Fight To Be Human

This morning as I sat at the park to pray, a man recognized me as he was warming up for his morning jog. I tell you the truth: I am approached at least twice a week by black men who are close to the edge. In short, the brother is financially successful and married with four children—but tired of living. In frustration he says, “I’m always wrong when I say how I feel, even when I am right! I feel like a damn robot programmed to only take care of my wife, my kids, my siblings and my job, but [expletive] myself and how I feel! Real talk I feel better off dead!”
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I could easily empathize with him. As we walked the trail, I transparently shared how I was feeling this morning and within minutes his soul was settled and mind refocused.
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A recent study conducted by Health and Human Services (HHS) revealed that the death rate from suicide for African American men was more than four times greater than for African American women.
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My brothers, trust me, I understand why you want to leave this place but please know, things will get better if you have a safe space. If you are on the “edge” please call 1-800-273-8255 and someone will guide you in the right direction.
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I almost typed “stay strong” but that’s the problem—instead, continue to fight to be huMAN.