From Tomorrow

There are certain organizations that I believe in and admire whole-heartedly. Compassion, in case you haven't figured it out yet, is one of them. One of the others is To Write Love On Her Arms, "a nonprofit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide."

Today is the climax of a campaign they're calling "We'll See You Tomorrow," intended to highlight World Suicide Prevention Day. 

"Hope always involves tomorrow. It’s choosing to believe that things can change, that tomorrow can look different than today." (Read more here.)

Due to being an unemployed college student, I can't give financially, so I'll give what I have: my story. 

You'll see me tomorrow because I know what it is to not want tomorrow. I've felt the pain that comes from losing hope, from feeling like the weight on your chest is all you'll ever know. I've been trapped in that endless night, and I can say one thing; I would give anything so someone else doesn't have to do that alone. 

You'll see me tomorrow because I know I'm not the only one. I know there are a countless number of silent sufferers who think that they are the only ones that feel that way. I'm here to tell you that sometimes the brightest smiles hide the darkest lives. I know how scary it can be when you know that no one really knows you, and I'm here to tell you, yes, you, that I see you. I understand. You don't have to hide. It will be difficult, but if you'll let someone else in on your hurt, they won't run, no matter what those voices are telling you. Hurting is not something to be ashamed of, because chances are they're hurting, too. 

You'll see me tomorrow because tomorrow is not an accident. We talked about it in Bible study last night, and it's true, God does not give us accidental days. He's not that teacher interested in busy work. He could have saved us and taken us to Heaven right that second, but He didn't. Each morning that you wake up He has a purpose for that day. It's sounds cliched, but I beg you to believe it's true, your life is not worthless. It's not pointless. The lies that tell you that it is are just that-lies. 

You'll see me tomorrow because tomorrow does not belong to me. I fully believe that a big part of God's purpose not just for my life, but specifically for my pain, is so that it would help someone else. See, my tomorrow is not mine-it belongs to every person I encounter. That woman that dropped her papers. That little girl that just wanted someone to notice her. Those dozens of little influences and those special few pivotal moments. If my tomorrow helps someone else hold onto theirs, then it is a life well spent.

You'll see me tomorrow because Christ bought my tomorrow. See, my darkness was too heavy for me so Christ took it upon himself and he defeated it. Even though it feels insurmountable, my depression is a guest, and one day it'll be kicked out for good because Christ used His own blood to buy my freedom. He bought me, and all my tomorrows, and I am His. Philippians 1:6 says that He will finish what He started, which means that even though I can't see my tomorrow, He already has and it is secure. 

If you can't see your tomorrow, please know this:
You are not alone. 
You are not an accident.
You are seen and known. 
This, too, shall pass.
Christ will carry you through. 

I'll finish up with the quote that started it all. 

“Above all else, we choose to stay. We choose to fight the darkness and the sadness, to fight the questions and the lies and the myth of all that’s missing. We choose to stay, because we are stories still going. Because there is still some time for things to turn around, time for surprises and for change. We stay because no one else can play our part.

Life is worth living.

We’ll see you tomorrow."