This week a young man at my husband’s work committed suicide. It has been a devastating loss to the whole company — both father and son worked for Craig’s brother. Please hold the Hill family up in prayer, especially the boy’s younger sister, who was home alone when the gun shot struck.

Today I happened upon this inspiring article — curtesy of “Happy Catholic” and “the Anchoress” — about a man who has pulled more than 160 people from the brink of suicide near his home in Australia. The article states that he never tries to “counsel, advise or pry. He just gives them a warm smile, and asks if they want to talk….”

Sometimes it works. Often it doesn’t. But it doesn’t keep him from trying.

If someone you know may be contemplating suicide, contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline. They have a dedicated line for military personnel.

In the meantime, please join me in prayer for all those who are grieving the loss of someone who was in so much pain, so desperate, that death seemed the only way out.

Merciful heart of Jesus, pray for us.