Quote from Forum Archives on August 23, 2001, 5:19 pm

Posted by: jmanhood <jmanhood@...>

As I read the letters, I kept thinking of the hurt and the pain that was
shared and pray that I am always kind and gentle and loving to others
because we never know if the person in line at the grocery store is in pain
and maybe needs a gentle smile and a kind word. Thank you for reminding me
to be kind to all those around me that I come into contact with. Father, I
pray that if I come in contact with someone in pain that you will nudge me
so that I can give an encouraging word of hope to his or her day. Thank you
Larry Davies and of course my friend Brian Masinick for sharing.

For God so loved the world, He gave his only son.............John 3:16
Jeanne Manhood
Home Designs
home.mindspring.com/~jmanhood

-----Original Message-----
From: Brian Masinick [mailto:masinick@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2001 2:35 PM
To: 1Cor7 Prayers
Cc: Larry Davies
Subject: [1Corinthians7] Word for Today, Thu, 23 Aug 2001: The Importance of
Encouragement and Prayer

Dear friends,

This week, Larry Davies continues his three part series about
dealing with suicide. Last week, I wrote you a note, indicating
that at one time, I had become discouraged enough to almost lose
hope in my life. Because of the prayers and encouragement from
numerous people, I did not take action. Today, I have the source
of encouragement from the Lord and from His people to reach out
and encourage others. Larry included a portion of my note in
this week's message, along with the heartfelt comments from many
others.

How wonderful it is when we can strengthen the faint hearted,
support the weak, help the afflicted, and honor everyone, loving
and serving the LORD Himself, and rejoicing in the power of God's
Spirit!

Here is part two of Larry's series on "Three Suicide Letters".
My earnest prayer is to have the opportunity to encourage others,
today and every day, in the Name of Christ. For it is IN HIM
that we live and breathe and have our being (Acts 17).

Your Brother in Christ,
Brian

Reply-to: "Sowing Seeds of Faith..." <sowseeds@nesbeonline.com>
Subject: Three Suicide Letter: Reader Response

To read part one... click here:
www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/suicide.letters.htm

Sowing Seeds of Faith:

Three Suicide Letters: Reader Response Larry Davies

Last week's story of three almost suicides brought a flood of
email. Before I reveal the story's ending, read a sampling of how
others responded. Next week: The Rest of the Story.

"I too thought of Suicide and have the marks on my arms to prove
it. I never felt loved. I was sexually abused. When I was six
years old; my teacher saw me with a piece of fruit and said I had
taken it off her desk. I told her my brother gave it to me but
the teacher wrote my mom a note telling her I stole the fruit.
Mom took my clothes off and beat me so hard I can still feel the
pain. The worst part was when she pointed her finger at me and
said: 'If I ever hear of you touching anything that don't belong
to you again I will cut your fingers off!' Just think of a
six-year-old child hearing that. It stayed in my mind. I went
back to school and the teacher walked up and said, 'I made a
mistake. I left my tangerine on the dining room table so I
brought you another one.' As she walked off I threw it in the
trashcan and to this day I will not touch a tangerine."
Priscilla

"I am a 25-year-old male who grew up in a mediocre Christian
home. I began a struggle of lusting after guys because of a hurt
with a girl. Sure, I knew it was wrong but I was in such
pain. One day, I thought this is the day I am going to end it all
but you know what? Nothing transpired, God intervened, and I
don't believe this happens to just one person." Chad

"I had a period where I almost lost my hope. Quite frankly, it
was the flicker of hope that I had in Christ and the constant
encouragement of my closest friends and family that kept me
going. Some people don't have even that much, and as a result,
many people DO take their own lives. That is tragic. I'd like
you to do something today. Undoubtedly, someone you know is
discouraged. Drop what you are doing and reach out in love to
them. You may not solve their problems but let them know that you
care. Pray for strength and ask God to give you what is needed."
Brian Masinick [mailto:masinick@yahoo.com]

"Your devotion struck a deep chord in me. So often in
Christianity, suicide is "looked down on." People courageous
enough to ask for help when considering suicide are shamed. I am
in seminary now, and part of what I am studying is how to help
people who have grown up with abuse. I have been abused and I
have felt the desire to end my own life. If you know of any way
my experience can help those you have received prayers from,
please let me know." Kriss [mailto:SlverKriss@aol.com]

"Three years ago, I married a man with emotional problems. Later
we had a heated discussion. He stepped outside and I called my
pastor to set up a counseling session. He came back in, took off
his class ring and looked at me kind of strange then went back
outside. He returned and asked me to come outside so he could
show me something. I was with the pastor and could not hang
up. He went back outside. Later, I went out to look for him. I
went to his truck and he was inside. I opened the door and asked
if he was coming in. Getting no response I nudged him and he fell
over on me. They later found a gun in his truck. If I had not
been on the phone, I would have went outside when he wanted to
show me something. To this day I don't know if he wanted me to
talk him out of it, make me watch him do it or take my life
also." Beverly

"My father committed suicide 23 years ago next week. I used to
wish I were dead all the time, but never had enough nerve to
commit suicide. I try to pray and do what I am supposed to but
sometimes I think there is no reason for me to be here. I know
many folks much worse off than myself so I keep going. I know God
loves me, but I sometimes wonder. I do not like myself. I never
have!" Margaret

"I was a college junior five hours away from home and mother
wanted to divorce my dad. The next time I went home, I found out
dad tried to commit suicide and was hospitalized. That fall was
just the beginning of a terrible darkness that lasted for
years. I honestly don't know how many times dad attempted
suicide. I couldn't fix what was wrong with him. I struggled
with how I could give him some of my will to live. My dad
believed that he was no good to his kids, that he couldn't do
anything right. Everyday, I prayed God would keep him breathing.
God answered my prayer. It took four years but he did get better.
Don't presume to know what your children believe or what your
worth to them is. Just keep breathing, one day at a time."
Michael

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Brian Masinick, "The Mas", mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/

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