Recently, I read a moving tribute to a friend’s 17-year-old grandson written by his teacher upon the boy’s death. It seemed evident that this exceptionally loving and kind-hearted young man had taken his own life. The young man had been a light to the teacher during the difficult zoom days of 2020-2021. The boy was one of the few young people who showed up on camera, participated, and fully engaged. He was talented, creative, and a deeply loving and kind-hearted soul.
Even though no one suspected that this brilliant young man was struggling, the contention and hopelessness in this world was too much for him. Most of us look at the kind-hearted and loving people around us and assume they’re doing just fine. They often appear upbeat and happy even when they are experiencing difficulties. They don’t want to be a burden on others.
Many young people over the last few years have chosen to exit this world. It’s a shame what the contentiousness is doing to our loving young people. This young man’s death and others make me wonder whether our “insistence on being right” is worth destroying these young innocents. Is it worth destroying our ability to love? Is it worth sacrificing our inner peace?
This year I have disconnected from the “news” and focused on fundamental well-being, prayed fervently for more Christ-like love, and endeavored to look for the good in nature and the people around me.
The Lord has blessed me with an inner stillness and joy that I would never have thought possible in the world being portrayed “out there” in the media. So many adults and young people believe that the media is true… that things are hopeless, bad, and bleak. I suppose they are from a certain angle. But when I take my camera out in the world, I see colorful birds, flowers, and exquisite sunsets. I see the reflection of sunlight on water, the sunbursts through the clouds. I see little children and good people in my community. I see God in everything and everyone around me. There is so much beauty and goodness if we step away from the electronic devices and look at the REAL world outside our doors.
If you or someone you love is heartsick over this world, I invite you to unplug from all the contentious media and look for the good. Your happiness, your peace… your life is priceless. Don’t let it be stolen by those who profit from contention and drama. There is so much beauty all around! Shift your gaze!
My love and prayers go out to the family, teachers and friends who knew and loved this young man and others like him. May we all be more aware that there are people around us who look like they have it all together, but who inwardly are struggling because of the contentious and hopeless narratives.
As I fell to my knees this morning praying for this family, I felt a deep desire to repent of the role I have played in stirring up contention in the name of “fighting for freedom.” For months now, I have felt convicted that tearing others down, snarky comments, rude judgements, making fun of our “enemies,” or demeaning conversation serve no useful purpose in the fight for freedom. I have tearfully asked God to forgive me for anything I have done to contribute to the despondency of sweet souls like my friend’s grandson. I aim to do better, and I ask you to forgive me as well for my role in stirring up contention.
There is a way to stand for truth and goodness without tearing other people down. There is a way to cheerfully and hopefully look for the good while bringing to light areas where we can improve. I know it can be done because I have watched my father do it his entire life. It’s time I followed his example.
I hope you will join me in this endeavor. If we can’t stop the contention for our own peace, let’s stop it for the young people – our children, grandchildren, and great-grands. They deserve a loving, nurturing world.
Featured sunset image taken by Marnie Pehrson Kuhns over Lake Winneconne, Wisconsin in September 2022. Photos in this blog post are copyrighted by Marnie Pehrson Kuhns, 2022. All rights Reserved.