I am moved by the events of last week—the tragic suicide deaths of people that appeared to have everything! It proves that suffering does not discriminate based on income level. Kate Spade was a lady that I admired for years. As she began her business and expanded it, she set trends for women around the world. Her look was simple and fresh and delighted so many.
How do you write about something like this? I wish I had all the answers, but no one does.
I don’t know what Kate’s specific situation was – and don’t want to speculate. But the coverage surrounding her death made me pause to think, and made me want to share an important reminder: You – all of us — are valuable.
The feelings and concerns that remain after someone takes their life are something I am familiar with, as years ago I experienced the results of the suicide death of a member of our church. What did I miss? How could I have helped?
I offer these thoughts today for all of us to think about. There are times in all of our lives where we are vulnerable to developing depression. Change is hard, and sometimes an event can trigger feelings of worthlessness. As women, we often want to feel needed, and when we think that we are not, then feelings of depression can creep in. It is real, it is hard, and it hurts. Sometimes depression can develop without an obvious trigger.
In spite of what you may be feeling during one of these times, please remember this: You are valuable, and you are beautiful. Whenever you experience the feeling that you are not, please say something. Reach out. Many times we are afraid of what people will think, and we keep to ourselves and the problem gets worse. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help. Trust me; no one will ever think less of you. Getting help is the only solution. Think of it as going to the doctor when you have the flu.
And for mercy’s sake, please don’t attach your self-worth to someone else. We all have a tendency to do this from time to time. But don’t! You are uniquely made and created by God to be YOU! If we let people determine for us who we are based on their approval, we will never be happy. Free yourself from those people, and live your life being YOU!
Many times it is the person we think is the strongest that might be suffering the most. Strong people feel they have to be the rock for everyone else and cover their feelings. Pay close attention to this. Draw close to all your friends and have heart-to-heart talks. It is refreshing and renewing to share your inner thoughts with someone that loves you. That may be all it takes is to know someone cares and can offer support and love.
I may have shared these quotes before but let me do it again:
“The moment you feel like you have to prove your worth to someone is the moment to absolutely and utterly walk away.”
“If you love someone, tell them, because hearts are often broken by words left unspoken.”
NOW, go out there and sparkle! Be the best friend you can be to all God placed in your life. You are valuable, and you are treasured. You make the world a better place. I have no idea who wrote this, but I jotted it down and it means so much to me. “God often uses our deepest pain as the launching pad of our greatest calling!” Reach out always!