
What Suicide Can Teach Us About Being a Light
Some of you may be surprised how hard I’ve been hit by the tragic news of the suicide of Chester Bennington, the lead singer of the band Linkin Park. This was a band I listened to during my adolescence, a time of turmoil and angst like it is for many other teens. I didn’t really know the Lord during my early teens, and so secular music was all I listened to. This was a band that helped me through some pretty rough times.
Suicide Affects Everyone
Chester Bennington died in a tragic way that no one should ever have to experience. He committed suicide. He hanged himself. Sounds pretty heavy, right? Not something we tend to talk about in prayer circles or Sunday breakfast clubs.
And that’s exactly what’s wrong with our culture.
Bennington is not the only celebrity to suffer from depression and commit suicide. Think of Robin Williams, Kurt Cobain, or L’Wren Scott. Think of the rise in Christian pastors struggling with depression and suicide.
Suicide isn’t just something that happens to “really messed up” people. It happens to our neighbors, our pastors, our friends, and our family. And now with shows like 13 Reasons Why, suicide and self-harm is more glamorized than ever. Suddenly young people are becoming desensitized to the consequences of these actions. After all, what harm could it be if all of the celebrities and cool TV characters are doing it?
The most important thing to remember is that suicide is never an isolated incident. We all feel the ripple effects, whether we are close family, a neighbor, or a fan of the person’s art. Suicide affects everyone.
The Calling
If there’s one thing I’ve noticed, it’s that after a celebrity or prominent person of society dies or commits suicide, suddenly everyone decides that now is the time to reach out and show their love. I’m not saying that it is bad to pay your respects when someone dies, or that it means you didn’t do anything to help when they were alive. But if you take a moment to search Chester Bennington’s name in Twitter, you will find an outpouring of love and concern that you just normally wouldn’t see.
The question I’m wondering is, why can’t we always be like this?
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5: 14-16 NIV)
As Christians, we have an amazing calling. We are called to be lights in this dark world. Imagine a world where every Christian encouraged at least one person every day. Instead of just waiting for tomorrow, why aren’t we expressing our love for one another right now? Why aren’t we forgiving one another and expressing our love today?
I don’t say this to be critical. I say this because I know I need it too. One of Linkin Park’s latest songs is called One More Light, and I find it to be a song of both sadness and inspiration. It’s a wake-up call, for you and for me.
Becoming The Light
I struggled with depression in high school and college, especially when my chronic health issues developed. Thankfully I have been healed of it by God’s grace, therapy, and supportive family and friends. But I still remember how the darkness haunted me. I wasn’t pulled as deep into the shadows as some people are, but I know enough to realize that we can’t ignore this issue any longer.
We don’t have to wait until another person commits suicide to start caring about the depressed and those struggling with mental health issues. We don’t have to wait until one more light goes out before we do something. You and I can be a light for Jesus right now, and it doesn’t have to be difficult. Just find one person to encourage today.
Find one person and tell them that they matter. Because every soul matters to God, and He wants their light to shine eternally.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below 🙂
Note: If you or someone you know is depressed or feels suicidal, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. You don’t have to fight this alone.
Connect with me on Instagram @fearfullywonderfullyme
SUBSCRIBE BY EMAIL so you never miss a post!


10 Comments
Courtney
Excellent post Emily – this is definitely a much needed one with so many teens and people in general struggling with suicide and self harm! I haven’t seen or read Thirteen Reasons Why, but I have heard people say that it glamorizes/glosses over suicide, which is truly concerning.
I love how you advised Christians to show kindness to people every day – and not just in the aftermath of tragedy. If we all did that, the world would be a much better place! Keep up the good writing!
fearfullywonderfullyme
Thank you Courtney! Unfortunately, there are so many people struggling with these issues. But we can be the light! I personally haven’t watched 13 Reasons Why because I have friends who said it was very triggering. It’s definitely something we need to educate kids and teens on.
KathrinS
You’re absolutely right that more people commit suicide when either someone close to them or someone famous has done it. That’s really scary, so thanks for raising awareness about this!! So tragic.
Kathrin — http://mycupofenglishtea.wordpress.com
fearfullywonderfullyme
Yes, especially with teens who do not have the executive thinking capacity to realize the consequences of their actions. Thank you for commenting! Raising awareness, praying, and being a light to others will definitely help!
Nikki O.
I wrote a comment but it didn’t go through 😢 trying this agAin lol.
I wanted to thank you for writing this post, what really stood out to me was when you spoke about how people tend to speak out about an issue when a famous person dies. It convicted me because that is so true… We need to start valuing people’s lives and souls as much as Jesus does.
Nikki
herdaringthoughts.blogspot.com
fearfullywonderfullyme
So true Nikki! While no one can be perfect at it, we do need to step up by spending time with Jesus and letting that rub off in our interactions with others. God bless you!
ropheka
The greatest treasure is love. The only way to enlarge our treasure is by sharing it with others. Joseph a son of Jehovah
fearfullywonderfullyme
That’s so true! Keep on sharing it Joseph.
Dan Antion
You never know how much impact a simple act of kindness can have. With that thought in mind, I try to act accordingly.
fearfullywonderfullyme
Exactly Dan! Each act of love ripples into eternity.