Warmth In a Lonely World – You Are Not Alone

Warmth In a Lonely World – You Are Not Alone

I took this photograph over two months ago and have sat down on three separate occasions, with it before me, to write an article for this site.  Each time my attempt failed as a stupor of thought clouded my mind.  “Why can’t words come regarding this image?”  Then I asked myself, “For what purpose was it taken?”

The answer flooded my mind as I awoke in the early dawn this morning.  Those things I am to write about are clear as a cloudless day and so difficult to place down upon this page, yet I am unable to ignore the message in fear that someone out there is meant to receive it.   This message deals with suicide.

The word alone is ominous and scary and I, myself, have never been to that dark and clouded space.  However, this subject is one that touches the lives of almost every soul.  Even if you do not know someone personally who has left this world intentionally, surely you know of someone.  Just this past week I have had conversations with two friends who had come to the brink of executing such finality to their earth life.  Because of the sacredness of their trial (and I use this word instead of shame as the world might) I wish to show great respect for their situations, but even more so, greater admiration and AWE for the strength it took to not follow through with their plans and their shear COURAGE to continue on.  Yes, they each traveled through that great darkness and found that the clouds did eventually clear and they were able to feel warmth in this world once again.

Writing this, I continue to glance back at the photograph.  Tears stream down my face knowing that to some it will represent a symbol of loneliness and loss.  However, to others, that bench is a place where they can go to gain rest from their weary journey, to view a spectacular world from high on a hill.  It is a place where those two friends of whom I’ve spoken can go to if they so choose, for they are still here with us.   Yet, how many people have loved ones who did not make it through that darkness and will not share the warmth of the sun and another day?  My sadness is deep and great for those who are left behind to deal with such tragedy.

When clouds cover our world it can be a very cold and dark place.  I believe the message I’m compelled to share is that clouds are temporary.  They continue to move and are, to a degree, an illusion.  Although they truly exist, just as our problems do, we cannot reach up and take them down.  It is impossible to grasp one.  Behind those clouds there is also a God who we cannot reach out and grasp, but that does not make him any less real. Clouds cannot block us from his view, He sees our condition and knows our needs.  Even though we may not feel his presence at times, He is still there and will send his warmth, comfort and peace through the unexpected.  Using family, friends, or even strangers, He will send his earthly angels to place a warm embrace around us, to help hold us up or shelter us through those cold moments.

There is a certain amount of irony to this story following the previous one titled “Strength in Numbers.”  We are not expected to carry the weight of the world on our own.  It is in solitary silence that the battles are usually lost.  We are born to families, and if for some reason our families are not there, we must create extended families through our church, work, or community associations.  It is important to know that we are not alone, even in the darkest of hours when clouds may hinder our judgment.  It is vital to let others in so they can help us make it out.  And if we are on the outside looking in at another struggling in silence, we should not be afraid to reach in and be one of God’s Angels to offer a warm embrace long enough for those dark clouds to part.

In Other’s Words:

“Ah, Hope! What would life be, stripped of thy encouraging smiles, that teach us to look behind the dark clouds of today, for the golden beams that are to gild the morrow.”

~ Susanna Moodie~