On that Tuesday morning I had been in my office at a residential children’s facility for about an hour when the phone rang. The voice on the other end belonged to my wife, Michelle . . . yet there was a timbre in her tone that instantly conveyed the message that all was not well. Immediately my thoughts rushed to my then eight-month-old son, Jackson, who was in the house with her. But before I could ask about him, Michelle interrupted and asked, “Have you seen the news?”

“No,” I replied, puzzled. I quickly clicked onto a news website and saw ‘BREAKING NEWS’ in bright red.

“A plane has crashed into the World Trade Center,” she said, her voice shaking. “It’s bad, Garrick.”

I quickly headed to the TV room to turn on the news. Of course, finding the news wouldn’t be a problem, since it seemed to be on every channel. Within a matter of minutes, I, along with the rest of the waiting world, would soon discover that this was no accident. When the second plane hit the South Tower at three minutes past the hour, I remember my heart just sinking. Those of us gathered around stood speechless, in total disbelief of what our eyes were telling our brains.

In those moments the world as we knew it changed forever. Freedom turned to fear and anxiety to agony as the full scope of this attack on America unfolded in what seemed like slow motion. Within the hour another plane hit the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. Reporters on the ground struggled to explain what was happening. They couldn’t quite wrap their minds around it all either.

By the time United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, I remember thinking to myself, “When will it end? What’s next?!”

Of course, my job didn’t really afford me the luxury of becoming a shell-shocked couch potato, as much as I wanted to be just that. As the manager of that residential program, I was responsible for the emotional and physical well-being of a number of children, ranging in age from five to twelve years. As the houseparents received word that the schools were dismissing children, we all began to shift into survival mode. The kids would have questions. We all did. But the one thing none of us could afford to do was let the kids know we were upset.

I met quickly with our morning shift workers and discussed our action plan for dealing with the kids and their families. Above all, the plan involved channeling our adrenaline into positive thoughts and actions. Somehow on 9/11 the world seemed a whole lot smaller . . . a lot more connected . . . and a lot more caring.

As I went to the store that day, I couldn’t help but notice that every single person I encountered — from the customers in the parking lot to the cashier behind the register — was feeling much the same as me. I couldn’t wait to go to bed that night. I think something inside of me thought that maybe if I could just get to sleep, then when I woke up I’d realize that the chaos of that day had been nothing more than a bad dream. As I would find out on Wednesday morning, it was an absolute nightmare — a national one with far-reaching implications for every person on the planet: Evil is real, and there’s no way to escape its influence in our lives.

Now ten years later, I look back on 9/11 and feel things much the same that I felt on that very day. As I reflect on that dark time in our nation’s history, one thing stands out perhaps more than any other. In the few days following 9/11, people were nicer . . . friendlier . . . more grateful for the little things. In those times people turned to the church for comfort, for solace, and for answers to questions the world couldn’t seem to explain.

Like a person who suddenly lost a neighbor or friend, the whole country was made fully aware of the fragility of life, the uncertainty of tomorrow, the amazing lack of control we have over so many things. As we remember 9/11 and pray for those whose lives were irrevocably changed due to the evil plans of a few, wouldn’t it be great if we could somehow recapture that appreciation for life we all had once the fires were extinguished and the dust began to settle?

Perhaps the very best tribute we could offer on this day of remembrance would be to again hug our families tightly, do something kind for a neighbor, and thank God for the many blessings we each enjoy. The heroes who died bravely striving to save lives on that day wouldn’t want us to wallow in self-pity. They’d want us to fully embrace the wonder of this gift of life . . . to treasure each moment with family and friends . . . and to fight passionately to keep the freedom that still makes America a beacon of light today.

Surely we can muster the courage to do that. Surely.

IT’S YOUR TURN!
What 9/11 memories most stand out in your mind? What do you see as the enduring lessons from this page in our nation’s history?

I’ve always been a real fan of fall. I love the colors and the transition from hot temperatures to cooler, more bearable weather. However, the older I get, the more I love springtime. Having grown up in the deep South, the return of spring was hailed by frolicking wildlife seemingly celebrating the end of the hunker-down season. I remember watching squirrels at play, almost overnight shedding their poofy winter coats for something a little more tailored. The red robins do a similar change of wardrobe that I’ve always found fascinating.

Having returned to the real South from Texas (which I dearly love) nearly two years ago, I’ve again fallen in love with the sights and sounds of spring. Just in the past few weeks, the hills of Arkansas have come alive with flowering trees and shrubs, beautifully brilliant daffodils and tulips (my wife’s favorite), and mysteriously majestic dogwood trees, all of which announce the end of winter. I absolutely love my backyard because of the dogwood that for a period of just a couple weeks transforms the landscape with its bright white blossoms.

Not everything is so cheery in life. If you’re anything like me, you’ve largely given up on finding any good news on TV. In fact, too much time with that can make me quite depressed. I’ve found though that while man is destined to disappoint, God is faithful to do just what He says He will do. Just as his eye is on the sparrow, we can be assured that He is watching over His children. My recent visit to Israel was filled with so many amazing sights. I think my personal favorites were the lilies of the field (seen at left). Jesus himself said that “even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” (Matt. 6:29, ESV) As you can see, judging from this photo, who could argue that?

In a world filled with so much hurt, pain, sickness, calamity, brokenness, grief, and loss, it helps me to look around and again “taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8, ESV). When you feel all alone and begin to  think all hope is lost, lift up your head and cast your eyes on the evidence of our Creator — and know that He cares for you. If you’re reading this and don’t know what it’s like to have peace in the midst of the storm, I encourage you to contact me, and let me help you discover new life today. Whatever you may be going through, God can give you just what you need to persevere.

IT’S YOUR TURN!
What is your favorite thing about spring? How do you stay focused on good in a world full of evil?

As a child I was afraid of the usual things: the dark . . . the shadows in the night . . . the monsters under the bed. It seems kind of silly now, but those were really things that could make my hair stand on end. As an adult, I’ve found that fear never really goes away; rather, we tend to transfer it to other situations. I’m still afraid of heights to some extent. And I hate roller coasters. I don’t particularly like to fly either, although the latter two examples are probably more rooted in the loss of control experienced.

However, some of you know that in recent years I have learned what it is to suffer the effects of anxiety in my own life. For many years I counseled individuals with regard to anxiety and phobias, but it was not until I experienced it for myself that I could truly empathize. The heart palpitations. The profuse sweating. The overwhelming sense of impending doom. Not fun at all!

Truly there are so many things in today’s world that give way to some legitimate anxiety. Our 24-hour news stream sounds a lot like Matthew 24, does it not? Wars and rumors of wars. Earthquakes. Famines. And on and on and on.

During the recent AACC conference, Dr. Ken Nichols of ALIVE Ministries presented a talk on the subject of fear. He pointed out that the message we receive from the media is clear: “Be afraid. Be very afraid!” And even if you think the sky isn’t falling, realize that it will. Just keep watching, it will!

In my own life I find that my anxiety level is directly related to the amount of news and information I allow to come into my mind. The reality is that all of us would do well to limit our intake of negativity — and let’s face it: that means shutting off a good chunk of the news. The late ABC newsman Peter Jennings was once asked why the news coverage seemed so overwhelmingly tipped in favor of bad news. In his suave Canadian accent, he quickly offered what I found to be a most candid and thought-provoking reply: “We must report on the planes that crash — not the ones that land safely.”

Nichols in his talk on Friday pointed out several facts about fear that I believe bear repeating in this space:

• Fear is absolutely unavoidable.
• Fear is a normal part of our everyday life.
• Fear is not sin.
• Fear is always temporary.
• Fear can be a healthy source of motivation.
• Fear is used by God to grow us in our faith.
• Fear is used by Satan to defeat us.

Nichols says that the major challenge for believers is to learn “how to transform fear into faith.” He says that when we really dig into Scripture we can face our storms of life with an eternal perspective. Nichols writes, “We can experience calm not confusion; poise not panic; relaxed not restless; composed not controlled; peace not pain; faith not fear.”

Nichols says there is a direct relationship between fear and faith:

That is why there are hundreds of reminders of the need to be strong, take courage, stand fast, and don’t be afraid. I believe that God ordains fearful circumstances in life as an excellent opportunity to cultivate a deeper quality of faith. Our human experience is not fear or faith . . . it is fear and faith.”

When you get right down to it, there are three primary areas from which most of our fears radiate:

1. The Unknown
2. The Unexpected
3. The Unbearable

I don’t know about you, but I have some things even this week that could really drive me toward anxiety and fear. To be honest, since that’s the way I naturally seem to gravitate, I have to work extra hard to make sure I’m grounding myself in the promises of God’s Word. I’m incredibly blessed to have a team of prayer warriors who lift me up daily. These are men and women I trust with details that I simply can’t make available to just everyone. In times of weakness, I find strength in the care, concern, and prayers of others.

Perhaps you’re going through something right now that has you anxious and afraid. If so, let God help you make the transition from fear to faith. If you’ve never come to a place in your life where you reached out to Him, then you can do that right now — no matter where you are or what you’re facing. Discover new life today. And find the peace that only He can give to see you through the inevitable storms of life.

IT’S YOUR TURN!
In which areas of life do you experience the most fear or anxiety? How do you cope with that?

Men do it. Women do it. Children do it.

Even in the presence of good company, worry can leave you feeling restless and alone.

It has been said many times that most of the things we worry about never happen. And that may be true. But those of us who struggle with worry somehow feel a sick sense of control over those things that often top our ‘worry’ lists. Things like health, finances, relationships, death, war, intergallactic collisions. See? It’s just the little things that keep us up nights.

In His teaching on worry, Jesus said this:

This is why I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the sky: they don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? – Matthew 6:25-26 (HCSB)

Paul, in writing to the church at Philippi, said:

Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7 (HCSB)

That wonderfully devoted missionary, Corrie Ten Boom, not only influenced the lives of those with whom she shared Christ personally, but even in her death, her words come alongside believers today, reminding us of the importance of simplicity in the Christian life. Her common-sense approach to worry puts it in an everyday framework: “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.”

Whatever it is that concerns you most today, lay it down at the feet of Jesus. Place it in the hands of the One who already knows the anxious state of your heart and feels compassion for the burdens you bear. Spend some time thanking God today for His loving care. And whatever you do, don’t let the worries of your tomorrow ruin the quality of your today.

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What things cause you the most worry/anxiety? How do you handle those concerns?

After a routine doctor’s appointment on Monday revealed an abnormality in my chest, the doctor scheduled an ultrasound to rule out breast cancer. Of course, you can imagine my surprise when the nurse told me that the office radiology lab would be unable to handle that task. Instead she referred me to the Baptist Breast Center.

Now I don’t know about you, but in my opinion, the words ‘Baptist’ and ‘Breast’ should never go together . . . it just begs me to go there – ‘Methodist Breast,’ ‘Catholic Breast,’ etc.

Never mind the fact that when we moved to the Little Rock area, my family and I joked that the Baptist Breast Center was actually a Baptists-run chicken strip drive-through restaurant. I know, sad, isn’t it? But I digress.

Back to my story.

Well, I met one of our Sunday School teachers for lunch today and then headed down to that place for my little test to be done. Upon arriving at the clinic, three different female employees looked at me like I was lost and needed directions. When I assured them that I was at the right place (no matter how wrong it might have felt), I checked in and filled out all the necessary paperwork.

As my eyes glanced bashfully at the various women with whom I shared a waiting room, a scrub-clad assistant came through the door and seemed to scream, “GARRICK CONNER?” I got up from my chair, walked briskly to the door, and asked her, “Was it really that hard to tell?” The lady smiled and said that she knew it must feel a bit strange but assured me that other men have been there before too (She didn’t say if I was the first this year or not, but it was clear that she was trying to diffuse any embarrassment I might have been experiencing.).

She did ask me how long the place in question had been present. “A couple years,” I told her. “Other doctors have said it’s probably nothing.”

“Ooooh,” she said in a very concerned tone. “It’s good that you’re here.”

I was taken into a small room that I thought was a dressing room. The nurse told me that I would need to take off my shirt for the test. I could have sworn that I heard an ‘s’ on that word as she finished her sentence.

“Tests, plural?” I asked.

“Yes, sir. The doctor ordered a mammogram AND an ultrasound,” she replied flatly.

“He didn’t tell me that,” I insisted.

Then she asked that question that I suppose all breast nurses are supposed to ask, “How long have you had this issue?”

Hadn’t I already heard this question before? I said, “A couple years.”

“Ooooh,” she said along with a slight sigh. “It will be fine,” she assured me. “Someone will be back to get you in a few minutes.”

I was confused. “Well, what am I supposed to do in here?” I inquired.

“Nothing. Just have a seat,” she said. Then she closed the door behind her.

As I turned to sit down, my eyes were drawn to the sign on the mirror that said simply, “Please watch the Breast Self Exam video while you wait.” I thought to myself, “Hmmm. I’m not sure my wife really wants me watching that . . . better not.”

Then I saw something I had never seen before: a breast model. Not a nude female but a silicon-like breast on a platter . . . . I mean, tray. OK, I honestly don’t know what it was sitting on because I couldn’t help but look at it and wonder, “Why in the world am I in here with that?”

I decided that I needed to read something while I waited. Southern Living? No, I wasn’t really interested in that. Besides, I often see issues of that magazine when Michelle’s subscription is delivered to the house. RedBook? No, that didn’t really strike my fancy either. The only other available options were a copy of a Gideon-placed Bible and a breast cancer support magazine.

I have never more regretted my choice to pass over the Bible as I did on this day. On the cover of the breast cancer magazine, the headline story just jumped out at me: “Men Share Their Breast Cancer Stories.” Oh, golly . . . just what I wanted to see. Of course, I turned to that article and read all about men wearing pink for breast cancer awareness. I learned several things about male breast cancer, and to be honest, it made me think I was probably a goner.

What was probably just a few minutes seemed like an eternity as I thought through such pertinent matters as who I would call first, where I wanted to be buried, and what musical selections I would definitely want sung at my funeral.

Then another nurse-looking person came in and told me to follow her. We went into a room for the dreaded mammogram. I removed my shirt and undershirt and did exactly as she instructed. The woman said a few things to try and make me feel more comfortable – like, “You’re not the only man who’s had this done.”

“Yeah, right,” I thought to myself.

As I scooted closer into the contraption, she told me that the pressure she applied would hurt for a bit but that it wouldn’t take long. Let’s just say that I have a whole new appreciation for women. This test was particularly painful, and I struggled to even know what the nurse was saying to me as my mind seemed to turn to mush.

“Are you alright?” she asked. “Yes. . . I mean, no,” I answered, as a dizzy feeling washed over me.

“Here’s a chair. Sit down,” she said. Then she opened the door, and called loudly to a co-worker, “I need a cold pack in here!”

Now I must admit that I am a real wuss when it comes to medical stuff. I mean, after all, I once passed out cold at the eye doctor. Too much information just does a real number on me. And today I felt a bit overloaded.

After placing the cold pack on my bald head, the nurse said, “You just stay right there. We can do the other side sitting down.”

“The other side?!” I asked with complete bewilderment. “But that side is fine!”

“Well, we just want to be sure,” she replied.

So here I was in a clinic I didn’t want to be in, surrounded by stuff I didn’t want to look at, trying to somehow press my hairy chest into a contraption that it clearly was not designed for. You can imagine my relief when she said, “All done.”

The ultrasound was WAY easier than the mammogram. The only pain with that was when she snatched off the ‘x’ of adhesive tape that marked the spot in question. And really, I’d have preferred a full-body wax job to the humiliation I felt during that first experience.

Following a conversation with the doctor and nurse, my fears were confirmed – no, not that I had a major problem . . . but that I DIDN’T and had gone through this experience for seemingly no reason.

I asked the doctor if this was something I should be concerned about in the future.

“No,” he answered. “Besides, if you’ve had this for two years, if it were malignant, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

Just as I suspected. They did think I was a goner!

What did I gain from this experience? Well, let’s see:

• Peace of mind that I’m going to be OK.
• An incredible sense of empathy for women throughout the world
• A strange identification with cows
• A real understanding of why a man might hesitate to follow-up at a place called the Baptist Breast Center

Any regrets? Well, yes, just one. Given the chance to do it all over again, I’d definitely have touched the fake boob. I mean, after all, it’s kind of like Halley’s Comet. How many times will that opportunity come knocking?

Oh yeah, one more thing. The next time I wear my pink shirt or tie to church, I’ll be sporting it with a much greater respect for those who have not only been affected by breast cancer — but also for those who have merely endured the diagnostic tests.

I’m finding that in those times of difficulty, it is important to take time to reflect on the blessings of life. And I have many of them. When discouragement comes, we have a choice to make. We can focus on the negatives, or we can focus on the positives.

For example, no matter what I may be facing, God has blessed me with a wonderfully supportive wife, two incredible kids, and a thriving ministry in a church that I love dearly. These are truly blessings from above, and when I pause to recognize them as such, I help any feelings of discouragement to diminish.

You know, I’m a lot like the apostle Paul. He was a man who knew how to make good choices — but that didn’t necessarily mean he always made them (Rom. 7:15). He was a man who was passionate, zealous, and strong-willed. He knew what it was to have plenty and to be in want (Phil. 4:12). He struggled with weaknesses and a ‘thorn in the flesh’ (2 Cor. 12:7), yet he trusted God to reveal His power even through those things (2 Cor. 12:9-10).

Paul knew the joy that comes from putting others first and considering them better than himself (Phil. 2:2-3). In fact, many of us understand the truth in those words as well. When we serve through a ministry or volunteer in our community, we are exposed to needs that make ours seem less urgent.

For today I will seek above all to follow Paul’s instructions in Phil. 4:8:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.”

No matter what your struggle or state of mind, may you find strength for today as you focus on blessings, as you pray with thanksgiving, and as you rest in the shelter of His unfailing love.

It is my sincere belief that the times in which we live are urgent. And while I am confident in my eternal destiny by virtue of faith in Jesus Christ, it’s hard sometimes to not be afraid . . . to be anxious . . . to worry about tomorrow.

To all those who are in Christ, we truly have nothing to fear. The apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 1:21, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Of course, that doesn’t mean we necessarily look forward to experiencing trials and death, but we have the very promise of Jesus who himself acknowledged the anxious feeling that most of us have from time to time. He said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33b)

The thing about having a personal relationship with Christ is that in spite of all the troubles, the questions, the frustrations, and the heartaches of this world, we can still experience abundant life. If you do not know for sure what would happen to your soul if you died today, I can’t think of anything more significant to you at this time.

God loves you more than you could possibly imagine. And He wants you to choose to enjoy that abiding peace and joy that can come only from a relationship with Him. John 3:16-17 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

If you have never trusted Christ as Savior and Lord of your life, what are you waiting for? Scripture states plainly that one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. I urge you to make sure — make absolutely sure — that you are ready to meet Him whenever that time comes for you. For those who wait until the mass chorus of confessions, it will be too late. I’m so glad that even though this world is not my home, Jesus has made a place for me. He’d love nothing more than to prepare a place for you too!

If you have questions about how you can experience this abundant life and hope for tomorrow, please feel free to contact me. You may also visit the sites listed below.

Real Life Stories of God’s Transforming Power
Here’s Hope for You

The other night I joined my kids for a game of Hide-n-Seek. While they counted to 20, I quickly positioned myself behind a chair in our family room. However, it wasn’t until I got back there that I realized the space really wasn’t large enough. So I contorted my body into a perpetual crunch, bending my feet upward at the ankles so as to remain hidden from sight.

And I waited.

And I waited.

And I waited.

For nearly fifteen minutes I waited, listening impatiently to the pitter-patter of little feet up and down the stairs! There were a couple of times when my physical pain was nearly unbearable, and in those times I found myself struggling not to snicker audibly at the mere thought of my predicament. Finally my three-year-old daughter crawled up in the chair and looked over the edge of the back. I can honestly say I’ve never been so glad to be found in all my life!

Needless to say, that spot can never be used again . . . not that I would!

In reflecting on this experience, I began to wonder about the lengths people go to in order to hide from people in life — not physically but emotionally and spiritually.

Think about it. We all tend to show people just what we think they want to see — or what we’re comfortable with them seeing. When it comes to some of our deeper struggles, especially those laden with guilt and shame, we resort to the same skill set that Adam and Eve used in the Garden of Eden: hiding.

We hide behind smiles. We hide behind silence. We hide behind stories and work and food and shopping and sex. The list of options are truly endless.

But just like that over-sized kid hiding behind a chair, what we crave more than anything is actually to be found . . . to be accepted . . . to be loved.

You know, hiding didn’t work for Adam and Eve. And it won’t work for us either — at least not forever. God sees everything. He knows our name. He formed our heart. There’s nothing in the world that will keep Him from loving you.

As you go through your day today, make note of when you find yourself trying to hide from others. Sooner or later the pain of hiding will likely begin to exceed your fear of being found.

Scripture tells us that Christ alone is our hiding place. He’s the One who fully understands every need, every struggle, every burden. But sometimes we need others to be His hands and feet to demonstrate that love in physical ways.

If you are spending your time and energy hiding out, take action to break that pattern. Even if you’ve been disappointed in others, you can begin re-building relationships of security and trust right where you are today.

After all, it gets awfully lonesome behind that chair. And sooner or later, you’ll have to go potty.

IT’S YOUR TURN!

• Do you have a ‘big chair’ experience?
• What one thing most keeps you from being real with others?

I again found myself horrified and saddened to learn of the shooting at First Baptist Church in Maryville, Illinois yesterday. In front of some 150 people in attendance at the church’s 8:15 a.m. service, a lone gunman fatally shot the church’s pastor of 22 years.

My wife and I have friends in that congregation. They are numb, shocked, grief-stricken, and devastated. Yet their faith remains strong. As Christians we know that God’s specialty is turning bad situations into opportunities to bring glory to Himself. Jesus tells us in Scripture, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33b, ESV)

Already in the hours since this seemingly senseless attack, church members, reporters, and everyday people have sought to do just that: make some sense out of what happened. From all accounts, the gunman suffered from some form of mental illness — and if he survives his own self-inflicted wounds, the new quandry will be the age-old issue of justice and what that looks like under these circumstances.

As I watched Good Morning America today and listened to the church’s Children’s Minister, I was heartened by the faith of the people — who in a time of unthinkable tragedy and trial — will turn to God and to each other for comfort, for guidance, for healing, and for re-focusing on those things that are most important in life.

I believe with all my heart that Pastor Fred Winters is worshipping now as never before, in the very presence of the Lord. Join me in praying for his family, his church, and his community as they pick up the pieces of life — moment by moment.

Pray that in the face of this tragedy believers would shine even more brightly — and glorify the Father in heaven.

Having served in ministry and counseling settings for many years, I have had my fair share of dealings with suicide. My own experience is consistent with the premise that the victims come from all walks of life: a nurse, a banker’s husband, a public school superintendent, a medical doctor, an teenaged boy, a farmer, and a fifth grader — to name a few of them.

In dealing with the families of suicide victims, I am almost always met with wide-ranging responses, from “I can’t believe he would do this” to “There were signs that something wasn’t right.” Family members typically run the full gamut of emotions from shock and horror to outrage to self-blame — none of which is able to un-do the damage done by an independent self-destructive act.

There are many things we still don’t understand about suicide and why it happens. But there are some things we do know. For example, some groups are at higher risk than others. According to the Center for Disease Control, men are four times more likely than women to die from suicide. However, three times more women than men report attempting suicide. In addition, suicide rates are high among young people and those over age 65.

There are a variety of factors that can put a person at risk for attempting or committing suicide. However, having the risk factors does not always mean that suicide will take place. Risk factors include:

• Previous suicide attempt(s)
• History of depression or other mental illness
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Family history of suicide or violence
• Physical illness
• Feeling alone

Suicide is a significant public health problem. More than 31,000 people kill themselves each year. More than 425,000 people with self-inflicted injuries are treated in emergency rooms each year. (CDC, 2006) Don’t become a statistic. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, even if you do not have an active plan to kill yourself, talk with someone about these thoughts. Help is available in a wide variety of places.

One of the things I hear over and over from those who are contemplating suicide is that they feel invisible to others, as if they really don’t count for anything. Many argue that they will not be missed by their families anyway. Perhaps the “D.C. Madam” felt this way too. Although she was widely recognized due to the handle assigned her by the news media, she was known by only a few.  And those people will remember her not as the “D.C. Madam” but rather as Deborah Jeane Palfrey. A daughter. A sister. A friend. A human being.

In many cases, suicide attempts are not so much a cry for help as a cry for love.

I contend that there is no problem suicide can solve. Someone is always available to talk at the National Suicide Hotline, 1.800.273.8255. Your primary care doctor, police department, and local emergency room are also good sources for help.