Kind Words about Robin Williams

“I don’t share the opinion that suicides are certainly to be damned. My reason is that they do not wish to kill themselves but are overcome by the power of the devil. They are like a man who is murdered in the woods by a robber. . . . They are examples by which our Lord God wishes to show that the devil is powerful and also that we should be diligent in prayer. But for these examples, we would not fear God. Hence he must teach us in this way.”

[Vol. 54:29], Kelmed from P. McCain, ALPB Forum.

I have been startled by the cruel words used against Robin Williams. I am not going to repeat them. I wondered how much these verbal assaults help the ones who mourn him. There is no more painful grief, as my professor at Notre Dame once said. 

Luther always emphasized the Gospel, which shines through in his brief passage about suicide. "They are like a man who is murdered in the woods by a robber." I believe David Scaer quoted those words first, so perhaps McCain kelmed Scaer, who quoted them in class.

I traveled south in Ohio to conduct a funeral for a young married man who ended his own life. The pain felt was dreadful. Like others, he was just starting to get better.

Few in our drugged out society want to blame the use and abuse of cocaine in Hollywood. Heroine is also popular and accepted. Everyone jokes about these powerful drugs so much that marijuana is considered quite mild and harmless in comparison. 

These addictions cause powerful mood swings. I can imagine how a performer is tempted to be completely up for a performance that might help or damage his career. Hollywood directors had Judy Garland on speed, so she took barbiturates to calm down and sleep. Her life ended with an overdose, but that medicine loses its effective dose, which gets closer and closer to the lethal dose. 

My friend tried every drug available, legal and illegal, so he died relatively young. He was also an alcoholic, as he admitted to me toward the end. Talking to someone like that is like speaking through tin cans connected with string. They are so far away, so difficult to reach. I have yet to find his obituary.

Can we name a more vicious robber and thug than a chemical that promises so much yet steals independence, peace, and emotional strength.

We need more understanding and fewer self-help gurus. My favorite pop singer has a song which reflects her Evangelical faith. It is a song, not a Gerhardt hymn, but it says a lot in a few words.

Use your life kindly and worthy of grace
Remember one day you'll meet God face to face.
Yes, use your life kindly and worthy of grace.
These were my father's last words.

The Seekers are together again for their 50th anniversary as a group. They began singing with Gospel and popular songs, creating a new national anthem for Australia. They maintained their friendship all these years, a remarkable record, perhaps the blessings of the Gospel.

As I said many times before, I grew up in a kindly town where people cared about one another. Consideration for others was taught at home, at church, in the schools. My classmates still help each other out and rejoice in our mutual joys - grandchildren, wedding anniversaries, and accomplishments. Now we are going through our cycles of illness and loss.

Several examples show that the tragedy of suicide can be averted. In one location a man talks to those who appear to be ready to jump to their deaths. He takes them for tea and a quiet talk. They change their minds when they experience some compassion and a listening ear.

Those who survived a jump from the Golden Gate Bridge have admitted the same thing. The moment they jumped they realized their troubles were relatively easy to solve. The robber is cheated of his prize when someone can survive and tell others to have hope and courage.

Each day we have opportunities to help our neighbor, sometimes with actions, in other circumstances with words. Facebook is a great place for mutual encouragement, sympathy, and support.