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
Suicide
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
Our True North: the Word of God
After our son, Jordan, took his life the earth shifted underneath our feet. Our world was turned upside down. We soon took scripture printed on copy paper and taped it to every door-jam, every mirror, every cabinet door - you get the idea. (A few of them are in the very spot we placed them … Continue reading Our True North: the Word of God
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 of 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 of 2
The Frightening Thought of Being Used by God
Have you ever believed in something so strongly, so passionately, you wanted the entire world to know about it? I told my wife, Michelle, "You know - when you have a cause you strongly believe in, you want to get the word out to the masses. But, when it does begin to get out to … Continue reading The Frightening Thought of Being Used by God
Netflix’s “13 Reasons Why” is not merely Dark, it’s Dangerous
"Welcome to your tape." If you've had the opportunity to view Netflix's white-hot series, 13 Reasons Why, you'll have no problem understanding the quote cited above. If you're unfamiliar with the series, it's a 13 part Netflix original fictional series about teenage bullying and suicide. The series, based on the 2007 book by Jay Asher, … Continue reading Netflix’s “13 Reasons Why” is not merely Dark, it’s Dangerous
“Awakenings” (sermon excerpt)
From a Roman prison Paul wrote, "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened [flooded with light] in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you,..." (Ephesians 1:18) Below is the link to the final 9 minutes of the sermon I preached this past Sunday. What you … Continue reading “Awakenings” (sermon excerpt)