If I Could Talk Someone Off a Ledge…

I do not believe people who commit suicide are selfish. But I believe suicide is a selfish act. Suicide says “My pain is more important than the pain I’m about to inflict.” I believe most people who commit suicide are deeply sensitive, hurting people who see no hope (in the moment) in this world. If I could talk someone off a ledge today, I would tell them “Feelings are temporary. But suicide is permanent.”

Further, I would tell them “The devil is so crafty in how he tempts each one of us. He studies us and then strikes with a ping-like precision whispering his lies and half-truths. Often to a fragile, wounded soul like yours and mine. But friend, BELIEVE this… The devil comes ONLY but to steal, kill, and destroy! {John 10:10} That’s right… He wants to STEAL your dreams. Your future. ALL of God’s promises for your life! He wants to steal the innocence of the young and old alike of whom your decision will touch. And once he is done KILLING YOU, he will begin the unrelenting task of DESTROYING the lives of those left behind. Those left asking the questions… Why? What could I have done to have stopped this? How do I ever go on? Those whom love you the very most!

I have never talked a suicidal person off the ledge… But I’ve shivered in the wake of suicide’s devastating storm! I’ve witnessed the destruction and how far and wide the reach of a single decision can stretch. I’ve seen multitudes of children’s lives and innocence altered forever in a single moment of despair. I’ve seen hearts break over the ‘what if’s’ and I’ve even seen the pain stretch as far as into future generations. But friends there is an everlasting HOPE! God says “I have come to give you LIFE and to give it abundantly.” {John 10:10} And…

“Though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging, I will not fear. GOD is my refuge and my strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” {Psalm 46:1-3}

If I could talk someone off the ledge today, I would tell them ALL of this! I would ask them to commit these words to memory and recite, over and over, in those darkest hours “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will FEAR no evil for {God} You are with me.” {Psalm 23:4}

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If you’ve considered or are considering suicide, I implore you to get help. Tell a trusted friend. Call a hotline. Seek medical attention. Knock on as many doors as necessary until you find an EVERLASTING HOPE. Don’t worry about how, or if,  you’ll recognize it. It is hidden deep in your heart as truth… Ask God to reveal it to you. And remember, God says “For I know the plans I have for you. Plans for welfare and not for harm to give you a future and a hope.” {Jer. 29:11}

If YOU are talking someone off the ledge today, you’ve been tasked with an enormous responsibility. Share these scripture passages with them. Insist on their committal to seeking wise counsel. Ask to take them to a medical treatment facility. And if you are a young person, it is important you share this information with a trusted adult. But above all, ask God to reveal His everlasting HOPE through your words and actions as you walk in these fragile, entrusted moments. God bless you.

Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK