It’s time to address the ELEPHANT in the room.
Of the countless lives lost to Suicide, who have gone to soon.
Take a look at the statistics, the truth will be revealed
There is an epidemic, the truth is very real
What speaks volumes to me is the gap between genders
For men far outweigh the women, they’ve become the great pretenders
Examining the differences amongst them, and the messages they are told
Losing 3 of the closest men, has made me very bold
I’m not dismissing women, for they are broken too
Out of 183 countries, suicide ranks higher amongst men in all countries but 2
I reside in the United States, “The Land of the Free”
Ranked #27 out of 183 for lives lost to suicide. How can this be?
As Americans we take pride to live the American Dream
Not trying to be sarcastic, witty or mean
We are taught to strive for the biggest house, with a white picket fence
Living up to these expectations comes at a great expense
Men and women both working hard, while children tend to themselves
All in efforts to succeed, attain materials and wealth
Moms and Dads are left frustrated and tired, their energy is zapped
If you don’t believe me, it’s true. Just look at the map
The need to succeed and live, causes roles to shifted
Women trying to excel in the workforce, men have been sifted
Not implying it’s right or wrong, it simply is what it is
These are just my observations and humble opinions. What do we do with this?
The times of old have passed, families have been broken
The family units broken down, and not a word is spoken
All striving to make the best of it, while forgetting what is sacred
Relationships and memories, have been replaced with frustration, agony and hatred
Comparing ourselves to one another, trying to “Live up to the Jones”
Making things appear perfect on the outside especially our homes
Face to face communication simply does not exist
Replaced with social media and texts, it’s so hard to resist
How many likes can we get if we post this picture?
Seeking the need for acceptance, validation, self esteem. What a mixture!
I don’t have it all together either, I’m human just like you
A woman with a tender heart, broken through and through
I’m just a keen observer, what troubles me is silence
For men who take their lives at their own hands is complete violence
Some tranquilize themselves, others chose different means
Simply do the math, these men feel unseen
Not sure who to be or simply how to feel
I know I’m not the only one, this epidemic is very real
I cry out to the Lord,”My God how can we help, for the men are sinking?”
Some succumbing to the pressures of life by self medicating and drinking
They have no one to understand or listen, for they are taught to be strong
Keeping everything inside causes them to die, unsure how to carry on
Left with no escape, their light fizzles out
Afraid to turn to someone, inside they are left with doubt
Reaching their bottom, all hope has ceased
For ending their lives is the only way they see for relief
For surely they don’t want to die, they want the pain to end
But as men they are taught, be strong and pretend
To have it all together, provide for your wife and children
Utilizing whatever skills they have, whatever tools they have been given
I speak on behalf of my brothers and my father, who didn’t have a voice
Their lives ended way too soon, death was their final choice
I’m here to tell you in the midst of my pain
It’s okay to not be okay, that’s not weakness or reason to be ashamed
Reach out for help today in whatever way you can
Asking for help is the first step, whether you’re a woman or a man
You don’t have to suffer alone, nor sit in silence
There is hope for you today, even while the world is in chaos and violence
There is one who cares for you, he knows your name
He created you in your mother’s womb, he is not ashamed
Slow to anger, abounding in love, he sent his son Jesus, the spotless sacrifice
Accept his love and kindness towards you, let him become your vice
For in him you will find safety, strength and guidance
Go to him as you are, that’s how you break the silence
A patient, loving father, he is waiting for you
Simply invite him in, asking for forgiveness when you don’t know what to do
You don’t have to be in a building or a church, he will meet you where you are
He is close to the broken hearted, he is not a God who sits afar
He knows what it is to be broken, he experience every emotion we face
Run into his arms today, rely upon his grace
You’ve been bought with the price of blood, his sweet sacrifice
He wants to know you today, this in my advice
He is a father to the fatherless, one that sticks closer than a brother
A love so fierce and tender, he has the heart of a mother
IN DEEP WATERS 