Over the years, I've heard countless stories of people who've lost their lives to suicide. From young children to grown adults, depression and suicidal thoughts are flooding the minds of so many people. Anxiety and tension are high. Suicide rates keep rising. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), there are about 130 suicidal deaths every day.
It breaks my heart anytime I hear of someone who has lost their life to suicide. My heart gets so heavy for my friends who battle mental illness and people I've heard about taking their own lives. I wish I could tell every person how loved they are. Being a writer, I'm constantly wondering how I can use this platform to bring hope to someone. I can't single-handedly stop the rise of suicide, but what I can do is tell people that they matter. I want to reflect love and kindness to people who may be hurting. And maybe that's you.
If no one has told you this before, let me be the first to say: you matter. Your life matters. People might try to tell you that you don't matter, or you might be telling yourself that. It's easy to believe the lie that says, "No one cares about you. You don't matter. No one likes you."
Perhaps something popped up on social media that made you feel insecure about yourself, and you started spiraling down the endless hole of negative thoughts. Or, someone spoke words over you that hurt you. Maybe you're starting to think that the world would be better off without you. I think we've all had thoughts like these cross our minds at some point, but it's what we do with those thoughts that matter. Some people might be able to push those thoughts away, but for others, it's impacting their whole life. You're starting to question things, and you wonder if your life is even worth living.
There's a beautiful song by for KING & COUNTRY called "Matter." It's all about how Jesus sees you. He doesn't see you as a failure or a mistake, He sees you for who you truly are: someone who matters. One of my lines in the song is, "Someone put the beat in your heart so that you'll see/You matter." In other words, you're here for a reason. Jesus put the beat in your heart for a reason. Your life is worth living.
Despite what you may be going through or the lies you may be hearing, your life matters. I don't know the pain that you're feeling, but I know it's real. I know what you're going through is hard, but I also know that you're going to get through it. Not on your own strength, but with the strength of the One who carries the whole world. You're going to get through it with, what for King and Country sing, "the one who took the tree so He could say/You matter."
Jesus wants to walk alongside you through your pain. Matthew 11:28-29 says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Jesus isn't forcing you to come to Him, but the invitation is open. He's inviting you to a place of rest and freedom. Why? Because he loves and cares about you more than you know.
We each have a specific role to play in God's story, and no one can play it for us. Without you, you're like a missing piece in a puzzle. God created you uniquely, and He has a huge future right in front of you. But will you accept it? I truly hope that you will. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
The enemy wants you to believe that you don't matter, and no one would care if you died. But, the truth is, there are so many people who care about you. And above all that, God cares about you. I want you to stay. Jesus wants you to stay. This world is broken, but Jesus promises to walk with you through all of the brokenness and pain. He'll be there for you--even when others aren't.
This week, September 5 to 11, is National Suicide Prevention Week. Anytime is great, but right now is the perfect time to reach out for help. Community is an important factor for anyone's mental health. Reach out to a friend, a pastor, or someone you can trust.
There are other resources available as well. To Write Love On Her Arms is an incredible organization that helps people who battle with self-harm and suicidal thoughts. They're bringing awareness and shining a light on mental health. But, if you need more immediate help, please don't hesitate to call the Suicide Prevention Hotline. You can call them at 1-800-273-8255. They're available 24/7, and they'll get you the help that you need.
Remember, God has a purpose and a plan for your life, and it's so much greater than the challenges that you face. I can't wait to see how God is going to use your life for amazing things. Keep holding on.
"I know it's not easy, not saying it's fair. But close as a prayer somebody cares. You're a treasure, I hope you know you're treasured. So hold your head high, wait for the dawn. Keep hanging on, your sadness will turn into laughter. Watch it turn into laughter. To the one who spoke and set the sun ablaze... To the one who stopped the storm and walked the waves... To the one who took the tree so He could say... You matter. I hope you know you matter. You matter. Heaven knows you matter."
-- for KING & COUNTRY, "Matter"
Grace Chaves has been a fan of all things Christian music since 2016. She is NRT's news editor, and one of NRT's youngest writers. Homeschooled, Grace is an author, loves Jesus, concerts, and road trips.
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