Turning the Tide on Suicide

With suicide at epidemic levels in the U.S., suicide is in the headlines,mainly when it's involves a celebrity. Well at least, until the next tragedy dominates the news. But the epidemic of self murder won't go away. This blog examines suicide myths & misinformation, facts, and helping

a suicidal loved one.

Suicide has been around since the beginning of time. In some instances, it is encouraged as a way to preserve one's honor. During war we hear the term "falling on your sword." Seppuku or harakiri, a form of Japanese ritual disembowelment, was originally reserved for

Samurai, but later was practiced among Japanese civilians presumably to restore honor to

oneself or one's family. The Apostle Paul even entertained the thought of it but decided he needed to stick around for a while. "21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me." (Phil. 1:21-26).