Prayers in the Darkness

The GO train commute back and forth to work in Toronto is a necessary evil for daughter Jocelyn, who lives in Oshawa. Last week her one-hour trip homeward became three and a half hours of standing in a sardine can when the train came to a stop between stations. They were told rather cryptically that it was due to an intruder on the tracks, a description of a suicide-by-train. Joc realized immediately what had transpired and text-messaged me. She was thinking of a family we care about a great deal who went through the loss of a son several years ago in a similar way, at almost the same location,  and close to Christmas. I was touched that rather focus on the inconvenience she was aware of the loss.

I have been thinking about this incident ever since, and about the family we know as well. At the time of their loss I was deeply moved by their dignity in the midst of tremendous suffering. They had supported their loved one in every way imaginable but it wasn't enough to stave off the darkness of mental illness and his choice to end the pain. I don't know how they found their way forward, although they credit the support of their community, including their congregation, for strength.

I could say a lot about the provision or lack of provision of mental health services in this province, the stigma which discourages many to seek help, the consequences of what seems like a simple way out for so many. I hadn't set out to write successive blog entries on mental health issues, but it is important to name this reality in our culture.

Today I would rather encourage you to pray for those who are living with depression and mental illness in a time of the year which many consider hopeful and joyful.  Pray for families who will be changed forever by the death of a loved one at his or her own hand, and that healing will happen in their spirits. Pray that every in every congregation, every community of Christ, those who are struggling will know they are loved.