Today I wasn’t on the computer much, but when I was I was reminded of the many times that Robin Williams made me laugh. What the first movie I saw him in was, where I saw it and who I was with. That made me think of all the movies I have seen him in and I was reminded that even my children see him as a great actor, one of their favorite movies is Night at the Museum. Robin Williams was a phenomenal actor…a great comedian…
Sadly, over the last few years we’ve seen some great actors that struggled with depression and in the end chose suicide as the way to end the pain. Why is it that we think that because they have the life of an actor/actress that they’re not prone to struggle with the very things that we do? Do we really think that the money and fame that are a part of their lives keeps them from feeling or dealing with life the way we do? After all, aren’t we human just as they?
Depression isn’t picky. It doesn’t just prey on the “normal” every day people. It doesn’t care if you’re in the USA or a country far across the ocean from me. Depression doesn’t just happen to the weak of heart, it can take over a trained soldier that’s serving miles away from home.
The pain of depression overwhelms every part of you, your heart, your mind, your strength… It doesn’t leave any part of you alone.
It shows up when you least expect it, sometimes even just after you’ve had an on top of the world experience. There is no telling when it will come or when it will go.
Suicide is one of the darkest thoughts and places depression can and probably will take you. Thoughts begin to swarm inside your head…of loved ones being better off without you, your value not being worth living, the one you love not caring if you’re alive or dead… These thoughts are deadly and all too often they are what many listen to and believe.
Why do people believe these things? How can they not see that they are needed and wanted?
Suicide isn’t a choice made by only the young or the famous. It isn’t chosen by non-Christians only. Suicide can be anyone’s choice. It can be a choice made because of the depths of depression, bullying, relational abuse, alcohol or substance abuse, and on and on the list can go. There is no list to follow to keep from having suicidal thoughts. It is a battle in the mind that must be faced with counseling, support, love and grace.
Many that choose suicide are often those that have big hearts…they help others…it’s a part of who they are. Yet, carrying everyone else’s burdens and pushing them towards the light is not easy. Especially because those with big hearts often don’t seek help for themselves or they don’t receive help from those that they need it from.
Christianity is often not filled with grace. It’s what we all need, but not something we give out easily. Sure, we accept it from God because without it we Christians would be lost, but somehow we forget that it’s a gift. A gift that is meant to be given out again and again. We don’t deserve it, so how can we decide who we should or shouldn’t give it to?
Grace must be given in order to change the world. Grace must be passed around in order to reach those in pain. Grace must be shown to those struggling with depression. Grace must be poured out to those who’ve thought of suicide. Grace must be flowing to those that have lost loved ones to suicide.
As Christians, we are called to make a difference in the world. We’re not here to just occupy space and just bide time until Jesus comes. We’re supposed to be touching others with the love Jesus gives to us, with the grace that’s been given to us and offer it to them.
When suicide takes someone away, how do you react? Do you mourn for the loss of another person in this world? Do you pray for the family that has been left behind?
Oh, that Christians would rise up and pray for the families that have lost a loved one. We can’t change the past, but our prayers can change the future. We can touch their lives with God’s love and grace, giving them the very gifts we’ve been given.
We hadn’t found out he had died until quite late in the day, I hadn’t opened up facebook at all, I am sure it would have been all over facebook but it was one of the few days I didn’t look at facebook at all. We only found out because my husband was looking for something on our TV and lots of Robin Williams things popped up and he said right away he must have died and sure enough a quick google search from me confirmed by reliable sources said he had taken his life. So sad, as Christians we are taught what happens to people who commit suicide, but my thoughts have always been that their decisions are between God and Them, no one else. All we can do is pray for people every day that depression does not lead them down that road, support others around us encouraging them as much as we can, and teach them the word of God. Life is so short, you just never know what tomorrow may bring.
Yes, leaving things between God and others is important. The only time it would be necessary to get involved was if someone was in danger of being hurt. God alone knows people’s hearts, minds and hurts; we can’t possibly understand the depths of places we can’t see. Blessings Pamela.
Thanks for sharing this. It is something that is so needed to be talked about more often. I wish it were something that was easier to talk about with people. Especially as a Christian, suffering from depression, I know how hard it can be. Thanks for such an informative, sensitive post. Blessings.
Yes, it is a topic that isn’t spoken of often enough…for some reason difficult topics are avoided and leave those suffering with them in silence. Someday I pray that we’ll be able to broach difficult topics with love and grace. <3
Depression is such a hard topic. I really hope that Robin knows show many he has helped through his life, as well as his death.
Thank you for sharing on the #SHINEbloghop
It is a very hard topic, but it is one that must be spoken of in order to make a difference in the lives of those that are struggling with the thoughts of depression and/or suicide. Blessings Anne Marie.
This is very well written.
In the past few days I have seen some well written posts on depression.
Even tho Robin Williams will be missed maybe his suicide will open up our eyes.
Maybe more people will put out the effort needed to learn about it.
I do believe both Christians and non-Christians can suffer from depression.
So I don’t think we can judge whether he was a Christian, or not.
I’m visiting from Friendship Friday
No, it is not our place to judge Robin Williams’ salvation. That is something only God knows about anyone. Instead we need to be praying for his family…for comfort and that they would be saved. <3
this sentence had me nodding my head again & again! so true & something that challenges me because there are many times i do not give grace freely!
“Sure, we accept [grace] from God because without it we Christians would be lost, but somehow we forget that it’s a gift. A gift that is meant to be given out again and again.”
Grace isn’t always easy to give. It’s a human flaw, we over-willingly accept it, but fail to see that others’ difficulties are viewed no differently than ours by God.
Thank you for sharing this at CMB Misty. I loved your sentence, “Christianity is often not filled with grace. It’s what we all need, but not something we give out easily.” My constant prayer that we will love more and judge less. Enjoy a wonderful blessing-filled weekend.
Yes! That is so important! We must give grace and love more! The rest is in God’s hands! Blessings Deb!
Thanks for your thoughtful post. Robin Williams death should remind us that fame and fortune and success don’t satisfy the soul at the deepest level. It only leaves men and women empty and asking, “Is this all there is?” And when you look at the serial marriages, substance abuse and other problems that are rampant, suicide isn’t the only way people seek relief. As you said, Christians aren’t immune from depression and discouragement, even thoughts of suicide. The only lasting solution is finding contentment and satisfaction in Christ. Blessings! Donna
Looking to Christ is very important, but for some there is more to it than that. It is for them that we must learn to offer compassion, grace and love, praying for them and leaving the rest of it in God’s hands.
So well said Misty. This is just such a tough subject to discuss- and there is so much power in the body of Christ to pour grace and prayer over the suffering!! Loved this post!
Yes it is a very tough subject to discuss, but it must be discussed because otherwise we’re just avoiding the topic and it often comes across as judgmental, whether intentional or not. Grace and love are key! Blessings Chris!
What an incredible post! Thank you so much for writing about this event from a Christian perspective. So many articles I’ve seen have jumped straight to judgement or even to insulting those who medicate their depression. It’s nice to see someone, well, acting like a Christian i.e. Following Christ. How grace is so unlimited and amazing. I love how you put it with spreading grace around. God bless you!
Yes, judgement was the tone I was seeing as well. It pained me terribly throughout the day. I couldn’t sleep until I had written out my heart. Blessings Stefanie.
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This was a good article to which I have been in question for years. I am a Christian. I have written to many pastors (Dr. David Jeremiah, Charles Stanley, Greg Laurie, etc….) that I respect but never got a straight answer from them. Maybe some of your readers will put some information in as to what they believe. My pastor, when I explained why I wanted to know, told me that only God knows the heart and does the judging. My mom argues that if suicide is committed then that person will go to hell. I tried to explain that the way people go to hell is for not believing in Jesus as the son of God.
The reason I am asking what people believe is that I had a friend, a very devoted Christian who had a super family, loved life, and always had a kind word to say, that committed suicide. She tried once, was hospitalized but then she shot herself behind her house. I never found out why. Some suspect chemical imbalance but it was a very big shock to those who know her.
Then I had a relative, by marriage, that left his wife and two sons to marry someone that used him. She drained him dry. He killed himself by a gun. He was a super nice, helpful, friendly guy but I do not know about his belief. He never went to church with his family but I am not judging him on that.
My question: Does committing suicide put one in hell or does it depend on whether that person has been saved. I know this is a loaded question but I am very interested in finding out what people think. We are only people, not God, so we will never know the truth. Thank you for your input.
Debby, according to the Bible once you’ve accepted Christ as your Savior you’re saved. Nothing can separate us from Him once we’ve become His child.
– John 10:28 & 29 – And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. – Ephesians 1:13 – In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.
The Bible never speaks of suicide (that I’m aware of) and the only way to hell is by rejecting Christ. Praying for you tonight Debby <3
Right after Robin killed himself I took to my blog and wrote about my own bout with severe depression. I saw so much misinformation out there especially from other Christians I wanted to give my perspective. I’m glad to see others are as well. It’s good to talk about these things and dispel any myths. Thanks for sharing your story!
Yes! It was so disheartening and unbelievable at the same time. I was sickened by the unkind words, actions and hate from Christians surrounding Robin Williams’ death. I’m thankful that there are a few of us that are willing to go to the difficult places and be honest and loving. <3