what does it take?

How depressed does someone have to be when they make the decision to end their life? How much pain do you have to endure before wanting to make it all end completely? I don't even understand how someone could even get to that point. But people do.

Last Thursday a student from Centennial High School committed suicide. He was a young man with his whole life ahead of him. I didn't know him, but from what I have heard, he was a pretty incredible guy. One with a loving heart, a gentle spirit, and a talent for writing.

It shook me down to my core when I heard about it. It hurts my heart to know that someone was suffering that much. It hurts even more to know that he couldn't work through it.

Could we have stopped it? What would have made a difference for Chris Brown? Just a simple 'hello'? So many people think that by just saying 'hi' that they have done their part. But if someone really wanted to be brave, they would actually take the time to get to know that person.

Through one of my friends that has attempted suicide, I have realized that it's about so much more than just saying hello. It's about spending time with them, talking to them, going shopping, having sleepovers and loving on them. Getting to know them by taking time out of your day and really making an effort, and even though it may be difficult, it's what God has called us to do.