This Is Not A Joke

Shocking news hit the headlines this afternoon. Already we were witnessing the violence and chaos in St. Louis over the police shooting of a young man. We continued watching the unfolding air strikes in Iraq and the horrors committed by ISIS. Then in shock and disbelief I saw it pop up on my facebook feed: Robin Williams was dead at 63 - suicide suspected. Details are still developing, but his publicist has stated that he had been battling severe depression.

Some of us grew up with Robin Williams - from the early days with "Mork & Mindy" throughout his colorful career as Mrs. Doubtfire or a couple of my favorites, Genie in "Aladdin" and Batty in "Fern Gully." The man had a gift for making people laugh. But he was more than a comedian - he was a great actor with tremendous talent.

It makes us ask - how can a man who made so many laugh fall into the depths of depression? Let me assure you, depression is a killer. It's hard to understand if you've never experienced it firsthand. It's difficult to articulate the darkness it brings into your life. Innumerable people suffer silently with it day after day. I'm not sure what was at the heart of this legendary comedian's depression. I'm not sure if others really saw it or understood it. I do know we all need to try and make a difference.

You see, you never know what that person in front of you is experiencing. They could have on a mask of joy and laughter, and be quietly dying on the inside. They could be just one criticism or insult away from calling it quits in life. They could be hanging onto sanity by their fingernails. Whenever somebody asks how they are doing they could be self conditioned to continually lie, "I'm great. I'm fine. I'm good" when they are everything but those things.

We can make a difference by really caring. You can make a difference with something as simple as a smile. You can make a huge impact with a word of encouragement, a hug or a compliment. You could help that stranger hold on one more day and give life one more chance. Don't just say, "How are you doing" as some form of greeting. When they reply, "I'm fine" try saying, "No, man. Really. How are you doing today." Listen. Love. Make a difference.

When I saw the news about Robin Williams I thought it must have been some sick internet joke. Unfortunately, tragically it was not. Suicide is not a joke. People every day are deciding to end life instead of continue it. Depression is not a joke. People are struggling every day to keep on keeping on. Listen. Love. Reach out. Make a positive impact on those around you. Be the change.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV)