Losing a loved one is never easy. However, when a loved one chooses to end their life, that can add to the sting of loss. Heather Palacios knows all too well what it’s like to struggle with suicidal thoughts. She’s been on this journey since she was 8 years old and God has allowed her to use her life experiences to help others through their mental afflictions, too.
Oftentimes, many of us are afraid to share our struggles with others. We fear what they will think, say or do. But Heather’s testimony shows us there’s so much power in owning your story and trusting God to use it to draw others closer to Him. Sharing isn’t always easy and we’re thankful Heather took the opportunity to help spread some hope for those struggling with suicidal ideation.
If you or a loved one has suicidal thoughts, please know you’re not alone. There are so many resources available to you. Here are a few:
- Call the suicide hotline at 1.800.273.TALK
- Regularly see a Christian therapist
- Reach out to Heather for prayer and a carefully curated Life Box
In this week’s episode, we chat about:
- Why remembering our past can help us be empathetic towards others,
- Finding God in our darkest moment,
- Myths regarding suicide in the Christian community,
- Importance of focus/anchor/life verses,
- How to help yourself when you’re struggling with mental afflictions,
- The importance of Christian counseling and the shame surrounding it, and much more!
Please use your best judgment about listening to this week’s episode with the kiddos in tow. This could open the door to fruitful conversation if your kiddos are old enough. However, we pray you’re able to broach this conversation when the time is right. Your local church may have resources in place to assist you as you speak with them, too.
BIBLE REFERENCES
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. - John 8:36 ESV
And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. - Luke 10:2 ESV
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. - Joshua 1:8 ESV
“God may be silent but He’s never absent.”
— HEATHER PALACIOS
RESOURCES
You can find resources on Heather’s site here.
If you’d like to support Heather’s ministry of creating and shipping Life Boxes to those struggling with mental afflictions, please donate your monetary gift here.
CONNECT WITH HEATHER!
LET’S CONNECT & SHARE THE LOVE!
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