"What miserable comforters you are!" We'll get back to the above quote in a minute. The Old Testament character, Job, (rhymes with robe) was the subject of what one author describes as a 'cosmic wager' between God and Satan. Job, whom God himself had described as "blameless, a man of integrity", was offered to Satan … Continue reading With Friends Like You, Who Needs Enemies?
Grief
The Last Straw
Have you ever done something you believed was the “last straw” with God? Have you ever felt like you've, finally - once and for all - ruined your life? NOTE: A follow-up to my message a couple of weeks ago about the Cross’s power over shame. Tullian Tchividjian (last name is pronounced “shuh -VIJ-uhn) is … Continue reading The Last Straw
The Old Rugged Cross
NOTE: I wrote this four months after finding my 19 year old son after he'd taken his own life... There have been moments these past months that I've wanted to give up on God. I'm simply being honest. As one who grew up in a violent, alcoholic home, I witnessed more violence as a child … Continue reading The Old Rugged Cross
A Psalm of Nick Watts
Reading through the Psalms you commonly see the following subheadings: a psalm of David, or a psalm of Asaph,... I’ll never forget what I once heard one of my professors say: “A psalm is simply a person’s response to God’s activity in their life.” That’s why, in the Psalms, we see the full gamut of … Continue reading A Psalm of Nick Watts
When Jesus Worked at McDonald’s
This past week, on a Tuesday morning, I swung through the drive-though at a local McDonald's for a warm, robust beverage on my way to work. After placing my order I promptly pulled up to the first window to pay for said beverage where I was warmly greeted by a woman at the window who … Continue reading When Jesus Worked at McDonald’s
The Joy of Helping the Hurting
The most familiar biblical image is most likely from Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan. Helping the hurting. I cannot begin to estimate the number of people my wife, Michelle, and I have counseled since the suicide of our son, Jordan. Countless people who have, themselves, suffered the loss of a loved one due to … Continue reading The Joy of Helping the Hurting
After Suicide: What We Needed; What They Need
My name is Nick Watts. On May 13, 2013, my son, Jordan, took his own life. He was 19. NOTE: Should you be unfamiliar with my family's history with suicide you can click here. My public school presentation on Suicide Intervention lasts approximately 45 minutes and includes, among other points, everything from "becoming aware of … Continue reading After Suicide: What We Needed; What They Need
Hope on the Rock(s)
My spirit is crushed,….Where then is my hope?” Job 17:1, 15 “My spirit is crushed,….Where then is my hope?” Honest statement. Honest question. It’s one of the reasons I love reading the Bible. It’s unsanitized, unedited, raw, and brutally honest. When Job made his statement, and asked his question, he had recently buried all ten … Continue reading Hope on the Rock(s)
Grief is a Part of Life – for Now
"Weeping may last for the night, but Joy comes in the morning." (Ps 30:5) In Sep., 2015, shortly after completing nine days in the Psychiatric Ward of our local hospital (I ended up there due to a cluster of triggers associated with my 19 year old son's suicide), I sat in my counselor's office and … Continue reading Grief is a Part of Life – for Now
Suicide and the Bible – Part 2
After recently reading my original blog, Suicide and the Bible, a reader kindly asked a common question: I was reading your "Suicide and the Bible"..and I just have a question. I'm genuinely curious to know what you think about this. So you're saying nowhere in the Bible does it say suicide will send you to … Continue reading Suicide and the Bible – Part 2