Yesterday I saw a large number of police cars with lights flashing at a rundown shack near Bentonia MS. I thought that possibly they got caught for selling drugs but when I bought some boiled peanuts down the road a little ways the guy selling them told me that a 12 year old boy had committed suicide. As I prayed for the youngster I couldn’t help but wonder what his reasons were for taking this tragic action.
I have found through the years that suicide is a last resort. Obviously, the child had given up all hope. My brother’s suicide loomed heavily on me. I believe Jim had lost all hope and just wanted peace. He was 52 and it is hard to believe after all these years that he is gone. It is one thing for someone who is 52 to commit suicide but entirely another for a little kid to do it.
I wonder if his parents feel the same trauma as I feel or was the child being sexually abused or maybe his parents were beating him. I don’t suppose I’ll ever know. Fortunately, I do know that he is with Jesus in heaven and has found his peace. I’m certain he had not reached an age of accountability. As I prayed for him yesterday I saw him sitting on the lap of Jesus Christ being comforted. Jesus will take care of him for eternity and this little boy had his hope restored. I admit there were tears in my old eyes as the tragedy unfolded around me, but I thought of the following verse, and I was immediately calm.
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Have a great weekend and go to church this Sunday!