We may think we aren’t broken.   We may say we aren’t broken.  We may even try to hide our brokenness.  But who hasn’t been shoved?  Or bullied?  Who hasn’t had the wind knocked out of them by a verbal sucker punch?  Who hasn’t been lied to?  Who doesn’t know a little bit about dysfunction?

Sometimes our pretty covers our brokenness. For a time.  And then it’s out in the open.  Never to be hidden.  Oh.  Others will talk.  The gossip will be ferocious.  The truth may never be uncovered.

Kate Spade.  When it seems you’ve got it made, there’s something hiding in the background.  Secrets don’t stay secret forever.  What was it that was haunting you?  What had happened?  What was it that caused you to decide that life wasn’t worth living?  Were you prepared for eternity?  Did you know what was awaiting you on the other side of your darkness?  Was it worth it?  If you could go back now and undo that scarf, would you?  Knowing what you know now?  I’m not judging you, Kate.  You’ve stood before your Maker and Judge.  He was fair and right and just.  May you rest in peace.

I don’t know the true reasons for your actions, Kate.  I don’t need to know.  Different stories and scenarios are circulating.  Some say bipolar disorder.  Others say a divorce was on the horizon.  The thing is.  The reason should be private.  Only those close to you need to know the answers.  If answers can be found.  It’s a sad day.  A very sad day for your family.  For your teenage daughter.  For those who loved you.

Kate.  You had the world at your fingertips.  You designed a lifestyle that others envied.  You sold your empire for more money than most will ever have.  People pay a lot of money to buy your designs.  Oh.  If only that was enough.  If only happiness could be bought.  And bottled.  And prettied up.

Anthony Bourdain.  A colorful life lived on the edge.  You cooked well.  You ate well.  You traveled well.  You were a show of your own.  But still.  That wasn’t enough.  Whatever the reason for ending your life, your life wasn’t in vain.  You were outrageous.  You  made people happy.  You challenged strangers to try new foods.  As you traveled the world eating exotic foods, your life was one to be envied.  But still.  That wasn’t enough.

What was the turning point for you, Anthony?  You, too, had a young daughter.  You seemed to have the world at your disposal.  Your mother said you had everything.  But yet, everything can feel like nothing when you’re going through a dark time.  What was unraveling in your life?  What secrets may now be exposed for the world to know?  If you knew now what you knew before you reached for your bathrobe, would you change your mind?  Would you seek help from others?  Would you turn to your Maker for comfort and encouragement?  Oh.  You’ve now stood in front of your Maker and Judge.  He was fair and right and just.  May you rest in peace.

Life is not without problems.  You can lack nothing and still not have it all.

I’ll never be a billionaire.  I’ve never bought a Kate Spade bag.  I’ve never traveled the world.  I’ve never eaten exotic foods.  But I’ve known my fair share of pain.  Hurt.  Rejection.  Oh.  I’ve hit a rough patch lately.  I’m facing uncertainty in my life right now.  I’m not sure what lies ahead for me.  I’m not perfect.  I’m not without flaws and needs.  It’s a fact that those who seem to have life all sorted out, really don’t.  You can fool some of the people all the time.  You can fool all of the people some of the time.  But you can’t fool all the people all the time.

No.  I haven’t considered ending my life.  The thought hasn’t even crossed my mind.  I feel hopeful that my best days are still ahead.  Oh.  There are days when I’m discouraged.  There are moments when I’m fearful.  But I’m learning to trust my Maker and my Judge more and more.  I have to.  He’s my source of strength and comfort.

Oh.  I have friends and family I turn to.  I have ones who pray for me and send words of encouragement.  I’m not perfect and I’m not judging others who make the decision to end their life.  Life gets tough.  Hope gets lost.  Courage gets muddied.

There is one I turn to when I feel down and out.  One I’m close to and who always hears me when I turn to Him.  He knows my needs.  He knows my fears.  My insecurities.  He knows my value.  I can always count on Him to comfort me and provide for me.  Oh.  His timing isn’t always my timing.  But he is always available.

I have my God.  My Maker.  My Judge.  My Provider.  My Shepherd.  My Comforter.  My Hope.  My Healer.  I have it all.