Woke up this morning and laid in bed for awhile. Peace.
Got out of bed, grabbed my phone, and I started scrolling through twitter.
A Southern California pastor dying of suicide filled my feed. As well as discussions on:
- Checking on friends
- Listening
- Anxiety and depression
Being greeted by a brother in Christ’s suicide, first thing in the morning, just sucks. But I can’t imagine what his wife and children are feeling.
A few years ago, over a lunch with a pastor, I confessed that I wasn’t doing well. My depression was trying to drown me, and I admitted it out loud. The pastor half listened and eventually changed subjects/blew me off. He had no clue how close I felt to doing something… and yet he didn’t care either. There was never any follow up. Nothing. I cringed when I heard friends were going to talk to him. Afraid of the damage his lack of pastoral care could bring about.
I get that we are not all gifted in all things. But I do think we all have the capacity to listen and empathize.
Bill and Ted have said it best:
“Be excellent to each other.”
Listening and empathy are but a level of excellence worth fighting for. I’m not sure where you are today; not sure what side of the bed you woke up on. I want to encourage you to find someone trustworthy who will listen before/after things get bad, someone who practices what Bill and Ted preached. Be excellent.
JohnnyBGamer 