I had no sooner posted some comments a few minutes ago on Facebook about "getting to know laughter again" following the suicide of my son a year ago, than social media began blowing up about the depression-prompted suicide of comedic giant/genius, Robin Williams. I don't have lengthy commentary to offer here. Only this: if you … Continue reading Robin Williams, Laughter, Depression & Suicide
Jordan Blake Watts
Blood
My son, Jordan, played the drums like a man possessed.... ....possessed by the Holy Spirit. Below are two pics. The second pic is of the members of his rock band: Alexander Gates, Johnny Olvera, and Cory Morrow. They rehearsed in our basement. I swear on everything holy.....the floor vibrated underneath our feet - and Michelle … Continue reading Blood
“When We Hurt, God Hurts”
Our son, Jordan, was born with the "golden retriever" personality. He was loyal to a fault. He absorbed the emotion of those who surrounded him. When he loved - he loved deeply. Whatever he felt - he felt deeply. This was both a blessing and a curse. The loss of my job in the summer … Continue reading “When We Hurt, God Hurts”
“I. Am. Here. I’ve Got This.”
"I. Am. Here. I've got this." That's what Christ has whispered to me (and continues to whisper to me) over and over again since my son's suicide in 2013. Jesus never gets impatient with me, or tired of telling me how much He loves me. His word (rock-solid & infallible) assures me, "His mercies are … Continue reading “I. Am. Here. I’ve Got This.”
Sometimes….I Just Miss Him
Sometimes....., I just miss him. The pain in my chest is constricting, and heavy. I shut the door to my office. And i cry. And then I cry some more. It's not complicated. I. just. miss. him. I want him to help me with Super Summer preparations. With planning. With ideas. Etc. I miss his … Continue reading Sometimes….I Just Miss Him
Redemptive Violence
I’ve supplied for my former Sr. Pastors dozens of times, as well as preached every Wed. night to students for almost 25 years. Truth be told, preaching & teaching are my #1 passions- far more than leading music. I’ve always seen myself as a “preacher disguised as a musician.” 🙂 This is why I continue … Continue reading Redemptive Violence
Yesterday
No, the above title is not a reference to the Beatles' classic. Tomorrow, May 13th, is the one-year mark of my son, Jordan's, entrance into Paradise. But, I had been dreading yesterday (5/11), I think, more than tomorrow (5/13). Mother's Day '13, unbeknownst to the me, Michelle, Kelsie & Macy would be the last day … Continue reading Yesterday
The Pain of Healing
Satan is evil personified. However, it wasn't until after Jordan died that I understood this on a deeper level. Losing a child comprises, in my opinion, the single worst day of a parent's life. After Jordan died I was in a state of relentless despair. To my surprise (and I shouldn't have been surprised) satan … Continue reading The Pain of Healing
S.O.S. – A Request for Prayer
Each year, our staff writes letters of congratulations to the year's high school graduates. As I was searching for resources today, I came across the letter I wrote to my son, Jordan, when he graduated high school in 2011. This week, as we approach May 13th, has been horrible. The emotional ambushes are crippling. I've … Continue reading S.O.S. – A Request for Prayer
How Do You Make It Through the Worst Day of Your Life?
The answer in Easter. Watch this powerful, brief video message by Rick Warren. nw http://youtu.be/SHcfq1Hf1hE