Column by First Presbyterian Church Pastor Stewart Rawson: Pay attention to those in your life who are struggling

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. As a pastor who has served in the church for many years, I can't think of a family that has not been touched by suicide. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has a website (samhsa.gov) dedicated to providing helpful information and resources. Their website reminds us that setting aside September allows us the opportunity to remember the lives lost to suicide, to acknowledge the millions who have wrestled with suicide and to raise awareness about suicide and the resources that are available to help.

My senior year in college, one of my closest friends died by suicide. It was in December, a few weeks before exams, and the small college I attended was in shock. I was one of the last people to talk to David; we met up at a fraternity party the night before. David and I were in the basement, and we talked for quite a while about life, relationships and disappointments. Like many who have dealt with a suicide, I have replayed our conversation for the last 30 years, wondering what I missed, thinking about what I should have seen. This is a natural response to such a tragic loss. One of my family members has said before of suicide, "It is a permanent solution to a temporary problem."

One of the most painful stigmas surrounding suicide is the unfortunate perception some have that somehow those who have died by suicide are cut off from the love of God. For many years, this was the teaching of the Catholic church, but the Catholic church has changed this teaching. The Bible I read says nothing can separate us from the love of God and that our God is a gracious and loving God. I refuse to believe a merciful God would turn his back on someone who was in pain and hurting in a way most of us cannot imagine. There is an incredible scene in a movie about Martin Luther. A young parishioner in Luther's church hung himself and at that time would have been prohibited from being buried in the churchyard. The young Martin Luther in his full black preaching robe digs a grave in the churchyard in the pouring rain, even against the protests of his superior, for the young man.

One of the most helpful resources I came across from the literature describing Suicide Prevention Month is that if you are feeling suicidal or if you are dealing with overwhelming emotions, you can call 988 and a counselor will talk to you; the motto of the service is "no judgment, just help." You can also send a text to 988 and receive help. We can all commit ourselves to vigilance, paying attention to those in our lives who are struggling and not hesitating to reach out to offer a listening ear or a word of encouragement.

We are in this together, and we can all do our part to create a kinder, more loving world.

Stewart Rawson is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Downtown Sumter.