As the chaplain for the Owen County Sheriff’s Department I have been called out for various reasons.  Two years ago when a tornado ripped through McCormick’s Creek State Park just a mere mile away from my house, I was called out when they found a couple dead from a fallen tree. They had not responded to the emergency “find shelter!” even though law enforcement and park personnel went from camper to camper knocking on doors and yelling at the top of their lungs. I was called to the scene. A few days later we had an “intervention” for first responders where they were able to express their thoughts and latent reactions in a safe environment. 

I was called to the scene of a car accident where a young lady lost control (they are not sure why she was driving there) and went over an embankment. I was called to be with the family and friends to somehow offer help. (Sadly, I don’t think I did very well with that situation). 

Late yesterday evening I was asked to come to a house where a young man had taken his life. A friend found him after the mother and brother had received an ominous text. The mother was not home and the brother is in another state vacationing probably 13-14 hours away. 

I’m not going to give any more details. It is not necessary and I don’t want to betray any confidence. What hurts me is what seems to be more and more common these days. The reasons are various as to why someone-male, female, young, old, healthy, not-so-healthy, well-adjusted, or people with mental issues-see suicide as a way out. I’m not speaking about those who shoot up a scene or target someone and then turn the gun on themselves. I will reserve my comments on them. It is those who act alone, maybe on a whim or after contemplating for awhile, who think life isn’t worth living, that do this irreversible deed. 

As a pastor I am often asked about suicide. I had someone just recently, after a suicide touched his family, pose this question to me: “I was raised (gave the name of a church group) and was always told suicide was a ticket straight to hell. What do you think?” My answer was simple: “I don’t agree with that. The taking of a life is serious, but I am not in that person’s mind or shoes. There are compound reasons for that to happen. Only God knows and I will allow Him to be the judge.” I would say the same about this current situation. I did not know the young man or his family. I did hear of some heart-breaking history, but again, I am not the judge. 

Be careful judging. Remember there are always two sides to every story. Instead, I would ask you to pray for this young man’s family and friends.