High rate of suicide

Sir,

We feel with deep heart-felt feeling for all and everybody connected to those who have, sadly and tragically, ended their own lives in Inverness, and across the Highlands, over the past year or so.

As we sympathetically ‘mourn with those who mourn’ and ‘weep with those who weep’ we remember all these dear sorrowing people before the One (Jesus Christ) who wept at the grave of a friend (Lazarus). Our sincere hope and prayer is that the Lord Himself will be their comfort and consolation, as they grieve over the loss of loved ones.

It is understood that the Highlands has the highest per capita suicide rate in Scotland for young people between the ages of 15 and 25. This is truly an alarming and deeply concerning statistic. With everything to live for, it is evident that these young people were craving for something that the world around them could not give or offer. Neither could it satisfy the obvious emptiness and vacuum within their own heart.

Whilst we are thankful for the Inverness ‘Mikeysline’ phone-line service, and indeed everyone involved in the funding, supporting and managing of this vital initiative, can I reverently and respectfully point out that there may be a deeper underlying problem behind these tragic deaths, namely a spiritual one.

History records a man who was once looking for ‘something somewhere’ to replace the emptiness, hopelessness and restlessness that he found hidden in his own heart. After finding, by the grace of God, this ‘something’ that brought lasting rest, Augustine penned together these memorable words: ‘Thou hast made us for Thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in Thee.’

This true rest is to be found in Jesus Christ, and He promises it to all who will seek it: ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’ (Matthew 11:28) At the same time He also promises that inner peace: ‘My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid’ (John 14:27)

I am deeply conscious that there are many young, and not so young, people – out there who are also looking for this true and lasting inner rest, peace, hope, joy and love that is to be alone found in the Lord Jesus Christ and His promises of salvation. Please do not despair, whoever you are, if you are crushed, stressed, lonely, suicidal, feeling hopeless or battling with depression, as there is hope – even for you – in Jesus Christ.

As a Bible believing Christian, and gospel missionary, I am more than happy to be contacted, either directly at my home address below or my email address at murtieuk@yahoo.co.uk for any spiritual guidance and assistance, and I will try to help as best as I can.

Donald J Morrison

85 Old Edinburgh Road

Inverness

Letter: Tragic high rate of suicides

17 May 2016