13 Reasons Why… You Should Not

Netflix released “13 Reason Why” series this year that has become a trending topic online especially to the millennials. It’s about a lady named Hannah Baker who commits suicide and leaves 13 cassette tapes to various people that became the reason why she decides to end her life. I have not personally watched the series. But somehow the hot topic and curiosity got my son Matthew to creatively find ways to watch it. When I realized that he got to watch it, I knew we had to process it.

You see, Matthew as a young child experienced his dose of bullying. He is the emotional one among my kids and I knew that this was not the movie that will help him be an overcomer. I just started to notice that he would slip away in be alone in the room and cry. When we confronted him, he expressed that he remembered a few bad experiences of not being able to fit in, of being name called and in some instances had to stand up for something and yet being ridiculed for it. We all have in one way or another experienced the cruelty and hurtful words and actions of other people. In fact, I know that so many so called “bullies” don’t even know they are. Why are they a bully? I believe they are also people who are either hurting or neglected. That is why they act the way they do.

Matthew claims he is not affected by the series but he started to have roller coaster emotions after watching it. I needed to give him a super dose of truth from God’s word. I want to share these truth to someone who may be going through something and feels like taking their life. I want you to know you matter. You Matter to God. Ultimately God has a great plan for your life.

These are the 13 reasons why we should not resort to suicide:

You are a child of God.

You are the child of the King of Kings. You were made for Him and it brings Him great pleasure to let you know how important you are to Him. He calls you His. He delights in you and he gives you special access as His child.

2. You are not a Mistake.

Everything about you was God’s special design. You are a work of art. Know that you are unique and every part of you was made to bring glory to God.

3. You are beautiful!

The Lord does not make junk. He made all things beautiful including you. If you don’t think you are, that must be because you have never seen yourself in the way God sees you. Beauty is found in everyone. You just need to choose to see it. Stop looking at whats wrong instead embrace what is beautiful in you. Choose to wake up in the morning and find the beauty God has given you.

4. You are valuable.

The meanest people may say the most hurtful statement about who they think you are. They can label you and even destroy your reputation. Just always remember this, what people cannot see – Jesus sees. He sees you as precious. You are that valuable to Him. Jesus was willing to die for your sins so that when you repent He gives you a real relationship much more worthy than silver or gold.

5. He chose you and He calls you beloved.

You are loved!!! If the world has not given you that assurance, God wants you to know he loves you very very much. He also chose to have a relationship with you. As He calls you – he will give you a heart like His – full of compassion, kindness, humility and gentleness that the world may not know about.

6. He has a plan for your life.

When you start feeling down and hopeless, I want you to know its not the end of the road. This is the perfect moment to discover Gods promises in your life in His holy word. Be joyfully expectant. God knows best and the best things are yet to come.

7. You are free.

When you come to receive Jesus in your life, He sets you free from the bondage of sin. You are no longer a slave to sin. Jesus paid it all so you can live freely for Him.

8. You are complete.

Whenever you feel inadequate or not enough, remember when you have Jesus – you have everything. You lack no good thing. Jesus is enough to complete you.

9. God has an important assignment for you.

The Lord is preparing you for greatness in His Kingdom. You were made for significance. As you are experiencing some challenges, do not doubt or be weary. Just think of this as part of a grand scheme of a masterpiece in the making assigned to you to do. You will be used by God to bless many and many will know God because of your life.

10. There are no waste with the Lord.

So you may have messed up and made some mistakes. Its not the end of the world. The Lord does not want to see any of His children in the dark. He always gives everyone opportunities to turn to Him and start anew. He will use all your good and bad experiences alike to display His miraculous work in your life. Instead of sulking, start rejoicing! He is not done with you yet!

11. You are a friend of God.

We may feel that we have no one who can accept us for who we are. Let me tell you this, God is your friend. He is always there to listen to you when you feel no one understands you. He is there to give you that push and encouragement to keep going.

12. You are never alone.

Many of us feel lonely. Others feel abandoned and feel no one really is there for them. I have good news for you. God tells you to never be afraid because He is always there. He will never leave you nor forsake you. You can depend on God to show up every time you feel tired, confused, afraid, anxious and even deeply despaired. Lean on Him.

13. You are an Overcomer.

When trials and hardships knocks, it always feels like its going to be like that forever. But hold on and be steadfast because God will help you overcome. He will show you the right path and lead you into peace beyond understanding, unexplainable joy and true victory in Christ.