Pirate for life, all in, all the way.
I was up early today. At Cooper. Photographing some beautiful girls that happen to play basketball. It seemed things were OK. But it seemed that way last week, too. And we had a kid take his own life. A Cooper Kid.
a kid took his own life
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, states, "We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives." It also points out that, "Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide."
Anguish, suffering. Those are the words that reach out to me. He had to be suffering to do what he did! He had to! And a big part of me gets angry at the victim. I mean, suicide seems like such a selfish act. Doesn't it? Especially to us that are left here in the flesh, still living. His family, friends, teachers. Even those of us that just shared space with him but didn't know him. Thinking about the "what ifs?" If the victim could see the pain they are causing in the aftermath, I'm convinced they would NEVER do it. They could never pull the trigger and do something that would cause such regret, anguish and hurt. But you see, they can't see past the now and present. All they can think about is, the pain. And how they don't feel worthy of anything.
That's where our saviour comes in. Oh, to know him in the way those wise folks in the Bible did! To not be of this earth, but to follow him and love him beyond everything and anything in the world! HE LOVES US. NO EXCEPTIONS. Even when we make our mistakes. Even when we shut him out.
He loves us.
For God so Loved the world, that he gave his only son...
The Pirate Family is hurting. Please pray for Our Pirate Family at this time. You may not personally know those immediately effected, but they still need our prayers. And pray for our kids. Not just here in Cooperville, but all across the world. It's a hard world to grow with.