Robin Williams’ suicide is a sensitive and serious subject, but it needs to be talked about openly.

We don’t want anyone following the dark path of this and other Hollywood idols!– while I will certainly agree depression is real, it is also a snare. In Robin Williams’ case and many other ‘Hollywooders,’ depression I believe it was worsened through the use of drugs and alcohol at the very least, then compounded by prescription antidepressants. A snare is not a disease, and once you are caught in it you can ultimately destroy yourself unless you escape it!

Jesus Christ is the ultimate escape for depression because He is God and He is real. If you are thinking of using antidepressant drugs instead – well from what I have seen in life those drugs only help temporarily. If you have a television, or read the news, look and see how many who have committed suicide were actually taking or had recently stopped taking antidepressants! Listen, and read the side effects – thoughts of suicide is one of many!

I know of no man or woman regretting a decision to surrender to Jesus Christ seeking His forgiveness. I know I will never meet a man or woman in Heaven after I die that will regret that decision – the side effects of that decision are joy and peace that surpasses understanding! Oh, and how about life like that eternally! Sound good!?

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

As for where Robin Williams is for eternity is ultimately up to God, but the Bible teaches us to judge according to the scriptures (fruit of the spirit) not by our emotions. While Robin Williams was a very funny man to many, and yes may has done good things for the USO and other charities, his own words mocking God – are no laughing matter. He was known for perverse stand-up comedy routines shocking listeners who thought he was “family friendly” and add to that what he said of himself, “It was during his stand-up where he was most able to tap into what he calls, “possession…Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde… that’s where people can get as dark as they can in comedy ‑ in the name of comedy.”” Williams said that himself and he wasn’t joking when he said it! That quote made my hair stand on end!

Robin Williams’ life like many other celebrities are/were complete train wrecks – we shouldn’t be looking up to them. We should be warning others to put their faith in no man except Christ. “Ye shall know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16), Jesus said. When judging the “fruits” this is not judging the heart – we must judge by God’s Word, not by what appeals to human reasoning.

As the photos I included here show, no matter what expression he has, to a degree it was a facade – a mask covering the real man who was caught in the awful snare of depression. He like thousands of others did seek help – but from those who could not really help!

Mark 10:49-52 “And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. 50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. 52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.”

Are you blinded by depression today and somehow stumbled upon this webpage? Is Jesus calling to you through these scriptures? I believe He is! Stop where you are this second and pray to Jesus, surrender to Him this moment and let Him carry this load!

He will give you the escape and I sincerely believe it because I have the assurance of salvation, and you can too!

1 Peter 5:6-8 “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”

Jesus also said,

Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light.

I promise you will not regret surrendering to God who has sought you out from the darkest place in your life that you are!

– John A. Beardsley III, August 17, 2014

RESTING IN PEACE?

Another famous actor died today;
An apparent suicide is what they say.
He was funny, and made a great impression;
Yet he was overcome by his depression.

He had all that this world could give;
A life many would kill to live.
What happened? Why this man?
I’ll try to explain as best I can.

A life without Jesus as the Savior,
Is destined to tormented failure.
True happiness will never depend
On how much money you have to spend;

Neither will a popular reputation
Save you from a depressed infiltration.
Resting-in-peace can only be achieved
When in Jesus as Savior you have believed.

I’m sorry to burst the sad and sympathetic bubble,
But things of this world are just wood, hay, and stubble.
When people die without salvation by grace,
Peace is definitely NOT a part of their resting place.

Death is a serious matter! We need to think before we speak.
R.I.P. to one whose salvation is too late to seek,
Is sadly, nothing more than an empty farewell.
Don’t let this be your fate. There is no rest in Hell!

2 Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

© Kathy Beardsley 8/11/2014