Goodness, this hit me hard when I saw it. My heart is broken right now for this man and his family:
Several years ago, during some depression of my own, I was a regular visitor to his blog. I really liked where his heart was, and I found a lot of encouragement in his writing. How tragic that he himself couldn't find the encouragement he needed! It's so sad when those who help others, who pour their life out encouraging others, do not find the help and encouragement they need.
And I know this isn't the fault of anyone around him. It's simply a tragic part of being human - brokenness, despair, relentless spiritual attack. Any one of us, beaten down too much for too long, could understand how he got to the point he did. We should all have compassion on him and his family, knowing that someday it could be us struggling that badly.
So let no one condemn him or criticize him for what happened. Let no one condemn or criticize anyone else who struggles that way too. For we do not know the pain and despair they are going through, how much they must be hurting to get to the point of wanting to end it all. Let us just offer our love and comfort and support. A shoulder to cry on and loving arms to wrap around them.
May he rest in peace in the Lord's presence. And may God be with his wife and young children, bringing them comfort and support, as they carry on without him.
[Of course, there is no quick, easy fix for the kind of despair that leads to suicidal thoughts, but if there's any help that can be found in this, I suggest checking out Help For Anxiety, Depression, and Suicidal Thoughts. And 26 Tips for Dealing with Depression/Anxiety. Sometimes, we need just a little bit to help us get through an especially hard moment.]
