But some of the hardest things about being a pastor were divorce and death. I was always willing to meet with a married couple who were going through difficulties in their marriage. I always shared with them the things that I believe cause problems in a relationship – selfishness and a critical attitude. I also shared with them some of the things that I believe can improve their relationship. (See my story about “The Man in the Mirror”).
Death was also one of the harder things I dealt with as a pastor. It was an honor to lead a memorial service and celebrate someone’s life. It was also important to provide support and encouragement to those who had lost their loved one. Maybe the most difficult thing to deal with was suicide. There were a few occasions when someone in our church or community took their own life. Parents and loved ones were devastated and heart broken.
One day my son Tim called to tell me that a high school friend took his own life. I didn’t know his friend well but I had given him a ride to work at a grocery store near our house. I never imagined he would do something so drastic. The friend’s father was a Viet Nam war veteran. He was very strict with his son. One day Tim’s friend violated one of his father’s rules. Instead of going home to face his father, the friend drove to a local college campus and jumped out of the seventh floor window. I was not asked to lead the memorial service for Tim’s friend but I did share some of my thoughts with our church the next Sunday. I warned the students and adults that suicide is not the answer to the problems they were facing. I tried to help them understand how devastating suicide was to the surviving family and friends.
There is a verse in the Bible that says, “I know the plans I have for you – plans to give you a hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). God wants to give you a future and a hope. Let me encourage you to call me or a trusted adult before you injure yourself or take your own life. I will be glad you did and you and your family will too. (continued)
Start reading 365 more encouraging stories (one for every day of the year) in Mark’s book, “Let Me Encourage You” by Mark Hopper. You can purchase one copy for $20 or two copies for $30 plus postage ($5). Buy one for yourself and give one to a friend. Order your copy today at markh@efreedb.org. You will be glad you did!
Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper 