For Youth Only!
This site is designated for Young People, their problems, and
the issues facing this generation.
*A Message From Dr. Harrison:
"After working with young people for more than 30 years, I understand some of the pressures that you face from day to day. The peer pressure from friends at school, pressures at home, stress from the load of school work, dealing with relationships, and the constant bombardment from the media. It seems everyone is after your mind. I want to tell you, there are some of us who really care for you. We love you and want to help you. I want to hear from you. Give me some feedback. E-mail me with what you are thinking and feeling. Share your burdens with me. You can help me understand where you are. Together we can help each other as we seek to reach this generation with a Message of Hope. Below are some questions I would like for you to answer. I will wait to hear from you. As you ask, I will post the answer on line (keeping your name private). Your imput can help someone else. Remember, "There is Hope!"
(Copy the questions below to the e-mail box and send to VOH. COPY QUESTIONS
Question # 1 "What is your greatest challenge in school?"
Question # 2 "What kind of Music do you listen to? And do you
think it has any negative effect on you?"
Question # 3 "Do you have a youth group at your church? If
so, how would you grade your youth program?"
Question # 4 "Do you have a problem living for Jesus at
school?"
Question # 5 "What is it that you want more than anything
else?"
Question # 6 "Have you ever considered or attempted suicide?"
Question # 7 "Do you ever have prayer and family altar at
home?"
Teen Suicide
What is it that would cause a young person to consider taking his or her own life? That question has plagued teachers, preachers and leaders for centuries.
The Bible gives us insight to some of life's most difficult problems. It even gives us a look into the lives of some that have tragically ended in suicide. Of course the most notable would be Judas, who betrayed Jesus, and then there is Sampson, who at the end of many wrong decisions, he choose to pull the stone pillars down upon his head, destroying both himself and thousands of his enemies with him.
These all seemingly are understandable for their lives had took a tragic turn due to their own bad decisions. Judas betrayed the Son of God and could not face the fact that what he did caused the death of Jesus. (Even though this was in the plan of God) Sampson had broken his vows and ended up blind, in prison and all alone. In his bondage, his last act was to destroy himself with his enemies. Sad pictures these are and we understand the sorrow that both protray.
But with many who end their life in suicide, the picture is not as clear. Some victims of suicide are young people who are hurt by the loss of a boy friend or girl friend. Some suicide victims are a result of a bad home life, peer pressure, drugs, the influence of alcohol, and even the music industry and Hollywood play a part in this awful problem.
Yet, in each case, most of the time, suicide could be prevented. One of the things about suicide is that it is the result of poor reasoning. The lie of Satan is to tell you that there is "no way out of your situation." Satan also tries to convince his victims that suicide it the answer to all your problems. He tries to convince you that suicide is an escape. But the fact is, suicide is not an escape. Instead, it is the ultimate and final bondage.
If you come to the conclusion that your only way out is suicide, then you make the choice to leave this world of "problems", with no one to understand, no way out, and you wake up in a place that is the ultimate in lonliness, bondage, and absence of love and peace. The one thing that Satan does not want you to know, is that Hell is an awful place and when you reject the offer of God's peace and choose the way of suicide, you end up in hell, where there is no escape, no peace, no one to love you and no way out!
Let me just give you this to think about. Whatever problem you face, wherever you are in life, Christ is the answer. Now to trust Him and believe in Him will not automatically solve all your problems. But when you have Christ in your heart, He gives you peace, joy, and a reason for living. He is able to clear up your mind and release you from the bondage of this world. He is able to fill that void within you. He is able to give you a reason for living. He is the picture of true love. No one ever cared for you like He does! He was willing to take your payment for sin and give Himself as a sacrifice for your sins. He died so you could live. He suffered so you would not have to suffer. He came so you could have life and have life more abundantly. He does not intend for you to be unhappy and lonely. He wants to give you peace and hope and live within you forever.
You may be feeling today like no one cares. But believe me, I care, and I know that Jesus cares. Don't believe Satan's lies! Listen to God speaking to you. He loves you and He wants to help you. Don't give in to hopelessnes and distress. He stands with outstreched arms waiting to help you. If you will call out to Him now, He will hear you and He will save you. "Whosoever shall call upon my name shall be saved." Romans 10:13
"Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy ladened and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28-30
He is there waiting for you. Will you come to Him today? Will you forsake those thoughts of hopelessness and death, and begin to live for the first time? He is all about living. He is the "way , the truth and the life". I am praying for you and I love you. If you need someone to talk to, I am as near as my phone or you can email me. If you prayed and ask Jesus to come into your heart, or you are considering suicide, contact me immediately. I would love to hear from you. God Bless you and I love you.
Your Friend,
Dr. David Harrison