Suicide is not new, but its acceptability and even popularity are quite new. Statistics indicate that more than 101 people take their own lives every day. However, those who work in the field of crisis intervention also testify that a significant number of suicides are preventable provided help is available. This mini-book will help you to recognize the warning signs of suicidal thinking and increase the possibility of giving hope to a suicidal friend before it’s too late.
Publisher: Shepherd Press
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9781633420755
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Bruce Ray has been a pastor for 50 years and has also served as a Police, Fire & EMS chaplain for 30 years. He is a frequent speaker on crisis and trauma. Bruce is a graduate of Los Angeles Baptist College (now The Master’s University), the Reformed Episcopal Seminary, and Police & Fire Chaplains Training Academy.
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Wisdom dictates that good advice is best derived from those with real-life experience, above mere theoreticians. And that is one of the reasons I was excited to read Bruce Ray's slender gem: "HELP! My Friend is Suicidal." Help it is indeed. In what can be easily read in one brief sitting, Bruce Ray offers the practical, clear, concise and Biblical counsel that can only come from one who has grappled with this tragedy firsthand. Repeatedly. So it is with both a long history as a law enforcement chaplain, and as a seasoned pastor, Bruce unpacks one of the most emotionally charged issues many of us face today in the most helpful manner possible. With the rare combination of palpable compassion coupled with unsparing honesty, you cannot help but read this resource and come away feeling surprisingly well equipped to face the situation none of us ever wants to face, and far too many must...While dismantling many common an unhelpful myths like: "Suicide is always caused by depression" (Ray in fact cites at least 4 other prominent factors); or "People who talk about suicide won't really do it - they just want attention"; or "Once suicidal, always suicidal", the author goes on to address "Who is at Risk and Why?"; How the Bible treats the subject of suicide; and powerfully - in chapter 3 how to meaningfully engage and help your suicidal friend. This little book is a no-nonsense treasure. It is both full of its own solid and practical direction, as well as pointing the reader to a host of well chosen additional resources. Gospel centered and Biblically sound, it is a must read for everyone involved in ministry, and anyone who is simply wanting to be of genuine assistance to a friend who may have attempted, or you fear might be contemplating taking their own life. Buy it, read it, refer to it, and recommend it to others. Reidster
