A Voice in the Dark

I was catching up on the news today and read a heartbreaking report about a college student who committed suicide live on a web cam. The report went on to say that there were people watching as this event unfolded. Some egged him on, some laughed, some did not believe it was real, and others were debating on if he took enough pills to actually kill himself. This young man had a family that loved him and was reported to be well liked. He also suffer from bio-polar depression, which in the end was probably the catalyst that drove him to such extreme measures.

I feel led to bring this up because as I discussed this tragedy with my husband I threw out the question, "Why would people sit and watch such a horrifying event and NOT do something??!!" To which Kevin replied, "It's because of computers." How could he make such a simple statement to explain such a painful event! I did not agree, because computers are an inanimate object and cannot cause people to behave in any certain way. The same argument is constantly made about guns. You know the line "Guns don't kill people. People kill people." The same can be said about computers.

I began thinking about where technology has led our country. Sure, it brings great conveniences to many aspects of our lives and businesses. However, is there ever a time when we say enough is enough? This technology generation has made a plethora of information available at our finger tips. Unfortunately, kids and teens are not emotionally or psychologically ready for this avalanche of knowledge (or are some adults, as I have found out). I think it is much like Adam and Eve eating the fruit from the tree of knowledge. They did not know the eternal consequences of their actions until it was too late. Could they have obeyed God and not succumbed? YES, they could have made that choice and if they did we would not be where we are today. Our kids do not know how to handle, OR the consequences of having access to the world and each other through the Internet.

Have you noticed that young people have stopped talking to one another. Instead they choose text messaging, instant messaging, blogging, MySpace, Facebook, and the list goes on, to communicate. Instead of coming to a parent, teacher, or friend when they have a problem, they post it on the Internet for everyone to view. They use the Internet to bully, experiment with sex, and even date. How crazy is this???

My husband had a point...computers may have some responsibility in this lack of human contact. BUT would kids need the computer as a life line if parents were involved? If they were in fellowship, and they had real relationships in their lives? Just a question to ponder. I think this awful tragedy is a wake up call for all parents. Love your children - love them with everything you have and always tell them they are not alone in this world. God is with them, and we are too.

My heart goes out to this victim of Satan's lies and to his devastated family. If I were able to say one thing to him as he contemplated suicide it would be, listen for the Voice in the dark sweet child of God. God is here, He sees your pain and wants to restore your life.