What The World Needs Is More Philos

Genesis 45:1-15

As I write this the news of Robin William's apparent suicide is still reeling through all news sources. Social media, mainstream media, web media, everyone from Huffington Post to the Onion to Twitter to Facebook directly pushed the news to every known outlet that the person I consider to be the most brilliant comedian to walk this earth had most likely taken his own life.

Many were surprised to hear that he had been battling with severe depression. After all, how can someone who brings so much happiness and joy through laughter be depressed?

One of his better-known quotes states,

"I used to think the worst thing in life was to end up all alone, it’s not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people that make you feel alone."

In and of itself, this quote probably gave us the keenest insight into the life-force of this wonderful man.

Unfortunately, many, if not all, people who suffer from depression feel the same way. Depression is a disease in which people suffer from 2 things: the idea that they have nothing to contribute to life, and the belief they are alone in that struggle. In other words, they believe they have nothing to give, and nobody cares.

In my 16 years of intentional ministry I've met more than my share of people from all ages and walks of life who find themselves in such a place. When I'm entrusted with being in conversation with them, I do my best to reassure them that they are always loved and there is always a reason to go on in life. I also do my best to assure them that they are surrounded by loving friends and family members who want to be a part of their lives - all they have to do is let their friends and family in.

Of course, that's sometimes easier said than done.

People need to know they're loved. When was the last time you told someone you loved them without it having to be a special occasion? When was the last time you told someone you love them just because it was something you wanted to say? When was the last time you told someone you loved them, and really meant it?

Love, the kind that comes from being in a close relationship, the kind that comes from a deep friendship, the kind that comes from sharing family ties, is what every person longs for. It's time we do our part and let those in our lives know they are never alone and they are always loved.