On the outside, he seemed fine. One associate described him as amiable and fun-loving. He described himself as appearing to enjoy life rapturously. But he confided in a friend that he was the victim of a terrible sadness. When he was 27 years old he began having thoughts of killing himself that were so strong when he was alone that he dared not carry a pocket knife. Was he simply selfish? Was he a chronic failure, an irreversible loser? He was, in fact, Abraham Lincoln.

I call Abraham Lincoln a Second Day person. He survived his night of suicidal thinking and emerged to transform a nation, indeed, a world. Here is the question: “Would someone like Abraham Lincoln be welcomed to share his story in your church, service organization, or school?” Unfortunately, the stigma and shame of suicidal thinking has made this nearly impossible. As a result, all the stories of hope for those considering suicide are missing.

There are millions of Second Day persons. At least 25% of the persons you know have experienced a time in their lives when they seriously considered suicide. But their voices have been silenced by stigma and shame. Are you willing to help by encouraging others to tell their story? Perhaps it is more personal than that. Can you find the courage to share your story as a way of giving others hope? This blog is for the sharing of those stories and offering the light of hope to others.

Let me know your thoughts. And please share this blog with others you know.