Souls In Anguish

I was just thinking about…

Yesterday, a man in Rochester, New Hampshire held several people hostage in a Political Campaign Office. It was commendable that no physical harm was done to anyone. What caused this man to take this drastic action? Why did he indicate he would blow himself up? What issues provoked his behavior? In a telephone call to CNN, he indicated he had Mental Health needs that required attention and he wasn’t able to get the help he needed. In this strange incident, this depressed man seems to have been crying our for help – and – was being ignored by those who could give it. Thus – his threatening and menacing behavior.

Mental health matters impact many people, especially during the holidays. Such times may evoke loneliness; failures of the past; loss of loved ones; missed opportunities. Even within the professional ranks, depression is a reality. A study by the Mental Health Administration (2004-2006) found that nearly two out of ten who serve in the personal care and service profession reported being depressed. Major depression strikes 17 percent of Americans and government figures show about 30,000 a year commit suicide, according to USAToday.

I remember my Grandmother using a phrase often with us about people of different walks and backgrounds. She would say: “They are more to be pitied than laughed at!” In the rush of our lives and the multitude of our activities, we need to notice others around us and give due consideration to those we might deem to be dysfunctional, or even a bit “weird”! Those who honor Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord would do well to remember the Scriptures that touch on these areas that impacts different ones:

· "The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18).

· "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones" (Proverbs 17:22).

· "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed: perplexed but not in despair" (2 Corinthians 4:8).

Whether we say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays”, for some of our acquaintances and neighbors it is anything but a merry or happy time. We need to be deliberate in doing our part to lift up the troubled spirit and to help bear the burden of the troubled soul. Sometimes, those who need the assistance and help the most will reject your effort and offer. But – keep on trying! You may be the only one who demonstrates care! Don’t give up! Do what you can to have a positive thrust into another’s life. It could be a life or death struggle that you have helped to avert.