Convinced God Moves

#9 Suicide

Ray’s advice “You don’t leave anyone alone. If they’re talking strange. Be with them.”

Ray, a lively 86-year-old still teaching bowling lessons, shares the heartbreaking story of losing his son to suicide. Believing we must speak openly about this issue, he has shared in churches and schools and continues to make himself available to those who are hurting. Ray’s story is a powerful example of turning tragedy into ministry.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29 (NIV)

After days in the hospital Sue says “In my mind I kept thinking he was going to get up, he’s going to walk. I had so much faith to believe he was going to be made whole. God had a different plan.”

Sue recounts the heartbreaking story of her son Luke, who drowned as a toddler and survived with lifelong medical needs until his passing at age 18. Through years of therapies, hospital stays, and sleepless nights, her family held onto faith for healing. Sue tenderly shares Luke’s final moments, affirming her steadfast belief that we can trust God no matter the outcome. 

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

Written by Pat’s adoptive mom “Nothing will go to Pat because she’s never been a part of this family”

Pat shares memories of growing up in two orphanages, the joy of adoption, and the pain that followed when her adoptive mother turned cruel. Through many painful years of rejection and loneliness, God provided comfort, role models, and ultimately redemption. Pat’s story of forgiveness and finding Jesus at 29 ultimately led her to a life of full-time missions with her husband and three children.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalms 34:18 (NIV)

Evie explains “He was an abusive man physically and mentally to both me and our son. And I had to escape him.”

Evie endured years of abuse, a painful divorce, and ongoing custody battles marked by fear, silence and isolation. Yet through it all, she witnessed God’s constant provision - safe shelter, daily needs, protection for her son and ultimately freedom in the sudden death of her abuser. Her story testifies that the joy of the Lord truly can be our strength.

“I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.” Psalms 140:12 (NIV)

***Warning: Mature content!

Bri shares, “He did confess, he did come and tell me exactly what he was planning and obviously that was one of the most painful days of my life”

Bri and William share their journey in marriage through pornography addiction, betrayal and shame. They describe how Celebrate Recovery and their church community helped them take first steps toward healing and ultimately discovered the power of the cross and God’s authority over their lives.

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

I Corinthians 15:56-57 (NIV)

Linda states “None of us wanted this to be a part of our story but it is. So now what are you going to do?”

Linda shares about her son Josh and the many struggles he has faced - amputation, life on the streets, and now jail. In this season of waiting, she has been strengthened by others who have been honest about their own journey. Linda shares the Scriptures that she has claimed for her family.

"Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord." Psalms 112:6-7 (NIV)

Molly explains the accident,  “Being ejected from the golf cart, landing on his head he broke his neck and fracturing his 3rd and 4th vertebrae.”

Molly tells the powerful story of her son Abe, who became a quadriplegic after a golf cart accident. After months of prayers Abe slowly regained movement, a testimony that nothing is impossible with God. For more of his remarkable recovery read “FORE! Finding Faith When You’re Paralyzed by Your Circumstances” by Abe Daniels, available on Amazon

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. John 9:3 (NIV)

As a single person Heidi questions God, “What’s left God, you?

Heidi opens up about her struggle with loneliness and her longing for marriage, sharing how Scripture both comforted and challenged her along the way. Though she married at 47, her deeper victory was discovering that God truly is enough. An encouraging and hope-filled story for anyone waiting on God’s timing.

“The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’” Genesis 2:18 (NIV)

Audra describes her manic break “I started banging on the wall and screaming”

At 26, Audra experienced her first manic break, which led to the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. She reflects on the mental patterns she once viewed as her “superpower” and shares the 18-year BiPolar journey, managing moods, sleep and finding effective medication. Audra highlights the vital role of her faith and reliance on Scripture in sustaining her along the way.

“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” Psalms 119:71 (NIV)