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Homeless in America
Junior Warriors for God recently made their second trip to El Paso, TX to distribute homeless care packages. Some of the comments from the JWFG youth described the grief they felt seeing the people on the streets, the sadness in the homeless people’s eyes, the conditions we saw them living in – under bridges and on benches, and the joy the strangers experienced when they were given their packages. One woman told Hailey that she hadn’t received a present in years. Another man began to cry as we handed him a Bible and promised we would pray for him. Two older men were found outside a homemade pallet house under a bridge and were grateful and acted cheerful from receiving their gifts.
The United States reports that 28 percent of homeless suffer from mental illness, 22 are physically disabled, 15 percent were victims of domestic violence, and 13 percent were veterans. Sadly, children are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. Homeless youth are estimated to be near two million and are more likely to be living on the streets than in shelters. They consist of runaways from an abusive home or have aged out of the foster care system. (Martin, 2018)
I hope this paints a picture of one severe problem in our country. As the price of housing and lack of affordable housing increases, more and more people will be living on the streets unless something is done to stop the projections. The threat of mental illness also poses a problem because of the lack of health care available to the poor.
There is more to the problem. Single mothers receive a median income of $26,000 but pay an average of $10,000 in childcare per year per child. Housing for a family of 2-3 costs approximately $9,600 a year, excluding utilities. That leaves less than $600 a month for groceries, clothing, and transportation.
I urge you to consider helping those in need when you see them standing on the corners. Be aware of the statistics and find a way to help in homeless shelters or provide supplies. Provide blankets and food to those you see on the streets during the colder months and water during the summer. Pray for them and provide encouragement.
Martin, M.E. (2018). Introduction to human services: Through the eyes of practice settings (4th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson, Inc.
Adolescent Suicide in America
Suicide involves the intentional act a person takes to end their own life. Suicide among adolescents, specifically 10 to 24 years old, has become a serious public health concern in the United States. Risk factors include hopelessness, biological factors, social factors, depression, substance abuse, and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Since suicide accounts for more deaths among adolescents in the United States than all natural causes combined, it is imperative that effective prevention programs be implemented in schools, communities, and through all forms of media. Prevention efforts also include therapy and treatment for suicidal thoughts and behavior (STB) such as connectedness, attachment based family therapy (ABFT), integrated cognitive behavioral therapy (I-CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). It is crucial to establish effective and evidence-based programs in all communities to reduce the risk factors, attempts, and deaths of suicidal adolescents.
Adolescent Suicide as a Serious Health Concern
Suicide accounts for more deaths among 10-24 year olds than all natural causes combined (Joshi, Hartley, Kessler, & Barstead, 2015). The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports suicide rates in adolescents has increased 25% over the last 15 years. “As the second leading cause of death among adolescents in the United States, suicide remains a serious health concern” (Bloch, 2016, p. 773). A possible solution to the problem involves first understanding why the suicide rates in adolescents has increased to such proportions. Adolescents tend to display behaviors that are impulsive and egocentric to the point where they do not believe bad things can happen to them (Martin, 2018). Consider these natural tendencies of behavior while studying the risk factors affecting adolescent suicide.
Risk Factors Affecting Adolescent Suicide
Hopelessness
One in every seven youths has considered suicide and one out of every thirteen youths has attempted suicide in the last 12 months (Bloch, 2016). The leading factor differentiating the youths considering suicide from those who attempt suicide is the level of hopelessness they feel (Taliaferro & Muehlenkamp, 2014). Many youths today feel undervalued, unworthy, and unwanted which tends to leave them feeling like a burden on their family or community. When they feel disconnected from peers or family, feelings of hopelessness tend to overwhelm them, leading to negative thoughts and negative tendencies. Hopelessness can be linked with biological factors as well.
Biological Factors
“A prolonged sense of negative emotional states and social disconnection contribute to neurophysiological imbalances linked to many of the known precursors to suicide, such as depression, substance abuse, and persistent feelings of hopelessness” (Whitlock, Wyman, & Moore, 2014, p. 263). Padurariu et al. (2016) describes how serotonin amounts within blood platelets of tested suicide attempters reported considerably lower levels than a person with suicide ideation or without suicidal tendencies. Serotonin helps regulate mood and social behavior, as well as appetite, sexual desire, sleep, and memory. Abnormal levels of serotonin, usually lower levels, derive from stress, trauma, personality disorders, and alcohol abuse. Scientists have also found strong evidence supporting the association of dopamine receptors and oxytocin in the brain to suicidal ideation and suicide attempts (Padurariu et al., 2016). Another biological factor involves familial transmission. Children of suicide attempters have been shown to have more impulsive aggression and carry comorbid personality disorders that result in suicidal thoughts and behavior (STB). The family history tends to interfere with their ability to create stable, long-lasting relationships with family and friends, as well as health care professionals providing treatment (Rajalin, Hirvikoski, Salander, Asberg, & Jokinen, 2016).
Social Factors
Numerous social factors have been identified that increase the risk for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in adolescents, including divorce, bullying, peer victimization, family dysfunction, same-sex sexual attraction, and childhood physical and sexual abuse (Taliaferro & Muehlenkamp, 2014). The family environment can often predict STB when adolescents live within a low socioeconomic status or live with only one parent. In fact, female adolescents not living with their parents, or only one parent, and with a low income socioeconomic status are at an elevated risk of suicide (Im, Oh, & Suk, 2017). In addition, youth who experience a lack of connectedness with their parent(s), friends, or other social groups suffer one of the primary triggers for suicidal behavior: feelings of rejection and isolation. Interpersonal problems have been the most reported causes of suicide attempts in adolescents (Rajalin et al., 2016). In 1897, sociologist Emile Durkheim argued that suicide resulted from lack of social connection to others and low behavioral control. Apparently, this theory remains the same today. When an adolescent’s desire for warmth, affection, attachment, and support are unsatisfied, then their negative tendencies and thoughts increase and can lead to depression (Whitlock et al., 2014).
Depression
The life of a teenager can be stressful as they experience changes in hormones and physical body changes and irritability levels increase. Roughly 80% of adolescents suffering from depression can also be classified with an anxiety disorder. When an adolescent combines their natural impulsiveness and dramatic behavior with anxiety and depression, an increased risk of suicide may occur. Fifty percent of suicide completers suffered from depression (Padurariu et al., 2016). Other common risk factors associated with depression that adolescents experience include low self-esteem, eating disorders, and sleep deprivation. These factors tend to manifest self-destructive behavior (Martin, 2018).
Substance Abuse
Mental health conditions combined with substance abuse attribute to 75% to 90% of the deaths caused by suicide. Adolescents who participate in substance abuse are more likely to have suicide ideation, especially between the ages of 13 and 16 years old (Im et al., 2017). Substance abuse can be the determining factor between suicide ideation and a suicide attempter. 74% of high school seniors have used alcohol and 40% have experimented with illegal drugs (Martin, 2018). Within all age groups, 30% of completed suicides showed close to the legal blood alcohol limits, or higher (Padurariu et al., 2016). Another epidemic sweeping across the United States effecting adolescent suicide rates involves opioid abuse. Opioids include substances that act on the opioid receptors in the brain and have primarily been used for pain relief. Between 2005 and 2010, there were 4,186 calls to poison centers across the United States as a result of opioid abuse in adolescents. Out of the calls, 30% of the patients claimed to suffer from depression and the prescription medication being used did not belong to them. Over 35% of adolescents admitted to abusing opioid prescriptions they were prescribed to treat headaches and admitted over-using the prescription medication to treat the anxiety they felt (Sheridan et al., 2016).
Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI)
Another type of self-destructive behavior that has been shown to lead to suicide ideation or suicide attempts is non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). NSSI involves hurting oneself without suicidal intent by use of scratching, cutting, burning, or hitting. NSSI has very similar risk factors as suicidal behavior, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, hopelessness, and physical and sexual abuse. “Adolescents with a past suicide attempt report greater levels of anxious and depressed symptoms and are more likely to report a history of abuse than those with a history of NSSI” (Wolff et al., 2013, p. 1005). Prior history of NSSI has been used to predict suicides. In fact, 70% of adolescents who engage in NSSI also have a history of a suicide attempts (Wolff et al., 2013).
Preventing Adolescent Suicide
Knowing and understanding the risk factors of adolescent suicide allow schools, parents, and human service professionals to be cautious of at-risk youth and focus on preventing STB and attempts. The prime location to exert efforts of prevention is in schools where adolescents spend most of their time.
Suicide Awareness Curricula
School-based suicide prevention programs efficiently provide cost-effective ways to influence adolescents since they spend most of their day inside a classroom. Curriculum should include four components of health promotion, prevention education, intervention, and postvention. The goal of school-based programs allows for students to become more aware of signs and symptoms of suicide where they can recognize suicidal behavior in themselves and their peers. Understandably, adolescents will not seek treatment if they cannot recognize the symptoms. The American Foundation of Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has created a 75-minute program developed for high school students and teachers that alerts both groups to common symptoms of depression and anxiety. The emphasis is on providing students with hope and options for treating depression and the importance of asking for help when they see symptoms in themselves or their friends (Katz et al., 2013).
Screening
When STB symptoms arise, an effective prevention method involves screening the adolescent to determine if they need treatment. Screening consists of a questionnaire that analyzes the level of risk for suicide based on the adolescent’s answers. Risk factors are determined from the screening, such as depression, substance abuse, past suicidal behavior, and physical abuse. TeenScreen has been a leading program in the United States used by both outpatients and schools (Katz et al., 2013).
Skills Training
Skills training helps prevent suicide by increasing protective factors. Programs teach adolescents coping skills, problem solving, decision making, and cognitive skills. Skills training does not directly prevent suicide but instead attacks the risk factors of STB. The Care, Assess, Respond, Empower (CARE) program identifies high-risk youth through a computer-based suicide assessment interview. The program provides for a safe environment to share and encourage positive coping and help seeking behavior. The goal of the CARE program is to reduce suicidal behavior and establish treatment options for adolescents. CARE has shown to reduce levels of depression and anger in youth (Katz et al., 2013). The Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center introduced a screening program in 2013 that delivers 93% accuracy in determining which patients are either suicidal, mentally ill but not suicidal, or neither. The program addresses a patient’s level of hope and anger, and the responses help diagnose levels of depression. The program detects signs of depression early so treatment can be provided before the patient becomes suicidal (Grose, 2016).
Gatekeeper
Gatekeeper training takes people who are considered natural helpers, including youth and adults, and trains them with knowledge and skills to detect symptoms of suicide within schools and communities. The Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) program has been used in schools and communities to refer adolescents with suicidal behavior to the appropriate source for analysis and treatment. The drawback with this program is whether the gatekeeper feels comfortable referring the at-risk student to seek help. It does increase awareness in schools and provides better connection between students (Katz et al., 2013).
Peer Leadership Training
Another program found within schools and communities, called peer leadership training, puts students in a position to help suicidal peers and direct them to a trusted adult if they experience suicidal risk factors. Youth tend to feel more comfortable talking with peers about their suicidal thoughts. Sources of Strength (SOS) is a prevention program that uses protective factors within schools and communities to decrease risk factors, such as social isolation and ineffective coping skills. Peer leaders are selected by teachers and staff to encourage other students and build connectedness within the school environment where isolation would otherwise exist (Katz et al., 2013).
Social Media
In the last decade, youth have experienced a new influence in their lives with social media. Between Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, or MySpace adolescents now build relationships through a screen and have drifted away from face-to-face interaction. Social media has influenced people to post their feelings and life events, as well as relationship changes. As a result, technology has been developed and is now being utilized by social media platforms that allows for detection of suicidal thoughts among its users. When a person posts their feelings online, social media sites now use an algorithm as a way of identifying at-risk adolescents. Facebook and Google have both created a mechanism to provide information on suicide support options. As a result, when “suicide” is typed into the search engine, then a list of suicide and crisis hotline numbers will appear first on the page. Other organizations, such as Inspire Foundation USA and ReachOut.com, have plans to use social networking sites to target those who post suicidal thoughts on their social media pages. Fact sheets, web pages, and a youth advisory system are available to those who land on their search results when questioning suicide online (Cash, Thelwall, Peck, Ferrell, & Bridge, 2013).
Media and Television Influence
For several weeks during 2017, 13 Reasons Why held the ranking as one of the most popular shows watched on television and included a storyline about a teenage girl who killed herself. The show was promoted throughout the United States and watched by youth on Netflix (Feuer & Havens, 2017). The storyline involved a beautiful, smart, high school student who killed herself and left behind 13 tapes about how people contributed to her death. This show provides an example of how television does not help prevent suicide, but could be utilized as a prevention method if changes were made in future broadcasts regarding suicide. For six weeks following the release of 13 Reasons Why, clinicians reported a high level of calls and accounts of suicide attempts where children reported suicidal thoughts and behavior triggered by the series. Emergency services reported increases in the volume of patients attempting suicide. Copycat gestures were seen 30 days after the show’s release. Children in emergency rooms reported making suicide attempts because of the show (Feuer & Havens, 2017). Media and television have the potential of directing suicidal thoughts into positive coping behavior and hope for those with mental illnesses. If media would not glorify suicide by describing the situation and death in detail, but instead connect the crisis to prevention and to groups and community-based services that can help, then adolescent viewers may see the alternatives to suicide. Media outlets and the entertainment industry could play such a vital role in influencing suicide prevention, depression, and mental health issues to the public.
Modifying the Environment
Adolescent females are more likely to report suicidal ideation and have suicide attempts than males but adolescent males are four times more likely to die by suicide. Males tend to use firearms to commit suicide which reduces the likelihood for surviving a suicide attempt, versus prescription drugs that females favor (Bloch, 2016). Therefore, limiting the access to firearms and prescription drugs in a youth’s environment could help reduce the deaths by suicide. Modifying the environment can also include providing a safe and sheltered environment for youth following a crisis or suicide in the community. Offering a safe haven for youth to turn to for counseling and therapy following a crisis will lower stress levels and anxiety and help them through a difficult or sad situation.
Adolescent Suicide Therapy and Treatment
Connectedness
In order to reduce the impact of suicide, the Surgeon General of the United States and Center for Disease Control have recognized suicide as a serious public health concern and emphasized the need for implementing public health-based solutions for treatment and intervention. They have identified connectedness as the focus for therapy and treatment for adolescents in the United States. Connectedness involves the feelings of closeness by caring and belonging to a group of individuals by which they receive and give trust, value, and respect. Children have a need for regular, positive experiences with others where stable and reciprocal care and concern are generously provided. Specifically, all people want to be valued and to feel important. When children are neglected, excluded, or ignored for long periods of time, depression usually develops. Most of the treatments designed for suicidal behavior involve connecting the adolescent to peers, academic programs, sports, church groups and having them become involved in meaningful activities (Whitlock et al., 2014). Involving the parents or family and training them to pay attention and communicate with their children becomes vital during treatment for STB. Having “strong ties with adults in key social settings enhance adolescent willingness to seek help for emotional problems, and for suicide concerns” (Whitlock et al., 2014, p. 264). Adolescents involved in school and social clubs feel they belong and are more likely to perceive social support as available. Furthermore, connectedness reduces suicidal thoughts through expanding social networks, increasing opportunities for adolescents’ suicidal behavior to be recognized, exposing them to positive coping skills, increasing positive emotions, defining purpose and significance, and increasing experiences of belonging to a group (Whitlock et al., 2014). Parental connectedness is an extremely powerful protective factor with adolescents. Suicidal youths rate their parents as having less warmth and empathy and providing little support or attention. Better quality relationships help adolescents cope with adversity and stress (Taliaferro & Muehlenkamp, 2014).
Attachment Based Family Therapy (ABFT)
A method of therapy that promotes relationships and designed to reduce depression and suicide risk in adolescents is Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT). This 12-16 week program strengthens the relationship and attachment between parent and child. Most of the time, families begin therapy believing the child causes their depressive state and suicidal thoughts but they leave therapy understanding that the family is the solution. Therapy connects the pain that both the adolescent and parents may be feeling and how they mutually desire a different and improved relationship and connection. The therapist helps the family with different ways of talking to and connecting with their child and parents receive emotion coaching. Again, connectedness is the focus of the therapy to draw the adolescent out of STB. As a result, suicide risks are reduced by increasing the adolescent’s sense of security, safety, and protection combined with the parent’s feelings of competence and connection (Singer, O’Brien, & LeCloux, 2016).
Integrated Cognitive Behavorial Therapy (I-CBT)
Integrated Cognitive Behavorial Therapy (I-CBT) confronts the combined risk factors of substance abuse and STB. Regardless of the link between the two and the standard practice of treating them separately, I-CBT addresses them both simultaneously. The therapy targets the maladaptive behavior common to both problems of substance abuse and SBT. For example, alcohol tends to cause disinhibition that increases the impulsiveness on suicidal thoughts. Alcohol inhibits the coping skills to handle suicidal thoughts and elevates the risk of suicide attempts. Drawing attention to the relationship between the two problems is important for therapists to clarify to adolescents. Adolescents tend to participate in substance abuse to associate with the negative views they hold of themselves, distract their thoughts away from stress or anxiety they may feel, or numb themselves of negative emotions. Again, parental involvement in I-CBT enhances the effectiveness of treatment in suicidal adolescents when therapists coach parents how to be buffers, rather than triggers. Parents can monitor their adolescent’s location and activities, effectively communicate concern and compassion, and build support for their child’s treatment (Singer et al., 2016).
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) was adapted from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as a treatment that combines behavioral science, dialectical philosophy, and Zen practice but with focus on adolescents who struggle with suicidality, self-harm, or chronic emotion dysregulation. DBT-A has been recently added to school-based curriculum but usually exists in inpatient or outpatient services with skill-based training groups. DBT-A focuses on mindfulness by experiencing thoughts and feelings without attaching judgment or negative thoughts to them. Through therapy, adolescents develop core skills to help them accept and tolerate pain better, as well as coping with difficult situations (Singer et al., 2016). They learn how to tolerate difficult feelings without becoming overwhelmed. Zen practice allows them to incorporate breathing exercises, positive imagery, prayer, and relaxation to convert negative thoughts to positive ones (Singer et al., 2016).
Conclusion
There remains a crucial need to provide evidence-based programs in communities and schools worldwide that will reduce risk factors, attempts, and deaths of suicidal adolescents. Clinicians seek more data from studies within schools and communities to better understand the risk factors, especially those that differentiate suicidal ideation from suicide attempts. The focus on preventing STB involves understanding the risk factors, looking for the symptoms, and becoming connected to adolescents where they feel wanted and valued. Offering parenting classes within communities could coach parents on ways they can connect with their children and improve awareness of their child’s emotions. Further research on anti-depressants and serotonin inhibitors could provide more options for the adolescents who suffer from depressive symptoms. Additional genetic testing and research could also allow for more answers on how adolescents could avoid familial transmission of STB. Speaking to government officials and encouraging more funding for mental health research could also make a difference in saving the lives of adolescents. If every person advocated for suicide awareness and prevention, more treatment options could be in the near future.
References:
Bloch, M. H. (2016), Editorial: Reducing adolescent suicide. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 57(7): 773–774. doi:10.1111/jcpp.12585
Briere, F.N., Rohde, P., Seeley, J.R., Klein, D., & Lewinsohn, P.M. (2015). Adolescent suicide attempts and adult adjustment. Depression and Anxiety, 32(4), 270-276. doi: 10.1002/da.22296
Cash, S.J., Thelwall, M., Peck, S.N., Ferrell, J.Z. & Bridge, J.A. (2013). Adolescent suicide statements on MySpace. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 16(3), 166-174. doi: 10.1089/cyber.2012.0098
Feuer, V., Havens, J. (2017). Teen suicide: Fanning the flames of a public health crisis. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 56(9), 723-724. doi: 10.1016/j.jaac.2017.07.006
Grose, T. (2016). Suicide Prevention. American Society for Engineering Education Prism, 26(4), 13.
Im, Y., Oh, W., & Suk, M. (2017). Risk factors for suicide ideation among adolescents: Five-year national data analysis. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 31(3), 282-286. doi: 10.1016/j.apnu.2017.01.001
Joshi, S. V., Hartley, S. N., Kessler, M., & Barstead, M. (2015). School-based suicide prevention: Content, process, and the role of trusted adults and peers. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 24(2), 353-370. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2014.12.003
Katz, C., Bolton, S., Katz, L. Y., Isaak, C., Tilston‐Jones, T., Sareen, J., & Swampy Cree Suicide Prevention Team. (2013). A systematic review of school‐based suicide prevention programs. Depression and Anxiety, 30(10), 1030-1045. doi: 10.1002/da.22114
Martin, M.E. (2018). Introduction to human services: Through the eyes of practice settings (4th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson, Inc.
Padurariu, M., Prepelita, R., Ciobica, A., Dobrin, R., Timofte, D., Stefanescu, C., & Chirita, R. (2016). Concept of suicide: Neurophysiological/Genetic theories and possible oxytocin relevance. Neurophysiology, 48(4), 312-321. doi: 10.1007/s11062-016-9603-9
Rajalin, M., Hirvikoski, T., Salander Renberg, E., Åsberg, M., Jokinen, J. (2017). Family history of suicide and interpersonal functioning in suicide attempters. Psychiatry Research, 247, 310-314. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.11.029
Sheridan, D. C., MD, Laurie, A., MS, Hendrickson, R. G., MD, Fu, R., PhD, Kea, B., MD, & Horowitz, B. Z., MD. (2016). Association of overall opioid prescriptions on adolescent opioid abuse. Journal of Emergency Medicine, 51(5), 485-490. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.06.049
Singer, J. B., O’Brien, K. H. M., & LeCloux, M. (2016). Three psychotherapies for suicidal adolescents: Overview of conceptual frameworks and intervention techniques. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 34(2), 95-106. doi: 10.1007/s10560-016-0453-5
Taliaferro, L. A., & Muehlenkamp, J. J. (2014). Risk and protective factors that distinguish adolescents who attempt suicide from those who only consider suicide in the past year. Suicide and Life‐Threatening Behavior, 44(1), 6-22. doi: 10.1111/sltb.12046
Whitlock, J., Wyman, P. A., & Moore, S. R. (2014). Connectedness and suicide prevention in adolescents: Pathways and implications. Suicide and Life‐Threatening Behavior, 44(3), 246-272. doi: 10.1111/sltb.12071
Wolff, J., Frazier, E.A., Esposito-Smythers, C., Burke, T., Sloan, E., Spirito, A. (2013). Cognitive and social factors associated with NSSI and suicide attempts in psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 41(6), 1005-1013. doi: 10. 1007/s10802-013-9743-y
Christian vs. Christian
Thomas Jefferson said “peace is that glorious moment in time when everyone stops and reloads”. This is so true today when there are so many controversies and agendas and divisions in our society. No peace and no unity. We can’t go on Facebook or Twitter or watch the news without witnessing the fights between pro-life and pro-choice, Democrats and Republicans, or right versus left. Everyone seems to voice their opinion and battles rage between believers, friends, and family over these opposing agendas and views.
Got Jesus?
I have found that the Bible can be pretty funny. It is comical to me reading Luke 2 when I hear about Mary and Joseph leaving the city of Jerusalem and traveling all day, several miles down the road, only to realize that their son is not with them and they don’t know where he is. First of all, this is THE Savior of the World!! How could you leave the temple with your people and not realize the most important person in the world is not with you? I can picture Mary looking at Joseph and asking, “Got Jesus?”
I Wish I Could Be Blameless!
I dream of the day when I can look around and see no fingers pointing at me. There would be no gossip or slander against me. There would be no broken hearts or testimonies of pain that I had caused. Honestly, I don’t see myself as a “bad person” but I am definitely not blameless! The Bible tells about Noah and Abraham and their righteous ways. I hear the words of Mary and Elizabeth and see their blameless lives and I’m filled with admiration. The fact that Noah built an ark as instruction from God and was miles from any body of water and had never seen rain fall from the sky sounds deranged to me. He didn’t question God but simply followed his instructions with obedience. Blameless! Abraham was fully dedicated to God’s cause and to serve Him. He obeyed the orders to kill his own son. Imagine the scene and the thoughts going through his head and the pain he must’ve felt for what he was about to do. Abraham had nothing to hide and he walked upright for God. He had a close relationship with his Lord which led to a blameless walk.
New Year with the Word
Why does our culture feel inclined to set goals only at the beginning of the year that are supposed to change their life? How many people actually stick to the new ideas, plans, and goals? Resolutions are defined as a firm decision to do or not do something. Statistically, most resolutions are at the beginning of a year and involve losing weight, stopping a bad habit, or achieving a goal for the year. Most new year resolutions do not continue past February when routines and hectic schedules change the priority of these goals and aspirations. People simply sink back into their normal ways of life and where they are comfortable.
The Aftermath of Suicide
I would have fainted, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13)
On December 9, 2014, I found my wife dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
On December 20, 2014, a minister’s words, as my sister said, “took the elephant out of the room.” Prior to the start of Clarissa’s memorial service, the first four friends I met in the church entryway asked, “what happened?” After all, she was only 56 years old, in apparent good health, and in their memories, a vibrant, beautiful, bright, talented, outgoing woman. No one who asked was aware of her longstanding battle with alcoholism, depression and although we remained married, the subsequent estrangement during the past two years.
Plug Into Me
Let’s consider what being a successful parent looks like. What is the ideal situation for kids when they turn 18 and leave home to start their lives? Most parents will answer that they want their kids to be independent – they want them to be able to handle situations on their own – figure problems out logically – and know what to do in a conflict. God expects the same for us as we grow as His children. Each one of us is expected to have strength and be independent….so that we can be stronger together and serve a truer purpose.
Standing Firm in Your Faith
In our ever changing world, Christians’ struggle to defend their faith in Jesus Christ is growing at record speed. Sure, God is the most powerful and doesn’t need defending but one of our jobs as Christians is to believe and make our belief known. There are millions of unbelievers in the world that either look at us like aliens or go a step further and want to hurt us because of our beliefs. The closer our relationship is to God, the more we will be criticized, persecuted, and judged as Christians.
Tools for Truth
In our everchanging world, Christians’ struggle to defend their faith in Jesus Christ is growing at record speed. Sure, God is the most powerful and doesn’t need defending but one of our jobs as Christians is to believe and make our belief known. There are millions of unbelievers in the world that either look at us like aliens or go a step further and want to hurt us because of our beliefs. The closer our relationship is to God, the more we will be criticized, persecuted, and judged as Christians.
Football is 2nd to Religion
As a Mom and owner of a business, I don’t have a lot of free time, so I choose my free-time activities wisely. Last Saturday, I decided to enjoy some college football. Since I only watch two teams play, TCU and Alabama, I decided to watch the Ole Miss versus Alabama game, which is usually pretty entertaining. This game, however, became very one-sided with Alabama defeating Ole Miss 66 to 3. It was a little embarrassing for Ole Miss. As I watched the game unfold, I started to wonder how a team, like Crimson Tide, can be so powerful. With that direction, I researched Nick Saban, Alabama’s coach since 2007. He not only has taken Alabama to the BCS National Championship three times and won the College Football Playoffs in 2015 but he also coached LSU to win the BCS National Championship in 2003. He is the only coach in history to win a national championship game with two different FBS schools. He is known as the greatest college football coach of all time.
Marriage Study – Win-Win Policy
Have you ever found yourself in a heated discussion with someone where you were determined to prove a point? Maybe you didn’t want to stop talking until they submitted and agreed that you were right? Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence in many relationships when two people have different opinions about an issue. It can be as simple as deciding where to eat for dinner or as complex as what investment to make together. A married couple often disagree about discipline for their children or financial issues and the discussion can easily lead to arguments and strong tension. God didn’t design husbands and wives to be resentful of each other or to have conflict. Rather, he designed Eve for Adam to have support. He didn’t want man to be alone and he knew Adam would face trials and tribulations and he would need a support system to help him through those times. From the beginning, God had a plan for man and woman to be a team and nurture and support each other (Genesis 2:24). How do we stay on the same team when we have different opinions, desire for control, cultural distractions in our lives, and an enemy who wants us to fail?
Fight for Faith
We have a battle raging around us in our world today that seems to be sucking the faith out of Christians and pulling them away from God. I see it in the workplace, in crowds, in churches, and in schools. More and more people are becoming more involved in fleshly desires and worldly needs and ignoring the eternal gifts that await them. In Ephesians 6:10-18, the first piece of armor Paul tells us to put on is the belt of truth. The truth is that our enemy wants us to fail. He wants to see broken marriages, addictions, idolatry, abusive behavior, and he wants us to be isolated so he can plan his attack. Our enemy wants us to fail at being who God wants us to be. As Paul describes in his letter, we are in a battle with an enemy who wants us to fail in our faith and our walk with God. Since the battle is against the father of lies then our defense should be the truth. John 8:32 says the truth will set you free.
Marriage Study – Ephesians 5
In studying a healthy marriage, we will look first at Ephesians 5:22-33. These verses relay a picture of a marriage under Christ, as Christ purposed marriage to be. This section has been very controversial because it discusses a husband submitting to a wife and a wife submitting to a husband. In our society today, both men and women tend to want leadership and dominance in their relationships and understanding this scripture has been a struggle for many. We will dissect what Paul is teaching so we can better understand marriage and submission.
Breastplate of Righteousness
We stand on a battlefield daily. We are faced with challenges from work, family, friends, and life itself. In the midst of tragedies, the battle is more prevalent and God’s armor is in more need than ever. In Ephesians 6, Paul describes the battle with the enemy as not a battle against flesh and blood but against the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces. When Hurricane Harvey hit the coast of Texas on August 25th, communities were destroyed and families were uprooted from their homes. Disaster struck at the heart and souls of millions. In the aftermath of Harvey hitting Houston, a slogan hit the pages of newspapers and websites, “Houston Strong”. Proverbs 10:25 says when the storm has swept by, the righteous stand firm forever. Read More
From the Eyes of a 12-Year Old
A year after my husband and I were pursuing a divorce, my daughter came to me with this testimony. She told me that she wanted to share her thoughts and feelings so that other families could benefit from a child’s perspective. She told me that she wishes the turmoil she had in her heart on no one. So I share her letter with you today.
It was a nice day in May of 2016 and I was relaxing in a hammock outside our house. My parents had been talking inside the house and had asked me, my brother, and my sister to leave. After about 20 minutes of lying in the hammock I heard their voices get louder and louder and then shouting started. My Mom stormed out of the front door with my Dad following. She jumped in her suburban and drove away. All I wanted to do that second was sprint to my grandma’s house and spend the night with her. But I couldn’t. Dad was upset and I had to stay with him. The next day, mom picked us up and drove us to the hotel she was staying at and let us swim in the pool. I didn’t understand and was worried where this might be going. Read More
Belt of Truth
Why is it that truth can sometimes be awkward? What did Apostle Paul mean when he mentioned the belt of truth? In his letter to Ephesus, Paul writes to the Ephesians instructing them to put on the full armor of God, starting with the belt of truth buckled around your waist (Ephesians 6:14). To understand the armor, first imagine the actual purpose of the belt and its importance to a Roman soldier. The belt carried the weight of the breastplate and the sheathe for the sword, both of which were very heavy. Truth can be a heavy burden for Christians. It sometimes comes with consequences that we don’t want to deal with. Truth can hurt. Whether it is telling someone what you think of them, or bringing attention to someone’s mistake or fault, it can cause pain – just as a belt can be uncomfortable. In our modern society, we twist words and justify actions in an awkward situation so we can float by on an altered truth or reality. But we shouldn’t be afraid to speak the truth, right? For Christians, Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit is with us to give us courage to speak the truth and with that we can shine as Christians. So why is it sometimes so difficult? Read More
Putting on the Armor
I sat in a large room with several other people, feeling defeated, confused, lost, and broken. I had been through a battle over the last 18 months where the values I held close were trampled and forgotten. I had almost lost my family due to some choices I had made and I had deserted my Mom who needed me more than ever, and for no reason that I could understand. It had been as if a blind fold was put over my eyes and my values & priorities had been crumpled up and thrown out the window. I had lost my purpose and my way and felt like a child being punished, sitting in the corner with a dunce hat on my head. But I listened to the bible study leader and heard Ephesians 6:10-20 for the first time and my life was turned around. I learned about a spiritual war that is taking place around us where Satan and his demons push temptation and turmoil to encourage us to fail as Christians. Ephesians 6 tells us about a struggle we all have with powers of a dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. I listened intently as I heard story after story from the people around me of how they experienced real life instances of these demons in their lives. I began to understand that what I had experienced was a spirit wanting me to pull away from God and the values I had held dear. Paul clearly states in Ephesians that the battle is not against flesh and blood or people, but against the rulers and authorities of this dark world. The more I understood about the truth, the less I blamed myself for my mistakes. Read More
Blessings of Tribulation
I was only 10 years old and kept asking myself, “how could God let this happen?” Yet our culture often asks the same question and tends to analyze why bad things happen to good people. Why do people have to suffer from cancer, or forms of abuse, or deprivation? So why is it that God lets bad things happen to good people or even innocent children?
Between the ages of 4-6 years old, I was sexually abused by a member of my family. I was threatened that if I ever told, my parents would be killed. I was also raised in an abusive home with a drug dealer for a Dad who would beat and rape my Mom in front of me. At 10 years old, I witnessed my Dad beating and strangling my Mom and almost killing her before I pulled her to the car to drive away. Then I watched days later as my Dad was shot as he attempted to kill my Mom and grandparents with a machete. I thought at such a young age that if there was a God, he didn’t care very much for children or at least rescuing them from the kind of life I had. Read More
Team Hoyt
With the motivation from my best friend, I became a runner three years ago. A little challenging at the beginning to just run a mile, I kept at it to build by endurance. I remember the day when I ran my first five miles without stopping and the cheerleader I had beside me pushing me to keep going. It was such an encouraging moment. I didn’t stop there though. I continued to build the distance and ran my first half marathon in October 2016 in honor of my Mom who I lost the month before to cancer. The point is, I went from barely making a mile to running over 13 straight, in just 18 months. When I ask my friends to run with me in a 5k and they decline because they can’t do it or because they are out of shape, I feel rejected. It’s not an honest answer. They CAN do it and I know it. So I wanted to share a story with you of true determination and love. Team Hoyt is an example of the impossible becoming possible. There are no excuses! God gave us the will and the way and we can run the race! Read More
Removing Technology in a Technology Dependent World
Do you remember the days of the past when we didn’t rely on cell phones to get us places or remind us to do things or to answer every little question that arises in our day? You may be too young to know such a time existed. But we used to rely on pay phones and paper maps and asking people for directions. I remember hearing a new word and pulling the dictionary off the shelf to find the meaning. When I traveled with my family or friends we would carry on a conversation most of the time and share memories and stories or play road games. When I had dinner with a friend we would talk about our lives and discuss real world events. These days I don’t see that very often. I can walk into a restaurant and see faces buried into cell phones with very little talking going on. I see people walking down the street or riding in cars with their heads down and fingers touching the screen of a device in their hands. I know parents who give their children devices to keep them quiet on road trips. I get it. I used to be one of those. Read More
All is Well
I pray today for peace. Not world peace but simply peace in our hearts. We all carry such heavy burdens every day and battle with such crazy thoughts in our heads. Some of us may be worrying about our jobs or our families. We may have a broken heart from losing someone close to us or being hurt in a relationship. We may carry guilt from the past that is a heavy weight on our minds and hearts. Thoughts are running through our minds all day of what we should do with our worry or our pain. What can we do to stop obsessing over the hurt or the problems we face in our lives? Let me tell you, I’m there with you. Most of the time, I can’t even quiet the thoughts in my mind to know what direction I’m going. On top of that, most of us may have kids, work, spouse, church, community, friends, family, deadlines, dinner plans, weekend agenda, vacation schedules, and on and on. I have carried the guilt and the pain and the tremendous weight of it all. It’s exhausting. Read More
Brain Power to Save Marriages & Lives
by Ginger Turner
In a society where more and more people are giving up on their marriage or giving up on life altogether, I felt such a need to understand why. The divorce rate is at its highest and suicide is now the 8th leading cause of death. Why such an increase in these fatal outcomes? I have lost a brother to suicide and almost killed my own marriage and I see so many people around me struggling with the same problems. In my research, I discovered that suicide and divorce can be the end result that is triggered by the improper function of a specific part of the brain. Read More
Slave to Sin
Would you rather be slave to sin or to righteousness? Do you know the difference? In Romans 6:16 Paul describes how we can offer ourselves to someone to obey them and we can be slaves of sin or righteousness…slaves to Satan or Jesus. Can we be obedient to two masters? Would you rather be a slave to Satan who makes promises he cannot deliver or to Jesus who provides freedom and eternal life? Romans 6:23 tells us for the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ. Think of wages that we work to earn. Every day we go to work and are slaves to the corporate world or the government and at the end of our lives we cash in our wages for death. Jesus offers us a a life of righteousness and at the end eternal life. Nothing in return from us. Read More
Ephesians – Submission
by Bret Collier
In order to have a healthy church, we are to submit to one another, Ephesians 5:21. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Last week we learned that in order to have a healthy marriage, wives are to submit to the husbands and the husband is to love the wife as Christ loved the church. Read More