The Calling

It all started when i saw the post in facebook of one active member in my previous community about why kate spade and bourdain committed suicide. From a point of view of a devout Catholic there is nothing wrong with what she posted. But I cringed when I read it. It said that the two didn't killed by mental illness but because they don't have meaning in their lives since there is no God in them. Really?! I find it judgemental and insensitive coming from an active churchgoer. It took days before I blurted out my views to my close friends and everybody seems agree I'm in the best position to emphatize with those suffering from mental illness and who are we to judge on what really happened to spade and bourdain. Then unexpectedly one close friend commented that it would be helpful for one with mental illness to hang on to God. I went beserk in an instant. My thoughts ballooned and though I should take it as a compliment but I did take it negatively. Perhaps I'm thinking for all those who still don't know God and been suffering from this illness. I even blurted that once upon a time I even gave up on God and until now from time to time been asking Him about my purpose, why I was born. From there I realized why I have not able to attend seminars for pastoral counseling which I dreaded to become one since last year. I'm here for everyone regardless of religion. It would really be a big help knowing you can count on God especially on your dark days or episodes. But believe me hanging on to Him is really difficult if you are in that situation. It needs a miracle and intervention from above which happened to me. But I still believe that non believers and/or atheist should not be judged because of their belief. I have friends who were atheist but more human. What really we can do if we know somebody who is suffering from mental illness is to be there for them. Be present  in their lives. Be their friend. Be quiet just listen to them. Get them out from isolation. Yes I want to be a mental health professioanl that is why I continue my studies and hoping to complete by next year. Glad I found now my calling. It is to be the face of Jesus and to be His hands and feet. I may not preach about the kingdom of God but I am willing to share His love and goodness by being me. Who knows, maybe I can convert after all and bring more people to Jesus.