Stories of Influence- Man Deals with Suicide of Son

Come on in. Have a seat and relax. Listen to a story of how God is meeting men through The Journey and taking them to new heights. We are truly part of something special that God is doing, and we need to tell the stories. "Every man has a story and every story is worth hearing." In addition to the Influencers Weekly Devotional, you will receive a "Story of Influence" each week. Be encouraged. If you would like to submit a story, email it to [email protected]. Mike waited in a dark corner of the little Italian restaurant for the two Journey guys to meet with him. Everything within him tempted him to cancel this meeting. He didn't want to talk to anyone. No one could comfort him right now. No one had what he needed. Two weeks prior he had just experienced the most horrific night of his entire life. His only son, a senior in high school, in an inexplicable, tormented moment, walked upstairs to his parents bedroom closet, grabbed his Dad's gun, and took his own life. It all seemed like slow motion as Mike ran after his son, sensing something wasn't quite right. He got to his son just seconds too late and cradled his dying son in his arms. It was a nightmare from which Mike would never wake. Mike was a good Christian man. He had been a Deacon in the church, a leader of men's ministry, a church planter, an evangelist in his own right. He was a talented business owner and an accomplished athlete in his past. He was a devoted Father and Husband. He loved Jesus and loved serving Him. Now, none of that seemed to matter. He had so many questions, so many regrets, so much pain. Almost immediately, he heard the Lord calling out to him, telling him to brace himself for the Accuser. The two Journey guys met Mike in the midst of his misery. One of the Journey guys had a son who was dating Mike's youngest daughter and the other Journey guy had kids at the same Christian school as Mike's kids. However, neither really knew Mike. It was a "God-appointment". Mike was so gracious and so kind, demonstrating a strength which could only be from the Lord. Thankfully, the Journey guys didn't try to say too much to their hurting brother. They invited him on The Journey. "Mike, perhaps this can be a place of healing for you." Mike took a "Journey to the Inner Chamber" book from them and agreed to read it and let them know. Surprisingly, he joined The Journey. He admitted later that, again, it was truly the last thing he wanted to do, but at the same time, he felt the Lord's encouragement to do it. He came to the meetings faithfully, and he poured himself into the Journey steps. As the intimate nature of God was explored, Mike found it was exactly what was needed. The Accuser did come, and often, to try to take Mike out with his lies and with his torment. And our loving Father kept coming to Mike's rescue, affirming him and standing between him and the Accuser's condemnation. This was a crucial time for Mike. The Ancients call this "the dark night of the soul." There are times when we must battle spiritually and wrestle out the hard things of life with the Lord. Mike was on a Journey with the Lord. He rarely said a word in the Journey group meetings, but he and the Lord were working out many things. Mike completed The Journey and went on to become a Guide the following year. Though it would have been easy to isolate himself and withdraw, he leaned into his pain and surrendered himself into our Savior's loving arms. Mike is now leading his 2nd group. He recently spoke to a group of men for the first time about his whole experience. His main message was Romans 8:1 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." He transparently recounted the night of his son's death his dark night of the soul. He explained how he has learned how much of a performer he was for God. He held himself and others to very high standards, even in the name of serving God. He explained how this kept him in bondage. He brought out a very heavy steel chain and spread it out in front of him. It symbolized the heaviness he carried for years. Then, he brought out a porcelain bowl overflowing with big, juicy grapes. He talked about how when we quit trying to "do" things for God and we start "being" with Christ, it bears tremendous fruit. Mike has truly been set free. Mike's company does advertising in the transportation industry, and he started a campaign called, "You are Special" in honor of his late son, Jonathan. At bus stops, you will see a picture of his son which says, "Who Cares? God Cares. You are Loved. You have a Purpose. You are Special." Mike knows this message firsthand, right from the Father. Go to www.youarespecial.net for more information.