Today’s featured article is written by Loretta Dalton.
“It’s not supposed to happen to people like the Frank Pages,” writes Mike Huckabee using a statement from Page’s book, “Melissa”. It’s not supposed to happen to people like the Rick Warrens, either. Some might go so far as to say it’s not supposed to happen to Christians, but the tragedies experienced by these two men of God prove that it does happen. They both belong to the same club; a club no one wants to join.
Frank Page is a longtime pastor and former Southern Baptist Convention president. He now serves as president and CEO of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention. He is a popular Christian speaker, having spoken at the White House and on various national television programs. Named one of the Fifty Most Influential Christians in America, Frank Page is also the father of a troubled child, a child who suffered from mental illness, and a child who eventually took her own life.
Rick Warren is a pastor and bestselling Christian author. He founded Saddleback Church in California, which is now the eighth-largest church in the United States. His book, “The Purpose Driven Life” has topped the New York Times bestseller list a record number of times having sold over thirty million copies. Warren’s book is the second most translated book in the world, after the Bible. Warren, a popular Christian speaker and writer, is also the father of a troubled child, a child who suffered from mental illness, and a child who took his own life.
While dealing with my own grief, I stumbled upon Frank Page’s story. His daughter died just eight months before I lost my son; our experiences are very similar. Page’s book, “Melissa,” walks the reader through the passion of loving a child unconditionally, the pain of watching a child self-destruct, the agony of the most devastating loss, and the perseverance of a Christian father who places his hopes in a loving God whose goodness is found even in the darkest times. Page’s purpose for writing the book was to help other families who may go through the same experience and to reach out to anyone contemplating suicide. After each chapter, there is a letter to anyone who feels life is too hopeless to go on.
This book is a must read for any pastor who is or may one day find himself/herself ministering to someone struggling with suicidal thoughts or recovering from a loved one’s suicide. It is also a must read for anyone contemplating suicide or anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide. As it did with me, “Melissa,” will give hope and comfort to those who are living the nightmare. Perhaps even more important, it can save others from this pain by shining light on the signs, symptoms and solutions to self-destructive behavior. Examples of God’s love and grace leap from the pages.
In April of 2013, Rick Warren’s son lost his battle with mental illness and took his own life. Although devastated, the Warren’s have already begun helping others. As stated on Kay Warren’s website (kaywarren.com), the Warrens believe, “Jesus cared for mentally ill people. As Christ followers, we are compelled to continue His work today by extending compassion, acceptance, and unconditional love to all who suffer from mental illness.” The website also notes, “On Friday, October 10, 2014 (World Mental Health Day), Rick and Kay Warren hosted ‘24 Hours of Hope,’ a free global online event designed to encourage individuals living with a mental illness, educate and support their families, and equip church leaders for compassionate and effective mental health ministry.” The mental health awareness seminar focused on these mental health illnesses: depression, Bipolar Disorder, eating disorders, addictions, anxiety, and Personality Disorder. The Warrens are looking beyond their own grief and helping others. Their hope is to remove stigmas associated with mental illness, especially among Christians, and provide hope and counseling to those who suffer.
Because of the courage, strength and testimonies of these two Godly men and their families I have hope; hope that God’s grace is sufficient for ALL things; hope that others may be helped from our tragedies; and hope that God brings good from even the darkest circumstances.
If you or someone you love suffers from a mental illness, you are not alone; in fact, you are in good company. Cry out to God for wisdom, mercy and healing, and please, seek the help you need. There is light in the darkness.
