Saturday, September 10, 2016

Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention and Awareness Walk
In 2010 Resurrection Lutheran Church became involved when Pastor Ben Dolby and Deni Lewis were invited by Coordinator Chris Gilchrist to serve on the Event Staff for the annual Out of the Darkness Walk.  Pastor Ben headed up publicity to faith based organizations on the VA Peninsula, and Deni coordinated the Frisbee Table.   Teen members of RLC’s Sr. LYFR group and their adult counselors also volunteered.  OOD Walk 2010 Photos   A few years later, Wade Palmore became acquainted with Chris Gilchrist and her Survivors of Suicide support group. Through this relationship, Wade became passionate about getting both our church members and area military dignitaries involved.

 

Last year after my brother’s suicide, Wade asked me to get involved with the RLC team.  He and Deni assured me that I would not regret it.  They were so right.  I went to the 2015 Walk expecting it to be a big cry fest.  It wasn’t!  I was so surprised how complete strangers supported one another and encouraged people going thru the same experience to reach out and get help from a support group or to help by just talking to others about taking the stigma out of suicide.

 

I did just that.  In the last 12 months I have been reaching out to people making them aware that there is help.  I have talked to individuals and youth groups about recognizing the signs of depression and suicidal thoughts and plans, as well as how to get help. I even spoke to our church about getting involved in our team.  (If you have a youth group, scouts or other organization that would like to have me come talk, contact me at the address below.)

This year I had two friends, my mom, and an uncle join our church’s team and help work the Frisbee Table.  I was even more excited to learn the day of the event that Kohl’s Department store sent volunteers from their Community Action Team to help our table and the 2 other craft tables.  Their employees decorated Frisbees to sell for donations, engaged visitors by finding out why they were there and to share support group information. I can’t thank Kohl’s enough for their help.

 

Participating in this outreach is a great mission for our church. It cost us nothing more than a few hours of our time to reach out to community.  The community in turn is thankful for our presence, support and prayers.  I am including several pictures of individuals I was able to talk with and that allowed me to share their pictures.  OOD Walk 2016 Photos  Survivors really want to share their stories to give strength to others.  The more we talk about suicide the more we get it out of the darkness and into the light.

If you are someone or you know someone who is struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help.  You can always call 1-800-273-talk (8255).  Someone is available 24 hours a day to talk to you and get you linked to a support system.

I encourage you to volunteer a few hours next year and help us.  I promise you it’s not hard work and it is very rewarding.  If you want information on getting involved locally, joining our team or donating financially you may contact me or Wade directly.  My email is: Inspire_believers@aol.com or Wade at fourpals@cox.net.

Blessings to all,

Christy Elliott