Open the door

It’s Halloween. Most people think about decorating, dressing up, handing out candy, and parties. Some of those things come to my mind, however, losing my mom will always be right there at the top.

Twenty-five years ago, I received a call from my dad. I vividly remember how he struggled to talk as he shared he had just called 911. My mom lost her battle to cancer. I think what hurt the most is the fact that she lost her battle to living many years before that day.

Life is hard. Now that I’m older, I can see how it can be overwhelming. I’m not really sure why some people can’t overcome some of their struggles, but my mom never seemed to “live” life from the time I began middle school. Those were tough years for the both of us.

She was beautiful. She loved music. She loved deeply when she allowed herself to do so. Unfortunately, there was something unknown to me that brought her down into depression — to the point she hardly ever stepped out of the house. Sometimes she didn’t leave her bedroom.

It makes me so sad that I couldn’t help, but she wouldn’t let me in.

If you are struggling with depression, please listen to your friend, daughter, son, or whoever it is that is trying to reach out. They love you, but most likely they really don’t know the right words to say. They are afraid that they’ll push you further away. They are afraid that they’ll lose you forever.

I know you are tired, but there is one who can help. He will give you strength to face the day and to keep moving forward. He will give you peace, love, hope, and JOY! This isn’t coming from some self-help book — I’ve experienced it! Please, if you’ve closed the door on your family or friends, unlock it. Open it. Let someone in.

Most of all, let Jesus in. He is the answer to living life — today and forever.

“For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. ” Matthew 7:8