Category Archives: Death and Dying

Suicide Causes: Q & A

Q: How many people in the USA attempt suicide each year? A: 750,000 Q: How many people succeed? A: 30,000 Q: What is suicide cause #1? A: Untreated depression Q: How does mental illness influence a person to commit suicide? A: … Continue reading

Posted in Death and Dying, Mental Illness | Comments Off on Suicide Causes: Q & A

Myths of Grief

Some beliefs about grief hinder resolution. In fact, they can be so strong as to be toxic. When a loved one dies, we feel hurt. But, because the emotional pain is so strong, or so difficult to face, some work … Continue reading

Posted in Death and Dying | Comments Off on Myths of Grief

A Christmas Story II

[Note: This story is true. I have changed or omitted names, places, and details to protect the lives of innocent people. To understand the significance of this story, read Part I first.] “What Do You Think?” “What do you think … Continue reading

Posted in Death and Dying, Holidays, Hope for the Hurting | Comments Off on A Christmas Story II

A Christmas Story I

[Note: This story is true. I have changed or omitted names, places, and details to protect the lives of innocent people.] Four groups vie for control of this failed state: (A) a military, (B) a coalition of armed forces from … Continue reading

Posted in Death and Dying, Holidays, Hope for the Hurting | Comments Off on A Christmas Story I

At Christmas: Dying for Jesus

Although Christians have always suffered for Jesus, today we learn a particularly painful story. The militant state ISIS forces children, Iraqi Christians, and adults to choose: flee, convert to Islam, or die. Episcopal Canon Andrew White tells the poignant story … Continue reading

Posted in Death and Dying | Comments Off on At Christmas: Dying for Jesus

How A Disaster Shows Who We Are

Loss, Grief, and Trauma Two months ago the South Korean ferry Sewol capsized with hundreds of high school students aboard. Mesmerized, the nation watched the drama on live TV 24/7. In a culture which shares everything, Koreans shared their mutual … Continue reading

Posted in Death and Dying, Friend of Job, The Sufferer | Comments Off on How A Disaster Shows Who We Are

Playing Hymns Aboard The Sinking Titanic

The Titanic, a British steamer of the White Star line, leaves on its maiden voyage across the Atlantic. Spanning 882.5 feet, its tonnage over 46,000, it was the largest ship in the world. “Unsinkable,” said the experts at the time. … Continue reading

Posted in Death and Dying | Comments Off on Playing Hymns Aboard The Sinking Titanic

Preventing Suicide

My friend Scott Cunningham recently crossed the Golden Gate bridge. “I was taken aback by one very curious sign,” he said. Posted next to a hotline phone about every 50 yards along the highest span, he found the signs posted here. … Continue reading

Posted in Death and Dying, Hope for the Hurting | Comments Off on Preventing Suicide

Return to Zero

When a parent dies, we mourn. When we lose a brother, sister, or friend, we mourn perhaps more intensely. That was how it was for me when I lost my sister at 38. But when we lose a child, the … Continue reading

Posted in Death and Dying, Hope for the Hurting | Comments Off on Return to Zero

Tragedy, Prayer, and A Vow

In March 1982, Mickey Cortez nearly died. Seven years old, the victim of a drunk driver, Mickey landed on life-support in a hospital, the third his father Paul visited that night. Two other hospitals held other members of Paul’s family injured … Continue reading

Posted in Death and Dying, Friend of Job, Hope for the Hurting, Recovery | Comments Off on Tragedy, Prayer, and A Vow