but even in my times people's words or even the Bible didn't go deeper than the surface and I was quickly back to feeling like I was nothing. What ultimately helped me was remembering what I already knew: remembering how people felt about me, remembering that my time isn't up, remembering that I am worthy and loved by the one who created the mountains and the rivers, the flowers and the sun, and that ultimately the rain falls on all and the sun shines on all, sometimes the rain just seems more powerful and long-lasting.
+ Have you ever dealt with depression?
+ What helped you in those times?
+ Has anyone you've known suffered from depression?
+ How did it make you feel?
+ Were you able to help at all?
p.s. The fact that I overcame my bouts of depression through remembering is neither a suggestion for those suffering, an indictment against those who required medical attention, nor a comment on those who have ended their lives, it is merely my story.
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