Offering Hope Through Electronic Media

I think most of us have heard the stories about someone who posts on Facebook or Twitter that he or she is thinking about committing suicide. The story goes that his friends become alarmed and contact the authorities who go to that person's house and talk them out of it.

These stories always make me feel wonderful, first of all to know there ARE people out there who care for others, and second, that someone who calls for help IS indeed rescued. And although I was not in that desperate of situations, I recently found myself twisting at the end of my rope. I was down-- way down -- and feeling alone without a lot of options. One little comment on one Facebook post, and the next thing I know a dear friend who doesn't even live in my town was emailing me asking if everything was all right. And thanks to her concern and wise words, I could see my way out of the pit I was in.

So I guess my thought today is that even through electronic media, we can find ways to encourage others, to give them hope when they may not be able to find it on their own. Sometimes your friend may be direct, as in "I'm dreading the day when . . . ." But sometimes, we have to pay attention. Read between the lines. When someone posts one of those lovely little sayings splashed across a beautiful background and someone comments back, "If only I could," then pause for a moment. Just pause. Let their hurt spur you to call or email them. Just ask if they're all right. Do your best to "listen" (as with figurative ears that are needed when using social media) and offer comfort, hope. Because it's a really tough world out there.

Many of us are going it alone. Many of us are isolated, either by medical conditions, mental conditions, or simply due to an unwillingness to "unload" our problems on others. Many of us know others who seem to have a much more difficult life than we do, and so we choose not to unburden ourselves because we know our problems don't compare. Except that they are indeed problems, and left unsolved, they can grow into bitterness, anger, depression, and anguish.

If you are the one suffering, please find someone you can talk it out with. And if you are the one who senses pain behind a comment, then take a few moments to make sure the other person is okay. Be their sounding board. Let them know that there is hope, and where to find it. REACH OUT. We need to be there for each other because no one should go it alone.

So here's to my friend who showed such compassion this week. And now, I will do my part to pay it forward. Here's hoping all of you will do the same.