For brevity, I did not include the following in How I Survived the Worst Day of my Life. But, I believe it bears sharing because it provides greater theological context to how I - and my family - survived. As I was listening to the voice of Jesus that day assuring me of his presence … Continue reading How I Survived the Worst Day of my Life – one last thing…
Suicide
How I Survived the Worst Day of My Life
In 2014, a year after my son took his life, a regional magazine asked me if I would consider writing about that experience. The online link to that article is no longer available, so I've included the text below. Of note, a gentleman in a local retail store stopped me and asked, "Are you Nick … Continue reading How I Survived the Worst Day of My Life
Why Atheism Failed Me – Pt 1 of 3
All I am doing is to ask people to face the facts—to understand the questions which Christianity claims to answer. And they are very terrifying facts. I wish it was possible to say something more agreeable. But I must say what I think true. C. S. Lewis; Mere Christianity For some, atheism works. For … Continue reading Why Atheism Failed Me – Pt 1 of 3
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
Don’t Be Afraid: answering a great question about the loss of a child During the summer of 2019, I gave my presentation on suicide awareness & intervention at the YWCA here in Lubbock. About 30 teens attended. What a precious group! One girl raised her hand toward the end of the talk and asked, “Can … Continue reading Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
When & How Do I Talk to my Child About the topic of Suicide?
After speaking in public schools on this topic I am often asked by students and parents a number of questions I don't have time to address in my presentation. I thought I would offer brief answers to one of those questions here in 2 parts: When and How Should I Talk to my Child About … Continue reading When & How Do I Talk to my Child About the topic of Suicide?
What to Say to a Person Considering Suicide
Here's the scenario... You have good reason to believe (or, at least, strongly suspect) a friend or loved one is considering taking their own life. First of all, should you say anything? YES. Always err on the side of caution. If you're wrong, you've lost nothing. But, if you're right - you've just might have … Continue reading What to Say to a Person Considering Suicide
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
The God Who Hurts Us
“Yet is was the Lord’s will to crush [his Son] and cause him to suffer...” (Isaiah 53:10) I’ve studied the book of Job (the “o” in “Job” is long as in “stove”) numerous times. But, until recently, I haven’t had the courage to read it devotionally (daily readings) since 2013 when my 19 year old … Continue reading The God Who Hurts Us
Wall Street Journal: How to Spot Teen Depression
This article from the Wall Street Journal appeared in their May 5, 2018, edition. For your convenience, the entire article is included here. Depression is the number one mental condition associated with suicide. nw How to Spot Teenage Depression New guidelines focus on helping better identify teens who may be struggling with depression, as rates … Continue reading Wall Street Journal: How to Spot Teen Depression
Wall Street Journal: Increase in Teen Suicidal Behavior
The Wall Street Journal article below appeared in their May 18, 2018, edition. I have included the article in its entirety here for your convenience. nw LIFE Youth Suicidal Behavior Is on the Rise, Especially Among Girls Suicide was the second-leading cause of death among 10- to 24-year-olds in 2016, up from third place in … Continue reading Wall Street Journal: Increase in Teen Suicidal Behavior