First, I want to apologize for not updating. Even if I’m writing this for a small audience—or even none at all—it’s important to follow through. If it’s important to you, it should be done correctly. While I can’t promise a post every week, I can commit to being more intentional about posting. Without diving into too much detail, I faced some medical setbacks, and life became a bit chaotic.

Over the 15 years I’ve been disabled, my family and I have become adept at handling medical emergencies and ongoing conditions. However, returning to our routine takes time. It’s an ongoing process of slowly reintegrating processes and habits that had been solidified before.

That being said, after the most recent medical “hiccup,” I started feeling more like myself again and began venturing out more. This event—without going into unnecessary details—put my faith into chaos, as well, and I needed to get that tidied up before I could even hope to write about faith without being a complete hypocrite. I hadn’t forgotten God or stopped believing in Him but I did stop trusting for a time. When I got back on the path and felt more like the happiest version of myself, I thought about those who were there for me during that tumultuous time – and I’ve even reached out to a few and said “thank you” for all their help because it truly is appreciated.

With that in mind, I want to focus on the word “Savior.” Superhero movies are really in vogue again since Deadpool and Wolverine hit theaters and broke records recently. I’m a huge fan of both characters, but especially Wolverine. One day, if I’m feeling brave (and sadistic) enough, I’ll recount the minute-by-minute event when I met and interviewed Hugh Jackman—that’s a story for another day and I digress…

When we think of a “savior,” we often picture someone who saves others from danger. That’s essentially the definition of the word. My husband, who is celebrating his birthday today—happy birthday, honey!—has literally saved my life physically. That’s a story for another time, as well. Hero, savior, deliverer—people can embody these traits by taking physical action to prevent harm or death. While I wouldn’t use the word “savior,” personally for anyone or thing earthly, I would certainly call Sam my “hero”.

But what about mental and emotional saving? Can you save someone’s life in those ways? In a literal sense, no, you can’t, and I don’t mean that negatively. I often hear people, especially fans of a band, TV series, or other forms of media, who are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, crediting a celebrity with “saving their life.” Others might credit a religious leader, a friend, or a family member with this kind of saving.

I say the following without shame and not to elicit sympathy but to illustrate how someone might cling to a person or thing they admire and credit them with saving their life: I have tried to end my own life. I once thought that certain songs, the advice of a good friend, or a movie with an interesting perspective on life kept me from ending all my tomorrows. I used to attribute my survival to anything and everything other than God because I was too proud to admit how much I needed Him.

As I draw closer to Jesus, I realize that no person, show, music, or art has truly “saved” me from suicide—God did. God knows our hearts and understands what speaks to us best. While the advice of a friend may have inspired you, it was God who first inspired that person.

If I were to impart any advice to anyone, it would be this: do not hang your hats on people. For one thing, it’s unfair to put that on another person, making them responsible for your decision not to end your life. For another, if that earthly person, place, or thing that “saved” you falters in some way or does not have the effectiveness it once had, you’re left scrambling. We are told, as Christians, to build our houses (or faith) on a firm foundation, and that foundation is God, the strongest rock. It does not mean people, art, etc. cannot be helpful and should not be utilized – in fact, I fully recommend those with emotional issues talk to a therapist, religious leader, or friend/family member they trust…but just understand the source of that inspiration is God and God alone.

I also want to say that I am in no way denigrating those who have taken their lives. Sometimes, in this fallen world, some people’s demons get the better of them, and the pain is too great. I have zero judgment for someone who has chosen that path, and I am heartbroken for their families that they felt that was the only way to go.

Even in those dark times where someone has chosen to end their life, Joseph says in Genesis 50:20 (ESV), “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” While Joseph was talking about his enemies on Earth, it highlights three major points at the same time:

• Forgiveness and Understanding: Joseph’s words reflect his tangible forgiveness and understanding of God’s sovereignty. He recognizes that his suffering had a purpose, enabling him to save not only his family but also many others.
• Human Intent vs. Divine Purpose: While the brothers intended harm, God used their actions to bring about a greater good. This illustrates the idea that God can work through even the most dire situations to fulfill His purposes.
• Providence and Redemption: It highlights the theme of divine providence—how God can redeem situations that seem hopeless and turn them into opportunities for blessing and salvation.

While that might seem “Pollyanna-ish” to some (and that’s okay), I have seen God working for good even in suffering too many times to say this flippantly or without some degree of certainty.

Without belaboring the point too much: the only true Savior is God. While He uses our environment to affect change positively and turn things for the greater good, it should not be forgotten who the true author of that is and ever shall be.