Through a mutual friend, Southern Baptist Executive Committee President, Frank Page, learned of Jordan's recent suicide. Page's daughter, Melissa, took her life, as well. Last year, Frank published a book entitled simply, "Melissa." He sent me a copy with a sweet note. From his introduction: "I'm not over Melissa's death. I admit that. I'll never … Continue reading The Unwanted Journey
Jordan Blake Watts
“Blessings” (In Diguise)
My wife, Michelle, wrote this as Christ brought fresh insight/new mercies (written in parentheses) to the lyrics of Laura Story's song, "Blessings." Below Michelle's post is a picture of us with Laura Story and her daughter. Laura learned of Michelle's blog and, when doing a concert here in Lubbock, wanted to meet Michelle. nw … Continue reading “Blessings” (In Diguise)
Suicide and the Bible – Part 1 of 2
NOTE: On May 13, 2013, my son, Jordan, took his own life. He was 19. What follows is one of the blogs I wrote in response to that event. nw ALSO: If you have been, or are, suicidal, there is HOPE and there is HELP, in abundance! You matter. You are loved. You have infinite … Continue reading Suicide and the Bible – Part 1 of 2
What Evidence Do I Have That There’s a God? And That He’s Good?
The words of the ancient Greek philosopher (3rd century B.C.), Epicurus, sums up most modern atheistic/skeptic thought on this particular topic: "Either God wants to abolish evil, and cannot; or he can, but does not want to; or he cannot and does not want to. If he wants to, but cannot, he is impotent. If … Continue reading What Evidence Do I Have That There’s a God? And That He’s Good?
The Depression Epidemic
As of this week, there were still a few things at my office that had been "undisturbed" since my son took his life on May 13th. I finally forced myself to go through a small stack of papers a couple of days ago. Inside that stack was an article I'd printed off on April 10th … Continue reading The Depression Epidemic
What Proof Is There That God Loves Me?
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 severely alcoholic home, I witnessed more violence as a child than I care to remember. As a full-time pastor now for some 30 years, I've had, on occasion, the … Continue reading What Proof Is There That God Loves Me?
A Grief Observed
Grief – the type we’ve faced since May 13th – is unlike anything my family has ever known. It has changed us. That said, although we think of Jordan every minute of every day, some days are good – really good – as our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, slowly restores our souls. One thing that’s become … Continue reading A Grief Observed
All Things Through Christ Jesus
Well, I lost it emotionally this morning as I was leading music. But, the Body known at BHBC lifted me, embraced me, and carried me through the rest of the music portion of our worship service.I really can't imagine not being among this very special "family" during this time. A friend of mine who was … Continue reading All Things Through Christ Jesus
Baby Steps
I wake up each day thinking, "Will there ever be a minute I do not grieve?" Then I have to accept the fact that we're only 3 months removed from Jordan's death. It's just gonna take time. I still battle daily with trying to "undo it all" in my mind, which exhausts me mentally, and … Continue reading Baby Steps
Suffering: A Fishhook in the Human Heart
In his award-winning book, “Where Is God When It Hurts?”, Philip Yancey writes, “Novelist Peter De Vries has called the problem/mystery of pain [in this world] ‘the question mark turned like a fishhook in the human heart.’….Many suffering people want to love God, but cannot see past their tears….Sadly, the church often responds with more … Continue reading Suffering: A Fishhook in the Human Heart