When It Rains It Pours
Posted on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 by
By Claire Froehlich, Juvenile Justice Ministry Chaplain / Site Director
When it rains it pours. Just as my mom entered the last days of her life, news came that one of our guys who had recently recommitted his life to Christ was shot in Denver. Then the girls facility called to let me know “Brianna’s” adopted brother killed himself and she wanted to talk.
“Do people who commit suicide go to heaven?”
“I don’t have a special view into heaven but I do know that Jesus is the true judge of every person, and he knows your brother’s situation, his depression and his heart. I know Jesus will judge him with more love, mercy, grace and understanding than we can ever dream or hope for.”
“I feel bad for his wife and kids. His real dad committed suicide and he knew how much that hurt him. I can’t believe he would do that to his little girls.”
“I don’t think he wanted to do it, when you’re in a depressed mindset, it is hard to think clearly. But it may signal that there is some mental illness in his family history. With all you’re learning about yourself, I know you could be a wonderfully comforting and encouraging aunt to his girls as they grow up.”
“I don’t understand everything about God but it does feel nice to know there is a person to comfort me…not just an ‘energy force’ or ‘karma’. I feel bad but I just can’t read the Bible right now.”
“That’s okay sweetheart. That’s what me and other people are here for…to be Jesus with skin on until you can.”
We cried and hugged and said a prayer for her brother and family and my mom. Moments like this sharpen my focus on what’s important: Jesus and his wonderful kingdom where He promises suffering and death will end and He will wipe every tear from their eyes. I want to see all of them know the wonders and depths of His joy and love!
Thank you for being a part of the ongoing conversation with youth just like Brianna in our city and helping us share God’s story. It's our honor to be the storytellers on your behalf who meet kids right where they are and give life to their story.
Providing young people in our community with the opportunity to make an informed decision to be a follower of Jesus Christ and become part of a local church.