No Safe Haven
Imagine for a moment that you are a target, that someone is out to steal what is most precious from you. What would that be?
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. - John 10:10
In today's Gospel, John gives us the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. He is the protector of the sheep, providing a safe haven, a pasture free from thieves.
When I think of thieves trying to steal away what is important to me, I imagine clever professionals who break in and rob their victims of material possessions, but there is a thief who steals from within.
That thief is Depression.
It is estimated that upwards of 20 million people in the U.S. suffer from Depression, and it is stealing lives at an alarming rate, in a variety of ways, from suicide to cancer.
When this thief enters in, it takes hold of our minds as well as our bodies and it doesn't easily let go.
It can be hard to spot the signs in someone suffering from this disease, but lately I have noticed something that may provide a hint.
I am sure no one would argue the fact that Facebook posts could provide a clue to someone's mental state, but are there certain types of posts that reveal when someone is on the road to Depression and possibly suicide?
The type of post I am thinking about are the ones I find most annoying. They are the ones where people want me to comments and share on my Timeline. Or the ones that ask me to take a quiz to see what color I am today.
They seem innocuous enough. Share if you like Blueberries or if you agree. No one cares if I like blueberries.
But those that seek to get me to engage in a pseudo-conversation may turn out to be cries in the wilderness. No one may care that I am purple today, but the fact that I played along may provide enough of a positive response to keep someone from feeling alone, abandoned, invisible.
Now, I am not trying to make all who ignore these posts feel guilty. But what if some of these folks are truly depressed and lost?
Where is the Internet Pasture that is safe and protected form thieves?
Facebook may not be the ideal place to conduct therapy for the lost and lonely, but it does provide a medium for reaching out. The problem may be that no one may truly be listening.
So, today, when you check your Timeline, do a little detective work and look for posts that may be indicators of something deeper. But don't just post back or share or like. Call the person and have a conversation.
You may be scaring away the thief.
More to come...