Suicide no answer to misery

By John Magangi

Jayne is an attractive 29-year-old who lives in one of Nairobi’s up market residential areas. She has known everything from a good job to money to men. She has been to places too — the UK, the US, South Africa and a host of other destinations in and out of Africa. After her last trip she came back to her apartment dejected and downcast. In her estimation she has lived life and encountered everything from temporary highs to depressing lows. She has now decided that life really isn’t worth living; why not end it all and ‘rest’?

Joe had an unstable background growing up. After his dad died while he was in upper primary, his family had to move to a more affordable place. He missed his friends and became withdrawn. He watched his mum struggle to put food on the table as well as find school fees for him and his siblings. At his first job he met Nimo, a flamboyant happy-go-lucky girl who lit up his life for a while. Last month, Nimo decided she needed to ‘move on’, leaving Joe’s heart in a million pieces. He didn’t show his hurt then but lately he’s been thinking: Why not end this meaningless existence?

Deception intended to kill

Some people often consider ending their lives as a viable way of ending their misery. Nothing could be further from the truth. Suicide is simply jumping from the frying pan into the fire. But this is deception intended to kill and destroy.

If you have been considering taking your own life, the best thing anyone could ever tell you is this: Don’t do it! No doubt your mind may be filled with thoughts of hopelessness and despair. Death may seem to be the best way out. Actually it’s not the way out; it is the way in — the way into eternal torment and regret, into a godless eternity. Think about it: Isn’t it true that while you are still alive there is a chance to turn things around? What changes can you effect about the situation that’s bothering you when you’re dead?

No matter how desperate you think your situation is, it can be turned around.

It’s been said before but it is forever true: It ain’t over till it’s over. Before you throw in the towel, why don’t you first give in? Give in to God and admit that no matter what everybody else has done, you have contributed in making things the mess they are.

Admit that you are not able to change yourself or your situation and receive the help that God offers every one of us. There never was a situation that He couldn’t change. Be courageous enough to welcome radical change to your life.