How to care for someone considering suicide or self-harm | Acts 16:16-40 (Part 1) | Join The Journey

Hey friends, due to the nature and Hey friends, due to the nature and content of today's episode, we'd content of today's episode, we'd content of today's episode, we'd recommend you listen by yourself first recommend you listen by yourself first recommend you listen by yourself first and then decide if you'd like to listen and then decide if you'd like to listen and then decide if you'd like to listen with your kids. >> All right, all right, join the journey >> All right, all right, join the journey family, friends, and guests. You're family, friends, and guests. You're family, friends, and guests. You're listening to Join [music] the Journey listening to Join [music] the Journey listening to Join [music] the Journey podcast with your host, Emma Dotter. podcast with your host, Emma Dotter. podcast with your host, Emma Dotter. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Thanks for joining. This week, we are >> Thanks for joining. This week, we are >> Thanks for joining. This week, we are reading Acts 16:16 through 40, and here reading Acts 16:16 through 40, and here reading Acts 16:16 through 40, and here with me today is Watermark's with me today is Watermark's with me today is Watermark's Regeneration Director, It's Sierra Regeneration Director, It's Sierra Regeneration Director, It's Sierra Sanchez. Sanchez. Sanchez. >> Hey guys, so glad to be with you here >> Hey guys, so glad to be with you here >> Hey guys, so glad to be with you here today. today. today. >> Good to have you back on the podcast, >> Good to have you back on the podcast, >> Good to have you back on the podcast, Sierra. Now on video. Sierra. Now on video. Sierra. Now on video. You've been here several times before, You've been here several times before, You've been here several times before, but now the people they can see you. but now the people they can see you. but now the people they can see you. >> see my face now. >> see my face now. >> see my face now. >> see your face. Um, Sierra, we're reading >> see your face. Um, Sierra, we're reading >> see your face. Um, Sierra, we're reading a longer passage this week, but today I a longer passage this week, but today I a longer passage this week, but today I wanted us to specifically focus on verse wanted us to specifically focus on verse wanted us to specifically focus on verse 28. And the question we're answering is 28. And the question we're answering is 28. And the question we're answering is why would the jailer have harmed why would the jailer have harmed why would the jailer have harmed himself? What did you learn as you himself? What did you learn as you himself? What did you learn as you studied? studied? studied? >> Yeah, I mean, I think that's a a good >> Yeah, I mean, I think that's a a good >> Yeah, I mean, I think that's a a good question because when you read that it question because when you read that it question because when you read that it it feels a little startling to say, "Oh, it feels a little startling to say, "Oh, it feels a little startling to say, "Oh, wait, the prisoners escaped." And his wait, the prisoners escaped." And his wait, the prisoners escaped." And his first thought was, "I need to hurt first thought was, "I need to hurt first thought was, "I need to hurt myself or kill myself." Um, and so I myself or kill myself." Um, and so I myself or kill myself." Um, and so I think the first thing I want to point think the first thing I want to point think the first thing I want to point out is just the humanity there. Um, out is just the humanity there. Um, out is just the humanity there. Um, there truly is nothing new under the there truly is nothing new under the there truly is nothing new under the sun. Um, when you think about we don't sun. Um, when you think about we don't sun. Um, when you think about we don't want to add too much context there, but want to add too much context there, but want to add too much context there, but I just think about probably the thoughts I just think about probably the thoughts I just think about probably the thoughts that he was having of that he was having of that he was having of "They were my responsibility and they "They were my responsibility and they "They were my responsibility and they now escaped." Even though it technically now escaped." Even though it technically now escaped." Even though it technically wasn't his fault that the, you know, wasn't his fault that the, you know, wasn't his fault that the, you know, earthquake happened, but yet he was earthquake happened, but yet he was earthquake happened, but yet he was responsible for them. And then he responsible for them. And then he responsible for them. And then he probably would have received prison or

probably would have received prison or probably would have received prison or even worse for allowing them to escape. even worse for allowing them to escape. even worse for allowing them to escape. And so his first thought is, "I'm stuck. And so his first thought is, "I'm stuck. And so his first thought is, "I'm stuck. It's my fault. I don't know how to get It's my fault. I don't know how to get It's my fault. I don't know how to get out. What am I going [clears throat] to out. What am I going [clears throat] to out. What am I going [clears throat] to do? I failed." And like I said, there's do? I failed." And like I said, there's do? I failed." And like I said, there's nothing new under the sun. Those are the nothing new under the sun. Those are the nothing new under the sun. Those are the same lies that people believe today. Um, same lies that people believe today. Um, same lies that people believe today. Um, and so his thought is, "Well, then I and so his thought is, "Well, then I and so his thought is, "Well, then I must end my life because they might end must end my life because they might end must end my life because they might end my life for me." Um, and we often hear my life for me." Um, and we often hear my life for me." Um, and we often hear that, especially when we're caring for that, especially when we're caring for that, especially when we're caring for people even here in this church or in people even here in this church or in people even here in this church or in our community. Um and so what I want our community. Um and so what I want our community. Um and so what I want people to hear though is that I think we people to hear though is that I think we people to hear though is that I think we can jump to just that word suicide or we can jump to just that word suicide or we can jump to just that word suicide or we can jump to the word self-harm. But can jump to the word self-harm. But can jump to the word self-harm. But first I want to take it back just a first I want to take it back just a first I want to take it back just a little bit and and really think about little bit and and really think about little bit and and really think about the person who is wanting to end their the person who is wanting to end their the person who is wanting to end their life, they don't want to actually die. life, they don't want to actually die. life, they don't want to actually die. What they want is to end the pain or the What they want is to end the pain or the What they want is to end the pain or the circumstances. Like that is what they're circumstances. Like that is what they're circumstances. Like that is what they're trying to change. They want hope um when trying to change. They want hope um when trying to change. They want hope um when they feel deeply hopeless. Um and as they feel deeply hopeless. Um and as they feel deeply hopeless. Um and as believers we get to say we know where believers we get to say we know where believers we get to say we know where the ultimate source of hope comes from. the ultimate source of hope comes from. the ultimate source of hope comes from. Um and so either one, they don't know Um and so either one, they don't know Um and so either one, they don't know where hope comes from cuz they're not a where hope comes from cuz they're not a where hope comes from cuz they're not a believer, or two, maybe they are believer, or two, maybe they are believer, or two, maybe they are believer and they're walking through a believer and they're walking through a believer and they're walking through a very difficult hard situation and they very difficult hard situation and they very difficult hard situation and they need to be reminded um and encouraged need to be reminded um and encouraged need to be reminded um and encouraged with the hope that we can find in Jesus.

with the hope that we can find in Jesus. with the hope that we can find in Jesus. >> Yeah, that's exactly right. So Sierra, >> Yeah, that's exactly right. So Sierra, >> Yeah, that's exactly right. So Sierra, would you maybe give us first this would you maybe give us first this would you maybe give us first this problem is a little bit more prevalent problem is a little bit more prevalent problem is a little bit more prevalent than we might realize, so set that up than we might realize, so set that up than we might realize, so set that up for us. for us. for us. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And then let's talk about a biblical >> And then let's talk about a biblical >> And then let's talk about a biblical understanding of of this question of is understanding of of this question of is understanding of of this question of is is suicide the unforgivable sin, those is suicide the unforgivable sin, those is suicide the unforgivable sin, those kinds of thoughts. kinds of thoughts. kinds of thoughts. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> So start with the statistics. What do we >> So start with the statistics. What do we >> So start with the statistics. What do we need to know about this problem? need to know about this problem? need to know about this problem? >> Yeah, so for a lot of people I think we >> Yeah, so for a lot of people I think we >> Yeah, so for a lot of people I think we can think mental health or suicide is can think mental health or suicide is can think mental health or suicide is something that happens maybe outside the something that happens maybe outside the something that happens maybe outside the doors of the church. And the reality is doors of the church. And the reality is doors of the church. And the reality is is that it impacts many of the people is that it impacts many of the people is that it impacts many of the people sitting in our congregation and many sitting in our congregation and many sitting in our congregation and many people's congregations um on Sunday people's congregations um on Sunday people's congregations um on Sunday mornings, but they feel lonely or they mornings, but they feel lonely or they mornings, but they feel lonely or they feel like no one will understand or that feel like no one will understand or that feel like no one will understand or that they can't talk about it. But they can't talk about it. But they can't talk about it. But statistically suicide is the leading statistically suicide is the leading statistically suicide is the leading cause of death for ages 10 and up. I cause of death for ages 10 and up. I cause of death for ages 10 and up. I mean you think about that, 10 years old. mean you think about that, 10 years old. mean you think about that, 10 years old. Yes. And so if that's the leading cause Yes. And so if that's the leading cause Yes. And so if that's the leading cause of death, think about this. I mean if of death, think about this. I mean if of death, think about this. I mean if there was something that was a public there was something that was a public there was something that was a public health issue that was plaguing our health issue that was plaguing our health issue that was plaguing our entire world and taking the lives, I entire world and taking the lives, I entire world and taking the lives, I mean we shut down for COVID um because mean we shut down for COVID um because mean we shut down for COVID um because it was, you know, taking lives. And yet it was, you know, taking lives. And yet it was, you know, taking lives. And yet we are not doing anything a lot of times we are not doing anything a lot of times we are not doing anything a lot of times around suicide. Um and so I want people around suicide. Um and so I want people around suicide. Um and so I want people to understand that I I pulled a few to understand that I I pulled a few to understand that I I pulled a few statistics that I think will just be statistics that I think will just be statistics that I think will just be helpful um to better understand um when helpful um to better understand um when helpful um to better understand um when it comes to suicide. Um like I said, it comes to suicide. Um like I said, it comes to suicide. Um like I said, suicide is the leading cause of death suicide is the leading cause of death suicide is the leading cause of death for ages 10 and up, but something that I for ages 10 and up, but something that I for ages 10 and up, but something that I found deeply just sad um about our found deeply just sad um about our found deeply just sad um about our world. Um the CDC put out some world. Um the CDC put out some world. Um the CDC put out some statistics that said um that suicide was

statistics that said um that suicide was statistics that said um that suicide was responsible for 48,000 responsible for 48,000 responsible for 48,000 deaths. deaths. deaths. >> 48,000 >> 48,000 >> 48,000 >> 48,824. >> 48,824. >> 48,824. That is a lot of people that felt as That is a lot of people that felt as That is a lot of people that felt as though they had no other choice. But though they had no other choice. But though they had no other choice. But what we know is that they do have what we know is that they do have what we know is that they do have another choice um that we can offer them another choice um that we can offer them another choice um that we can offer them a different choice. Uh but what we also a different choice. Uh but what we also a different choice. Uh but what we also saw is that in 2024, so not that long saw is that in 2024, so not that long saw is that in 2024, so not that long ago, um when they did some kind of ago, um when they did some kind of ago, um when they did some kind of surveys and stuff, they estimated that surveys and stuff, they estimated that surveys and stuff, they estimated that 14.3 million adults seriously thought 14.3 million adults seriously thought 14.3 million adults seriously thought about suicide, 4.6 million planned a about suicide, 4.6 million planned a about suicide, 4.6 million planned a suicide attempt, and 2.2 million suicide attempt, and 2.2 million suicide attempt, and 2.2 million attempted suicide. And so again, not attempted suicide. And so again, not attempted suicide. And so again, not only are we having people end their only are we having people end their only are we having people end their lives, we're having people who are lives, we're having people who are lives, we're having people who are thinking about it, who are planning it, thinking about it, who are planning it, thinking about it, who are planning it, um and and that is a problem as well. um and and that is a problem as well. um and and that is a problem as well. And so we want to offer them um the And so we want to offer them um the And so we want to offer them um the ultimate refuge that we find in Jesus. ultimate refuge that we find in Jesus. ultimate refuge that we find in Jesus. Um and so that's what I want people to Um and so that's what I want people to Um and so that's what I want people to hear in this. I think sometimes we can hear in this. I think sometimes we can hear in this. I think sometimes we can get scared by the word suicide, and yet get scared by the word suicide, and yet get scared by the word suicide, and yet it's like anything else that we need to it's like anything else that we need to it's like anything else that we need to offer them that Jesus is the answer. He offer them that Jesus is the answer. He offer them that Jesus is the answer. He is the one that brings healing and is the one that brings healing and is the one that brings healing and freedom. And what I love about looking freedom. And what I love about looking freedom. And what I love about looking at Acts 16 is that as the jailer was at Acts 16 is that as the jailer was at Acts 16 is that as the jailer was about to end his life, um you know, Paul about to end his life, um you know, Paul about to end his life, um you know, Paul calls cries out and says like, calls cries out and says like, calls cries out and says like, "Don't do it. Don't hurt yourself."

"Don't do it. Don't hurt yourself." "Don't do it. Don't hurt yourself." >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> Um and he gives him hope. He stops him. >> Um and he gives him hope. He stops him. >> Um and he gives him hope. He stops him. He gives him hope um and reminds him He gives him hope um and reminds him He gives him hope um and reminds him that we are here not because of anything that we are here not because of anything that we are here not because of anything that we have done, but because we know that we have done, but because we know that we have done, but because we know that Jesus is exactly who he says he is. that Jesus is exactly who he says he is. that Jesus is exactly who he says he is. We don't have to break out. We don't We don't have to break out. We don't We don't have to break out. We don't have to go and flee. We get to stand have to go and flee. We get to stand have to go and flee. We get to stand firm in knowing who Jesus is. And so, I firm in knowing who Jesus is. And so, I firm in knowing who Jesus is. And so, I just think about the people who might be just think about the people who might be just think about the people who might be sitting on the other side and saying, sitting on the other side and saying, sitting on the other side and saying, "How do I just like Paul reminded him, "How do I just like Paul reminded him, "How do I just like Paul reminded him, you don't have to do that. Like there is you don't have to do that. Like there is you don't have to do that. Like there is something more." And then you see the something more." And then you see the something more." And then you see the jailer give his life to Jesus and says, jailer give his life to Jesus and says, jailer give his life to Jesus and says, "How do I get saved? Like what does that "How do I get saved? Like what does that "How do I get saved? Like what does that look like?" And so, I just think that look like?" And so, I just think that look like?" And so, I just think that sometimes we can overthink it when some sometimes we can overthink it when some sometimes we can overthink it when some people need to hear the gospel. people need to hear the gospel. people need to hear the gospel. And I've just sat with a lot of people And I've just sat with a lot of people And I've just sat with a lot of people who are struggling with thoughts of who are struggling with thoughts of who are struggling with thoughts of suicide. That used to be the job that I suicide. That used to be the job that I suicide. That used to be the job that I had before being on staff here at had before being on staff here at had before being on staff here at Watermark was working in suicide Watermark was working in suicide Watermark was working in suicide prevention. And most of the time when prevention. And most of the time when prevention. And most of the time when you sit across from someone, you sit across from someone, you sit across from someone, they just want to hear that there is they just want to hear that there is they just want to hear that there is another answer. another answer. another answer. And they want to hear how to be able to And they want to hear how to be able to And they want to hear how to be able to move towards that answer. And what I move towards that answer. And what I move towards that answer. And what I love is when the world catches up with love is when the world catches up with love is when the world catches up with the Bible. And so, years ago, the CDC, the Bible. And so, years ago, the CDC, the Bible. And so, years ago, the CDC, the Center for Disease Control, released the Center for Disease Control, released the Center for Disease Control, released some data. And they said the number one some data. And they said the number one some data. And they said the number one protective factor for suicide was protective factor for suicide was protective factor for suicide was connectedness.

connectedness. connectedness. And I'm like, "Yeah, the Bible tells us And I'm like, "Yeah, the Bible tells us And I'm like, "Yeah, the Bible tells us that." You know, that we are called to that." You know, that we are called to that." You know, that we are called to live in community. Like Hebrews 10:24 live in community. Like Hebrews 10:24 live in community. Like Hebrews 10:24 and 25 that says we're called to meet and 25 that says we're called to meet and 25 that says we're called to meet together. together. together. >> And do not neglect the gathering >> And do not neglect the gathering >> And do not neglect the gathering together. together. together. >> And so, like we know that. And then they >> And so, like we know that. And then they >> And so, like we know that. And then they continued to go on and say the three top continued to go on and say the three top continued to go on and say the three top ways that you can be connected and feel ways that you can be connected and feel ways that you can be connected and feel connected to be a protective factor connected to be a protective factor connected to be a protective factor against depression and suicide and against depression and suicide and against depression and suicide and different types of mental health different types of mental health different types of mental health conditions was being connected to conditions was being connected to conditions was being connected to friends and family. friends and family. friends and family. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Being connected to a larger organization >> Being connected to a larger organization >> Being connected to a larger organization outside of yourself. So, they would say outside of yourself. So, they would say outside of yourself. So, they would say like a sports team or a religious like a sports team or a religious like a sports team or a religious organization. organization. organization. >> Like the church. >> Like the church. >> Like the church. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. And then the third thing is having some And then the third thing is having some And then the third thing is having some type of identity outside of just feeling type of identity outside of just feeling type of identity outside of just feeling like you're hopeless or alone. Like like you're hopeless or alone. Like like you're hopeless or alone. Like those are the three things. And I'm like those are the three things. And I'm like those are the three things. And I'm like Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Those are three things that >> Those are three things that >> Those are three things that >> The Bible speaks to. >> The Bible speaks to. >> The Bible speaks to. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> And it goes back to the what I said >> And it goes back to the what I said >> And it goes back to the what I said earlier of like there's nothing new earlier of like there's nothing new earlier of like there's nothing new under the sun that we get to say hey our under the sun that we get to say hey our under the sun that we get to say hey our identity is set in Christ. Um that we identity is set in Christ. Um that we identity is set in Christ. Um that we look at places like Ephesians 1:3-14 look at places like Ephesians 1:3-14 look at places like Ephesians 1:3-14 like these are the spiritual blessings like these are the spiritual blessings like these are the spiritual blessings that we have um and we have an that we have um and we have an that we have um and we have an opportunity um to remind people of that opportunity um to remind people of that opportunity um to remind people of that if they are believer of who they are in if they are believer of who they are in if they are believer of who they are in Christ or if they're not a believer say Christ or if they're not a believer say Christ or if they're not a believer say this is what you can have if you are in this is what you can have if you are in this is what you can have if you are in Christ.

Christ. Christ. And so then a reminder them like being a And so then a reminder them like being a And so then a reminder them like being a part of the local church um is important part of the local church um is important part of the local church um is important to have that community to have people to have that community to have people to have that community to have people who encourage you. We were never meant who encourage you. We were never meant who encourage you. We were never meant to do this life alone. at all. to do this life alone. at all. to do this life alone. at all. >> We weren't. So then speak to if that's >> We weren't. So then speak to if that's >> We weren't. So then speak to if that's the the statistics the the statistics the the statistics both the negative statistics the reality both the negative statistics the reality both the negative statistics the reality of the situation and the positive the of the situation and the positive the of the situation and the positive the Bible has an answer. Bible has an answer. Bible has an answer. What then is the biblical understanding What then is the biblical understanding What then is the biblical understanding of suicide as a sin? of suicide as a sin? of suicide as a sin? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> How should we rightly think about it? >> How should we rightly think about it? >> How should we rightly think about it? >> Yeah, absolutely. And so yeah, there's >> Yeah, absolutely. And so yeah, there's >> Yeah, absolutely. And so yeah, there's great debate when it talks about okay, great debate when it talks about okay, great debate when it talks about okay, well is is this actually a sin? Is it well is is this actually a sin? Is it well is is this actually a sin? Is it murder? Is it murder? Is it murder? Is it Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> It is debated. >> It is debated. >> It is debated. >> It is debated um but what we have to >> It is debated um but what we have to >> It is debated um but what we have to understand is that like taking our own understand is that like taking our own understand is that like taking our own life or taking someone else's life is life or taking someone else's life is life or taking someone else's life is outside of God's design. Like we are outside of God's design. Like we are outside of God's design. Like we are called to live an abundant life in him. called to live an abundant life in him. called to live an abundant life in him. Like we see that all of scripture. Like we see that all of scripture. Like we see that all of scripture. >> the full. >> the full. >> the full. >> Absolutely. And so because of that like >> Absolutely. And so because of that like >> Absolutely. And so because of that like yes, it is a sin but it doesn't mean yes, it is a sin but it doesn't mean yes, it is a sin but it doesn't mean that it's a higher up sin than other that it's a higher up sin than other that it's a higher up sin than other things. things. things. >> Yeah. Great clarifier. >> Yeah. Great clarifier. >> Yeah. Great clarifier. >> And so it doesn't mean that oh well as >> And so it doesn't mean that oh well as >> And so it doesn't mean that oh well as long as I only look at pornography or long as I only look at pornography or long as I only look at pornography or I'm prideful or I'm angry then oh God I'm prideful or I'm angry then oh God I'm prideful or I'm angry then oh God can forgive that but this then becomes can forgive that but this then becomes can forgive that but this then becomes this unforgivable sin. Um when we see in this unforgivable sin. Um when we see in this unforgivable sin. Um when we see in scripture that no one not even God can scripture that no one not even God can scripture that no one not even God can take away our salvation um that we when take away our salvation um that we when take away our salvation um that we when we are joined to him we are in Christ we are joined to him we are in Christ we are joined to him we are in Christ that we will spend eternity with him that we will spend eternity with him that we will spend eternity with him forever. When we look at just simplistic forever. When we look at just simplistic forever. When we look at just simplistic scripture around like Romans 10:9-10 of scripture around like Romans 10:9-10 of scripture around like Romans 10:9-10 of like when you confess with your mouth like when you confess with your mouth like when you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your that Jesus is Lord and believe in your that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,

heart that God raised him from the dead, heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. you will be saved. you will be saved. >> Keyword, will. >> Keyword, will. >> Keyword, will. >> Will. Like >> Will. Like >> Will. Like no if, no ands, no buts. And And God no if, no ands, no buts. And And God no if, no ands, no buts. And And God never regretted um sending Jesus to die never regretted um sending Jesus to die never regretted um sending Jesus to die on the cross for our sins and resurrect on the cross for our sins and resurrect on the cross for our sins and resurrect so that we could be reconciled to a holy so that we could be reconciled to a holy so that we could be reconciled to a holy and perfect God. Like he never regretted and perfect God. Like he never regretted and perfect God. Like he never regretted that. that. that. >> He was determined to do it. >> He was determined to do it. >> He was determined to do it. >> Absolutely. And Jesus willfully laid >> Absolutely. And Jesus willfully laid >> Absolutely. And Jesus willfully laid down his life for us because he loves down his life for us because he loves down his life for us because he loves us. Um and so because of that, we can us. Um and so because of that, we can us. Um and so because of that, we can stand firm in that. Um and so you know, stand firm in that. Um and so you know, stand firm in that. Um and so you know, we'll have debate around, well, you we'll have debate around, well, you we'll have debate around, well, you know, they're not able to repent if they know, they're not able to repent if they know, they're not able to repent if they end their lives. Um but then I would end their lives. Um but then I would end their lives. Um but then I would just look at like the thief on the just look at like the thief on the just look at like the thief on the cross. cross. cross. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And so he didn't have an opportunity to >> And so he didn't have an opportunity to >> And so he didn't have an opportunity to go and change his behavior and repent in go and change his behavior and repent in go and change his behavior and repent in that way. But what he did was he says, that way. But what he did was he says, that way. But what he did was he says, "Hey, will you remember me?" And Jesus "Hey, will you remember me?" And Jesus "Hey, will you remember me?" And Jesus says, "I will remember you in paradise says, "I will remember you in paradise says, "I will remember you in paradise today." today." today." >> Today you will be with me there. >> Today you will be with me there. >> Today you will be with me there. >> Today. Um and so again, when And but >> Today. Um and so again, when And but >> Today. Um and so again, when And but that is a hard wrestle. Um because then that is a hard wrestle. Um because then that is a hard wrestle. Um because then the question is like, well, okay, then the question is like, well, okay, then the question is like, well, okay, then if if it's not a sin, then then why do if if it's not a sin, then then why do if if it's not a sin, then then why do we talk about it so much? Or why are why we talk about it so much? Or why are why we talk about it so much? Or why are why why is that a big problem in the church? why is that a big problem in the church? why is that a big problem in the church? And it's like because again, we are not And it's like because again, we are not And it's like because again, we are not operating in the way that God would operating in the way that God would operating in the way that God would design us to live that full life that he design us to live that full life that he design us to live that full life that he has promised to us.

has promised to us. has promised to us. >> Yeah. And And the implication that one >> Yeah. And And the implication that one >> Yeah. And And the implication that one would need to repent of that sin before would need to repent of that sin before would need to repent of that sin before they die they die they die >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> goes up against the idea that we're not >> goes up against the idea that we're not >> goes up against the idea that we're not saved on the basis of our works. Because saved on the basis of our works. Because saved on the basis of our works. Because think about how many people have died think about how many people have died think about how many people have died unexpectedly in a car crash or because unexpectedly in a car crash or because unexpectedly in a car crash or because of sickness or some other unexpected of sickness or some other unexpected of sickness or some other unexpected ailment, ailment, ailment, they probably had sins they hadn't yet they probably had sins they hadn't yet they probably had sins they hadn't yet confessed. confessed. confessed. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> Maybe they seemed small, but sin is sin. >> Maybe they seemed small, but sin is sin. >> Maybe they seemed small, but sin is sin. >> Yes, absolutely. And but then, I think >> Yes, absolutely. And but then, I think >> Yes, absolutely. And but then, I think it leads us to the next question is it leads us to the next question is it leads us to the next question is like, okay, well then, Siera, what do we like, okay, well then, Siera, what do we like, okay, well then, Siera, what do we do do do >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> in that? And so it's not the >> in that? And so it's not the >> in that? And so it's not the unforgivable unforgivable sin, so we can unforgivable unforgivable sin, so we can unforgivable unforgivable sin, so we can stand firm in that and know that that is stand firm in that and know that that is stand firm in that and know that that is true. That like, hey, Jesus died on the true. That like, hey, Jesus died on the true. That like, hey, Jesus died on the cross for all sins, past, present, and cross for all sins, past, present, and cross for all sins, past, present, and future. Um and so again, he never future. Um and so again, he never future. Um and so again, he never regretted that. And yet, if someone is regretted that. And yet, if someone is regretted that. And yet, if someone is suicidal, we don't want to just say, suicidal, we don't want to just say, suicidal, we don't want to just say, "Well, it's okay. No big deal." We would "Well, it's okay. No big deal." We would "Well, it's okay. No big deal." We would never say that to any other sin. When we never say that to any other sin. When we never say that to any other sin. When we look at, you know, when Paul's talking look at, you know, when Paul's talking look at, you know, when Paul's talking in Romans and it says, "Do we continue in Romans and it says, "Do we continue in Romans and it says, "Do we continue to sin so that grace may abound?" to sin so that grace may abound?" to sin so that grace may abound?" >> By no means. >> By no means. >> By no means. >> Right. So, we just don't let them sit in >> Right. So, we just don't let them sit in >> Right. So, we just don't let them sit in that. We want to invite them into that. We want to invite them into that. We want to invite them into something more.

something more. something more. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um and so, like, let's just say if >> Um and so, like, let's just say if >> Um and so, like, let's just say if you're thinking, "Okay, Sierra, the you're thinking, "Okay, Sierra, the you're thinking, "Okay, Sierra, the minute that you're talking, I think minute that you're talking, I think minute that you're talking, I think about this friend." Um I just want to about this friend." Um I just want to about this friend." Um I just want to help you walk through what it might look help you walk through what it might look help you walk through what it might look like to engage in that conversation. like to engage in that conversation. like to engage in that conversation. Sometimes people are not necessarily Sometimes people are not necessarily Sometimes people are not necessarily going to just come right out and say, going to just come right out and say, going to just come right out and say, "I'm suicidal." Sometimes they do, and "I'm suicidal." Sometimes they do, and "I'm suicidal." Sometimes they do, and we're really grateful when they're we're really grateful when they're we're really grateful when they're honest and do that. honest and do that. honest and do that. >> Most of the time they kind of throw out >> Most of the time they kind of throw out >> Most of the time they kind of throw out what we would call some like red flag what we would call some like red flag what we would call some like red flag statements. statements. statements. >> Okay. What are some red flag statements? >> Okay. What are some red flag statements? >> Okay. What are some red flag statements? >> Yeah, things like, "Well, no one would >> Yeah, things like, "Well, no one would >> Yeah, things like, "Well, no one would even care if I would if I weren't here even care if I would if I weren't here even care if I would if I weren't here anymore." Yeah. Or you know, "People anymore." Yeah. Or you know, "People anymore." Yeah. Or you know, "People would be better off if I were gone." Um would be better off if I were gone." Um would be better off if I were gone." Um so, they're kind of laying some so, they're kind of laying some so, they're kind of laying some breadcrumbs there a little bit of breadcrumbs there a little bit of breadcrumbs there a little bit of something deeper is going on. Um and so, something deeper is going on. Um and so, something deeper is going on. Um and so, we encourage our leaders here to be able we encourage our leaders here to be able we encourage our leaders here to be able to to to >> At Regeneration. >> At Regeneration. >> At Regeneration. >> and even just at Watermark in different >> and even just at Watermark in different >> and even just at Watermark in different ministries to be able to engage with ministries to be able to engage with ministries to be able to engage with that conversation. So, here's how it that conversation. So, here's how it that conversation. So, here's how it might look if I'm kind of using a a case might look if I'm kind of using a a case might look if I'm kind of using a a case study a little bit. Um so, let's say a study a little bit. Um so, let's say a study a little bit. Um so, let's say a girl shares with me, um you know, girl shares with me, um you know, girl shares with me, um you know, "Things would just be better off if I "Things would just be better off if I "Things would just be better off if I were gone." And so, I might say, "Hey, were gone." And so, I might say, "Hey, were gone." And so, I might say, "Hey, what do you mean by that statement? I what do you mean by that statement? I what do you mean by that statement? I heard you say people would be better off heard you say people would be better off heard you say people would be better off if you were gone. What do you mean by if you were gone. What do you mean by if you were gone. What do you mean by that?" And so, then sometimes they might that?" And so, then sometimes they might that?" And so, then sometimes they might be a little bit more honest and say, be a little bit more honest and say, be a little bit more honest and say, "Well, I just don't think people love me "Well, I just don't think people love me "Well, I just don't think people love me enough to care if I were to die."

enough to care if I were to die." enough to care if I were to die." >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And I'm like, "Okay." So, now I'm like, >> And I'm like, "Okay." So, now I'm like, >> And I'm like, "Okay." So, now I'm like, I I have that discernment. Absolutely. I I have that discernment. Absolutely. I I have that discernment. Absolutely. >> Listening to the spirit. >> Listening to the spirit. >> Listening to the spirit. >> Yes, absolutely. Being yielded to the >> Yes, absolutely. Being yielded to the >> Yes, absolutely. Being yielded to the spirit is so important in these spirit is so important in these spirit is so important in these scenarios. scenarios. scenarios. But I think one thing to like think But I think one thing to like think But I think one thing to like think about is some people believe, "Well, if about is some people believe, "Well, if about is some people believe, "Well, if I say the word suicide, then maybe I I say the word suicide, then maybe I I say the word suicide, then maybe I might plant something in their minds." might plant something in their minds." might plant something in their minds." And that's a myth. Um actually, by And that's a myth. Um actually, by And that's a myth. Um actually, by saying that word, sometimes it gives saying that word, sometimes it gives saying that word, sometimes it gives them the freedom and the ability to say, them the freedom and the ability to say, them the freedom and the ability to say, "Oh, this is a safe place. Maybe I can "Oh, this is a safe place. Maybe I can "Oh, this is a safe place. Maybe I can talk about this thing that feels like I talk about this thing that feels like I talk about this thing that feels like I shouldn't say it at all." So, with that, shouldn't say it at all." So, with that, shouldn't say it at all." So, with that, we would I might ask the question, "Hey, we would I might ask the question, "Hey, we would I might ask the question, "Hey, have ever have have things ever gotten have ever have have things ever gotten have ever have have things ever gotten so bad um that you've thought about so bad um that you've thought about so bad um that you've thought about suicide?" Notice that I talked about it suicide?" Notice that I talked about it suicide?" Notice that I talked about it in the past tense. Um sometimes people in the past tense. Um sometimes people in the past tense. Um sometimes people are way more um easier to say like, "Oh, are way more um easier to say like, "Oh, are way more um easier to say like, "Oh, I thought about it in the past, but not I thought about it in the past, but not I thought about it in the past, but not today." today." today." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, I'll say, "Have you ever thought >> So, I'll say, "Have you ever thought >> So, I'll say, "Have you ever thought about suicide um or ending your life?" about suicide um or ending your life?" about suicide um or ending your life?" And they might say, "Yeah, you know, And they might say, "Yeah, you know, And they might say, "Yeah, you know, I've thought about it and I'm like, I've thought about it and I'm like, I've thought about it and I'm like, okay, when was the last time?" Bring it okay, when was the last time?" Bring it okay, when was the last time?" Bring it a little bit more present. a little bit more present. a little bit more present. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> When was the last time that you thought >> When was the last time that you thought >> When was the last time that you thought about suicide? Um and they might say, about suicide? Um and they might say, about suicide? Um and they might say, "Today." Or "Yesterday." Um and if "Today." Or "Yesterday." Um and if "Today." Or "Yesterday." Um and if that's the case, then we need to ask that's the case, then we need to ask that's the case, then we need to ask some follow-up questions because we want some follow-up questions because we want some follow-up questions because we want to make sure not only that they are to make sure not only that they are to make sure not only that they are spiritually safe and emotionally safe, spiritually safe and emotionally safe, spiritually safe and emotionally safe, but physically safe.

but physically safe. but physically safe. >> So, the answer the gauge on that answer >> So, the answer the gauge on that answer >> So, the answer the gauge on that answer is recent. is recent. is recent. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Yeah, cuz some people have had suicidal >> Yeah, cuz some people have had suicidal >> Yeah, cuz some people have had suicidal ideation before. And maybe it was when ideation before. And maybe it was when ideation before. And maybe it was when they were a teenager. And so, we want they were a teenager. And so, we want they were a teenager. And so, we want them to be honest about that, but I need them to be honest about that, but I need them to be honest about that, but I need to know, did this happen today or was it to know, did this happen today or was it to know, did this happen today or was it 6 years ago? 6 years ago? 6 years ago? >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> Um so, as we start to navigate that, >> Um so, as we start to navigate that, >> Um so, as we start to navigate that, then I might say, "Okay, so, I hear you then I might say, "Okay, so, I hear you then I might say, "Okay, so, I hear you say that you've thought about suicide. say that you've thought about suicide. say that you've thought about suicide. Uh when was the last time that you Uh when was the last time that you Uh when was the last time that you thought about it?" So, if they say today thought about it?" So, if they say today thought about it?" So, if they say today or this week or anything that's pretty or this week or anything that's pretty or this week or anything that's pretty relevant or very like similar to relevant or very like similar to relevant or very like similar to closeness in terms of date, closeness in terms of date, closeness in terms of date, >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> um then okay, we want to engage even >> um then okay, we want to engage even >> um then okay, we want to engage even more. And so, the two follow-up more. And so, the two follow-up more. And so, the two follow-up questions we need to ask, and I know questions we need to ask, and I know questions we need to ask, and I know these can feel scary, um but we would these can feel scary, um but we would these can feel scary, um but we would need to figure out, do they have the need to figure out, do they have the need to figure out, do they have the means to carry it out and do they have a means to carry it out and do they have a means to carry it out and do they have a plan? plan? plan? >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Um and again, those feel scary, but we >> Um and again, those feel scary, but we >> Um and again, those feel scary, but we want to love them. And I'm just going to want to love them. And I'm just going to want to love them. And I'm just going to pause right here and remind people. pause right here and remind people. pause right here and remind people. Remember, you have God's spirit, you Remember, you have God's spirit, you Remember, you have God's spirit, you have God's people, um and you have God's have God's people, um and you have God's have God's people, um and you have God's word. And so, I think we so often feel word. And so, I think we so often feel word. And so, I think we so often feel like that's out of my comfort zone. I like that's out of my comfort zone. I like that's out of my comfort zone. I cannot cannot cannot >> needs to have that initial conversation.

>> needs to have that initial conversation. >> needs to have that initial conversation. >> Totally. And we might need to connect >> Totally. And we might need to connect >> Totally. And we might need to connect them to a professional at some point, them to a professional at some point, them to a professional at some point, but you can have those initial but you can have those initial but you can have those initial conversations. conversations. conversations. >> You could be the person God uses to save >> You could be the person God uses to save >> You could be the person God uses to save a life. a life. a life. >> Absolutely. And he wants you. Like, >> Absolutely. And he wants you. Like, >> Absolutely. And he wants you. Like, that's that's what he's in the business that's that's what he's in the business that's that's what he's in the business of of saving people not only from of of saving people not only from of of saving people not only from spiritual death, but also physical. spiritual death, but also physical. spiritual death, but also physical. Like, he wants them to live again that Like, he wants them to live again that Like, he wants them to live again that abundant life. Um and so, then if let's abundant life. Um and so, then if let's abundant life. Um and so, then if let's say that they respond with, "No, I don't say that they respond with, "No, I don't say that they respond with, "No, I don't have a plan. I don't have the means." have a plan. I don't have the means." have a plan. I don't have the means." But, things are pretty bad where they're But, things are pretty bad where they're But, things are pretty bad where they're thinking about ending their life. So, thinking about ending their life. So, thinking about ending their life. So, they haven't fully thought through it, they haven't fully thought through it, they haven't fully thought through it, but it is maybe passing thoughts or but it is maybe passing thoughts or but it is maybe passing thoughts or intrusive thoughts or compulsive intrusive thoughts or compulsive intrusive thoughts or compulsive thoughts. And so, we want to address thoughts. And so, we want to address thoughts. And so, we want to address that. And so, we might start to then that. And so, we might start to then that. And so, we might start to then ask, "Okay, well, what's going on in ask, "Okay, well, what's going on in ask, "Okay, well, what's going on in your life that has made you think about your life that has made you think about your life that has made you think about those things?" So, now it's okay, not those things?" So, now it's okay, not those things?" So, now it's okay, not just about safety, but we're trying to just about safety, but we're trying to just about safety, but we're trying to get to the root issue of where this is get to the root issue of where this is get to the root issue of where this is coming from. A lot of times you'll see coming from. A lot of times you'll see coming from. A lot of times you'll see that it's there some type of that it's there some type of that it's there some type of circumstances going on. Maybe they're circumstances going on. Maybe they're circumstances going on. Maybe they're fired from a job, they're walking fired from a job, they're walking fired from a job, they're walking through a divorce, they lost their through a divorce, they lost their through a divorce, they lost their family, um they lost their home. So, family, um they lost their home. So, family, um they lost their home. So, there's things that feel so big that there's things that feel so big that there's things that feel so big that they don't know if they'll be able to they don't know if they'll be able to they don't know if they'll be able to dig themselves out of that hole. Um very dig themselves out of that hole. Um very dig themselves out of that hole. Um very similar again to that jailer. Like, "Oh, similar again to that jailer. Like, "Oh, similar again to that jailer. Like, "Oh, I don't know if I can I don't know if I can I don't know if I can >> fix this problem."

>> fix this problem." >> fix this problem." >> Right. They feel stuck. They feel um >> Right. They feel stuck. They feel um >> Right. They feel stuck. They feel um just stressed. And so, just stressed. And so, just stressed. And so, in that we might then start to address in that we might then start to address in that we might then start to address the needs. So, if it's, "Okay, well, I, the needs. So, if it's, "Okay, well, I, the needs. So, if it's, "Okay, well, I, you know, don't have a job." I just you know, don't have a job." I just you know, don't have a job." I just talked with someone recently where I was talked with someone recently where I was talked with someone recently where I was like, "Okay, hey, what might it look like, "Okay, hey, what might it look like, "Okay, hey, what might it look like to get you connected to some of our like to get you connected to some of our like to get you connected to some of our ministries here?" ministries here?" ministries here?" >> Who could that could help you get a job? >> Who could that could help you get a job? >> Who could that could help you get a job? >> Absolutely. Like, careers in motion or >> Absolutely. Like, careers in motion or >> Absolutely. Like, careers in motion or our community development corporation our community development corporation our community development corporation for our job connection program. Like, we for our job connection program. Like, we for our job connection program. Like, we have opportunities to be able to connect have opportunities to be able to connect have opportunities to be able to connect people with resources, not just people with resources, not just people with resources, not just spiritual, but also physical needs, spiritual, but also physical needs, spiritual, but also physical needs, meeting some of those needs. I think the meeting some of those needs. I think the meeting some of those needs. I think the Lord calls us to do both. Um and so, we Lord calls us to do both. Um and so, we Lord calls us to do both. Um and so, we want to help them do that and then want to help them do that and then want to help them do that and then create a plan of always having create a plan of always having create a plan of always having scripture. Something I like to do, just scripture. Something I like to do, just scripture. Something I like to do, just a little tidbit, is I always have note a little tidbit, is I always have note a little tidbit, is I always have note cards in my backpack or, you know, that cards in my backpack or, you know, that cards in my backpack or, you know, that I want to write a scripture. So, I want to write a scripture. So, I want to write a scripture. So, something that really meant a really something that really meant a really something that really meant a really that was really helpful to them in the that was really helpful to them in the that was really helpful to them in the conversation, I'll write it out and just conversation, I'll write it out and just conversation, I'll write it out and just say, "Hey, put it in your pocket, put it say, "Hey, put it in your pocket, put it say, "Hey, put it in your pocket, put it in your purse or your bag or wherever in your purse or your bag or wherever in your purse or your bag or wherever it's at." Just so you can pull it out. it's at." Just so you can pull it out. it's at." Just so you can pull it out. Sometimes it's hard to know where the Sometimes it's hard to know where the Sometimes it's hard to know where the scripture is on your phone or in the scripture is on your phone or in the scripture is on your phone or in the Bible, but when you pull out that, you Bible, but when you pull out that, you Bible, but when you pull out that, you can read it and be reminded of God's can read it and be reminded of God's can read it and be reminded of God's perfect truth. Um, and so giving them perfect truth. Um, and so giving them perfect truth. Um, and so giving them some options there. And then some some options there. And then some some options there. And then some follow-up. Uh, statistically, um, what follow-up. Uh, statistically, um, what follow-up. Uh, statistically, um, what they would say, um, like mental health they would say, um, like mental health they would say, um, like mental health professionals, is that if you create a professionals, is that if you create a professionals, is that if you create a future plan with someone who might be future plan with someone who might be future plan with someone who might be suicidal, they are less likely to end suicidal, they are less likely to end suicidal, they are less likely to end their lives. Now, that's not 100% of the their lives. Now, that's not 100% of the their lives. Now, that's not 100% of the time, but we might say, "What might it time, but we might say, "What might it time, but we might say, "What might it look like for us to meet for coffee on look like for us to meet for coffee on look like for us to meet for coffee on Thursday?" Or maybe we have a phone Thursday?" Or maybe we have a phone Thursday?" Or maybe we have a phone call, you know, on Wednesday.

call, you know, on Wednesday. call, you know, on Wednesday. >> You make a plan. >> You make a plan. >> You make a plan. >> Make a plan. Um, and so we're caring for >> Make a plan. Um, and so we're caring for >> Make a plan. Um, and so we're caring for them because it's not just about making them because it's not just about making them because it's not just about making sure that they're safe. We also want to sure that they're safe. We also want to sure that they're safe. We also want to create pathways for discipleship and create pathways for discipleship and create pathways for discipleship and growth [clears throat] and maturity in growth [clears throat] and maturity in growth [clears throat] and maturity in their faith. So that's there. Now, let's their faith. So that's there. Now, let's their faith. So that's there. Now, let's fast forward to the person that maybe fast forward to the person that maybe fast forward to the person that maybe says, says, says, >> "I do have a plan and I do have a mean I >> "I do have a plan and I do have a mean I >> "I do have a plan and I do have a mean I have a means." have a means." have a means." >> absolutely. And so there's different >> absolutely. And so there's different >> absolutely. And so there's different versions. If you're, you know, just at versions. If you're, you know, just at versions. If you're, you know, just at home and you're like, "I don't have any home and you're like, "I don't have any home and you're like, "I don't have any other options." We might say that you other options." We might say that you other options." We might say that you might need to involve authorities. You might need to involve authorities. You might need to involve authorities. You might need to call 911 and let them know might need to call 911 and let them know might need to call 911 and let them know what's going on. Um, and especially here what's going on. Um, and especially here what's going on. Um, and especially here in Dallas, we have services that will in Dallas, we have services that will in Dallas, we have services that will come out and offer support, um, and do come out and offer support, um, and do come out and offer support, um, and do an assessment and get them connected to an assessment and get them connected to an assessment and get them connected to an inpatient unit in order to keep them an inpatient unit in order to keep them an inpatient unit in order to keep them safe, but that can feel really scary. safe, but that can feel really scary. safe, but that can feel really scary. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And so we want people to know like, >> And so we want people to know like, >> And so we want people to know like, "Hey, our ultimate goal is for you to be "Hey, our ultimate goal is for you to be "Hey, our ultimate goal is for you to be here so that you might experience the here so that you might experience the here so that you might experience the love of Jesus. So we need to focus on love of Jesus. So we need to focus on love of Jesus. So we need to focus on your physical safety so that we might your physical safety so that we might your physical safety so that we might also be able to work work on your also be able to work work on your also be able to work work on your spiritual growth and your relationship spiritual growth and your relationship spiritual growth and your relationship with the Lord." Um, so we want to help with the Lord." Um, so we want to help with the Lord." Um, so we want to help them do that. Um, but let's say that them do that. Um, but let's say that them do that. Um, but let's say that maybe you're here on campus or you're at maybe you're here on campus or you're at maybe you're here on campus or you're at a church and you're listening. Um, I a church and you're listening. Um, I a church and you're listening. Um, I would even talk to maybe some of the would even talk to maybe some of the would even talk to maybe some of the people in your ministry of like, "Do we people in your ministry of like, "Do we people in your ministry of like, "Do we have a protocol like that you know, that have a protocol like that you know, that have a protocol like that you know, that we need to follow?"

we need to follow?" we need to follow?" >> study small group and this comes up, >> study small group and this comes up, >> study small group and this comes up, what should I do? what should I do? what should I do? >> Absolutely. Because you want to be ahead >> Absolutely. Because you want to be ahead >> Absolutely. Because you want to be ahead of the game versus being reactive um, in of the game versus being reactive um, in of the game versus being reactive um, in the situation. And so here what we do, the situation. And so here what we do, the situation. And so here what we do, so if you're thinking like, "I am a so if you're thinking like, "I am a so if you're thinking like, "I am a ministry leader. I don't have ministry leader. I don't have ministry leader. I don't have something." Here's what we do here at something." Here's what we do here at something." Here's what we do here at Watermark and Regeneration is we would Watermark and Regeneration is we would Watermark and Regeneration is we would say you want never leave the person say you want never leave the person say you want never leave the person alone because we want to keep eyes on alone because we want to keep eyes on alone because we want to keep eyes on them and make sure that we're keeping them and make sure that we're keeping them and make sure that we're keeping them safe. The second thing is looping them safe. The second thing is looping them safe. The second thing is looping someone in. So it would be whether it's someone in. So it would be whether it's someone in. So it would be whether it's like a coach or you know a staff member like a coach or you know a staff member like a coach or you know a staff member somebody that can step in and help and somebody that can step in and help and somebody that can step in and help and be a second set of eyes and just a be a second set of eyes and just a be a second set of eyes and just a helper in that moment and through that helper in that moment and through that helper in that moment and through that really assessing okay do we need to call really assessing okay do we need to call really assessing okay do we need to call the police or are there other options the police or are there other options the police or are there other options cuz if I'm honest it's really scary cuz if I'm honest it's really scary cuz if I'm honest it's really scary >> to call the police >> to call the police >> to call the police >> 911 or the ambulance. >> 911 or the ambulance. >> 911 or the ambulance. >> Yeah and while they're all amazing >> Yeah and while they're all amazing >> Yeah and while they're all amazing people and want to help but that can people and want to help but that can people and want to help but that can just feel really hard on someone when just feel really hard on someone when just feel really hard on someone when maybe you're the first person they told. maybe you're the first person they told. maybe you're the first person they told. >> They've ever told and they're trusting >> They've ever told and they're trusting >> They've ever told and they're trusting you and you and you and >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> So you want to comfort them and >> So you want to comfort them and >> So you want to comfort them and reminding them that you want them to be reminding them that you want them to be reminding them that you want them to be safe safe safe and the goal absolutely the goal would and the goal absolutely the goal would and the goal absolutely the goal would be that we would agree together on next be that we would agree together on next be that we would agree together on next steps. So sometimes it is hey I think steps. So sometimes it is hey I think steps. So sometimes it is hey I think the best step is for us to maybe go to the best step is for us to maybe go to the best step is for us to maybe go to the hospital or to go and and call 911.

the hospital or to go and and call 911. the hospital or to go and and call 911. Like what do you think about that? Like what do you think about that? Like what do you think about that? >> And while sometimes we might have to >> And while sometimes we might have to >> And while sometimes we might have to make the decision regardless if they make the decision regardless if they make the decision regardless if they wanted it or not cuz of their safety wanted it or not cuz of their safety wanted it or not cuz of their safety we also want to if we can come to a we also want to if we can come to a we also want to if we can come to a conclusion together that is so much conclusion together that is so much conclusion together that is so much better. better. better. >> But there are times where maybe they >> But there are times where maybe they >> But there are times where maybe they don't have the means and they don't don't have the means and they don't don't have the means and they don't really have a plan but maybe they've had really have a plan but maybe they've had really have a plan but maybe they've had a plan in the past and you're trying to a plan in the past and you're trying to a plan in the past and you're trying to still worried. still worried. still worried. >> it feels in the middle. >> it feels in the middle. >> it feels in the middle. >> Exactly. We might say I've been >> Exactly. We might say I've been >> Exactly. We might say I've been sometimes on phone calls with like a sometimes on phone calls with like a sometimes on phone calls with like a spouse and it's like the spouse comes to spouse and it's like the spouse comes to spouse and it's like the spouse comes to pick them up and like knows what's going pick them up and like knows what's going pick them up and like knows what's going on or maybe a roommate or a parent. on or maybe a roommate or a parent. on or maybe a roommate or a parent. >> So you're you're you're keeping that >> So you're you're you're keeping that >> So you're you're you're keeping that don't leave them alone value intact as don't leave them alone value intact as don't leave them alone value intact as they're moving on to whatever they have they're moving on to whatever they have they're moving on to whatever they have next. next. next. >> Yeah and so again but then everything >> Yeah and so again but then everything >> Yeah and so again but then everything else still follows from the other else still follows from the other else still follows from the other person. We're going to remind them of person. We're going to remind them of person. We're going to remind them of truth. We're going to remind them of truth. We're going to remind them of truth. We're going to remind them of their identity in Christ if they're their identity in Christ if they're their identity in Christ if they're believer or share the gospel if they're believer or share the gospel if they're believer or share the gospel if they're not. We're going to do some follow-up. not. We're going to do some follow-up. not. We're going to do some follow-up. >> Yeah schedule that meeting that >> Yeah schedule that meeting that >> Yeah schedule that meeting that check-in. check-in. check-in. >> and creating an atmosphere where they >> and creating an atmosphere where they >> and creating an atmosphere where they see there is love and support and help see there is love and support and help see there is love and support and help for them regardless of what is going on for them regardless of what is going on for them regardless of what is going on in their life. Most people just want to in their life. Most people just want to in their life. Most people just want to know that people care know that people care know that people care and that people are willing to listen and that people are willing to listen and that people are willing to listen because one of the biggest beliefs for because one of the biggest beliefs for because one of the biggest beliefs for someone is that they are hopeless, they someone is that they are hopeless, they someone is that they are hopeless, they feel helpless and they feel like no one feel helpless and they feel like no one feel helpless and they feel like no one loves them and we know where ultimate loves them and we know where ultimate loves them and we know where ultimate hope comes from. We know how to help and hope comes from. We know how to help and hope comes from. We know how to help and we know what it looks like to find we know what it looks like to find we know what it looks like to find identity in Jesus and remind them of identity in Jesus and remind them of identity in Jesus and remind them of truth and so we can do that. We know how truth and so we can do that. We know how truth and so we can do that. We know how to do that. We're good at that. Yeah.

to do that. We're good at that. Yeah. to do that. We're good at that. Yeah. >> It's good. >> It's good. >> It's good. >> Sierra, thank you for sharing your >> Sierra, thank you for sharing your >> Sierra, thank you for sharing your wisdom. This is so practical. If there's wisdom. This is so practical. If there's wisdom. This is so practical. If there's any way we can follow up with you any way we can follow up with you any way we can follow up with you further, either help equip you to have further, either help equip you to have further, either help equip you to have conversations or if you personally are conversations or if you personally are conversations or if you personally are wrestling with some of this, we would wrestling with some of this, we would wrestling with some of this, we would love to connect. You can email us at love to connect. You can email us at love to connect. You can email us at [email protected]. Any final thoughts, Sierra? You feel Any final thoughts, Sierra? You feel good? good? good? >> I think the last thing I would say is if >> I think the last thing I would say is if >> I think the last thing I would say is if you are struggling with this, I think a you are struggling with this, I think a you are struggling with this, I think a lie that Christians can believe is if I lie that Christians can believe is if I lie that Christians can believe is if I am struggling with this, can I be a am struggling with this, can I be a am struggling with this, can I be a Christian? And the answer is yes. And so Christian? And the answer is yes. And so Christian? And the answer is yes. And so if you're a Christian and you're if you're a Christian and you're if you're a Christian and you're struggling with thoughts or maybe mental struggling with thoughts or maybe mental struggling with thoughts or maybe mental health concerns, just know one, God health concerns, just know one, God health concerns, just know one, God loves you, but two, he has offered loves you, but two, he has offered loves you, but two, he has offered common graces like ministries and common graces like ministries and common graces like ministries and churches and and people who are equipped churches and and people who are equipped churches and and people who are equipped to handle um really hard complex to handle um really hard complex to handle um really hard complex situations that you might be walking situations that you might be walking situations that you might be walking through. Those are common graces for the through. Those are common graces for the through. Those are common graces for the Lord um and he invites you into his Lord um and he invites you into his Lord um and he invites you into his people. He is our ultimate refuge and people. He is our ultimate refuge and people. He is our ultimate refuge and yet he uses places like churches um and yet he uses places like churches um and yet he uses places like churches um and his people to be a source of refuge and his people to be a source of refuge and his people to be a source of refuge and comfort um and so don't feel like you're comfort um and so don't feel like you're comfort um and so don't feel like you're alone cuz you're not um and then lastly alone cuz you're not um and then lastly alone cuz you're not um and then lastly I would just say if you're needing help, I would just say if you're needing help, I would just say if you're needing help, reach out. Um don't do this alone. It reach out. Um don't do this alone. It reach out. Um don't do this alone. It was this life was never meant to live was this life was never meant to live was this life was never meant to live alone and so if you're thinking should I alone and so if you're thinking should I alone and so if you're thinking should I reach out, should I not, let me just reach out, should I not, let me just reach out, should I not, let me just tell you, you should.

tell you, you should. tell you, you should. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Sierra, thank you. >> Sierra, thank you. >> Sierra, thank you. >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> Absolutely. >> And as always, I'm so glad [music] we're >> And as always, I'm so glad [music] we're >> And as always, I'm so glad [music] we're all on this journey abiding in Jesus all on this journey abiding in Jesus all on this journey abiding in Jesus together.