Suicide isn't Painless

Many years ago, back in the early 70's there was a movie and a t.v. show called M.A.S.H. about a US Army medical team during the Korean War. The theme song of that movie was "Suicide is Painless". The song was catchy, and with no musical ability I still remember some of the words and melody.

"Suicide is painless, it brings so many changes, and I can take or leave it if I please...". But this seems a long way from reality. Suicide in young people is the SECOND leading cause of death, only surpassed by accidents. All statistics suggest that suicide rates are increasing across most demographics.

The recent suicides of two popular figures who had wealth and status beyond most people's dreams has drawn much attention, as they should.

Suicide certainly isn't painless for those left behind. The suicides of young people impacts their parents most, but also siblings and friends. There is plenty of pain.

So, if you ever consider suicide, please communicate that to family, friends, counselors, clergy, somebody, and multiple somebodies. Speak out, get help.  People love you.

Which raises the question of WHY anyone would do this. At least part of the question relates to Hope and Purpose. My favorite atheist philosopher, Bertrand Russell said, "“Unless you assume a God, the question of life’s purpose is meaningless.”  

If life has no purpose, where does that leave hope? If things seem to be going well, great, but if things are going badly, if we are suffering pain, maybe some folks are willing to inflict pain on loved ones, rather than endure the pain of hopelessness arising from purposelessness.

If you are a Christian I encourage you to think about whose life you inhabit. The Christ has purchased your life with His blood. We are NOT our own, we have been "bought with a price" (1 Corinth 6:20). And the price paid for you was a HIGH price indeed.

Think about it.  And get help, if you need it.