Tag Archives: the will to live

The George Bailey Syndrome

A headline from my local paper, the Wilmington News Journal, got my attention earlier in the week. A woman jumped off the St. George’s Bridge into the C & D Canal, closing the north bound lanes of US 13 for more than an hour. Before reading the entire article, I just assumed that this woman died, plunging to her death. Yet, just like George Bailey, played by James Stewart in It’s a Wonderful Life, who survived his leap off a bridge into a river, first responders found this woman alive.

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” Hebrews 13:5.

George Bailey tried to end his life since he was worth more dead than alive due to his $10K life insurance policy. When uncle Billy lost an eight thousand dollar cash deposit from George’s Savings and Loans business, the stress of life got too great for George to handle on his own. Perhaps, this woman has a similar story. Whether she was recently divorced, a single parent or overwhelmed by the stress of Christmas, this woman lost the will to live. Yet, for one reason or another, God has given this woman another chance at life.

Casting all your anxieties on him, because Jesus cares for you, 1 Peter 5:7.

If you are honest with yourself, most Americans can’t afford to buy the Christmas gifts that they really want for themselves and their family. Despite this reality, many will go into debt, paying for January credit card bills well into 2020. This cycle often repeats itself, leaving a trail of concern, stress and worry. However, the words of the Bible places life into its proper perspective. May the story of this woman and the passages above help you realize that each day on earth can be a wonderful life. You just have to overcome the George Bailey syndrome, thinking your life is worse than it really is and begin to recognize just how blessed you are to live in America.

by Jay Mankus

Words from Heaven and Hell

Greetings like good morning, how are you, how was your weekend and hey are everyday expressions which promote conversation.  The Bible suggests that words can represent heaven or hell depending upon the context, manner and tone which is spoken.  Thus, before you begin another work week, be careful in the words that you choose.

The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream, Proverbs 18:4.

The apostle Paul uses the analogy known as fruits of the spirit to identify words from heaven.  Anything that reflects love, joy and peace uplift those who hear these traces of heaven.  The remaining characteristics mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23 encourage action, not just words.  Coaches, parents and teacher who adorn children within a loving environment promote a fountain of wisdom as described by Solomon.

The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating, Proverbs 18:6.

Unfortunately, the words of hell are much more prevalent in today’s culture.  Whether its critics within the media, gossip or tweets filled with venom, the sinful nature is in full display weekly.  Those exposed to only the negative can become jaded, losing the will to live.  Therefore, the next time you have the opportunity to add a comment to a conversation, choose the words of heaven.

by Jay Mankus

Bring Us Back to Life

Time has a way of taking its toll on the human body.  The prophet Isaiah lets Israel know that even young people are not immune to this reality.  Thus, whether you are old, young or somewhere in between, a common prayer asks the Lord, “bring us back to life.”

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; Isaiah 40:30.

While father time is undefeated, there are factors that speed up the aging process.  Anxiety, depression and a lack of positive influences can suck the life out of human souls.  If you allow yourself to become isolated, void of encouragement, the will to live can fade.

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.  For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer, Psalm 32:3-4.

Another element that saps the strength of individuals like heat and humidity from the summer sun is sin.  Whenever you hurt yourself or others by a careless act or word, conviction can weigh heavy on your heart.  This spiritual condition requires a boost to revive the joy you once had in life.  Thus, if you ever reach this state, don’t forget to cry out to the Lord.  Lean on his grace and mercy and perhaps you will be brought back to life.

by Jay Mankus