Compassion

I read an article today about some comments allegedly made by Gene Simmons. https://tv.yahoo.com/news/gene-simmons-tells-depressed-people-f-k-kill-154600164.html 

Normally I could give a rat's rear what famous people say, but having known several people who have committed suicide and many more who have contemplated it, I think his words are thoughtless, cruel and quite simply wrong.

First, let me say that my heart breaks for the suffering endured in Nazi concentration camps. What those people endured is beyond comprehension. Their strength and resiliency are not only amazing but profoundly inspiring. Many of us know from experience that the pain and heartache we suffer in this life not only make us stronger, but they serve as a reminder that will encourage us in hardships to come. They alter our perspective, they help us see life outside of ourselves and help us to appreciate all the good along the way. I can only imagine how greatly their experiences changed their outlook on life.

That said, no one handles adversity and pain in the same fashion. What is a mere bump in the road for one person may truly be devastating to another. Things that are easy to overcome for you may seem insurmountable to me and vice verse. Who are we to belittle the suffering of another based on how we or others we know cope? Who are we to say they are weak, that their pain isn't just as real or just as big and who are we to say "Fuc# you, then kill yourself!"?!

His words demonstrate not only a complete lack of compassion and love for his fellow man, but an absence of genuine thought as to how those words could potentially impact someone. I agree with Nikki that as a public figure with a sizable fan base, many of whom could be fighting demons and considering suicide, his suggestion to just kill yourself could result in people actually doing just that. When people look up to others or see them as a role model or authority their words and actions tend to carry a significant amount of weight. People tend do what they see and believe what they are told. I would hope that Mr. Simmons does not truly intend for people to kill themselves because of his words, but I cannot speak to the intentions of his heart.

What I can say is... If you are hurting, if you are suffering, even if you feel that there is no hope and you or those you love would be better off if you were dead, please... PLEASE reach out for help! You are NOT alone, there is hope, people DO care enough to see you though this and your life IS valuable!!! Here is the suicide prevention # 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

You may not know me, and I may not know you, but that does not mean I don't care about your suffering and your life and I believe that is true of more people than you would expect.

To those who have never struggled with depression, with physical pain, with abuse, or with any kind of suffering so intense that you have considered suicide, please be mindful of your words. I hope that Mr. Simmons example will serve to open people's eyes and hearts to what others may be privately enduring and encourage us to think about what we say and how it may impact others. Consider how you would feel about it if the person you care most about in this life were fighting this battle. Have compassion on your fellow man and reach out to those in need. You never know who is in desperate need of even a smile...

Love and be loved, bless and be blessed, y'all!