Be Still And Know - Finale

Jules enters Louise's office with a wide grin. Her face is aglow and her energy appears high.

“How are you, Jules?”

“I'm good, thanks to you.”

“No—thanks to God. But this is good to hear. So, are you ready to dive-in?”

“I am.” The notebook on her lap slowly opens. “The exercise gave me a lot to think about. I have never met a therapist who gives this type of homework.”

“As a Christian Counselor, I lead my clients by the Word and coach them to read and study for themselves what God is saying to them about their circumstances. My approach is different, but we can never go wrong with establishing the truth as a foundation before we build on it.”

“Amen to that!" says Jules.

“Now—what did you get out of the first two verses from your homework?"

Jules lowers her head, and begins poring over her notes. “God commands us not to kill, and our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit; we are to glorify God in our bodies.”

“What do you think is the common denominator between committing murder and doing something that is not pleasing to God with our bodies which belongs to the Lord?”

“Sin."

“This is certainly the impression it leaves on me. Now, let's go back to the day you were sitting on the side of the road. You said there was something replaying in your head.”

“I heard someone quote Romans 10:9, and went on to say they believe a person they knew who committed suicide went to heaven. This made me consider it ... especially after losing my sister to an overdose,” says Jules, fighting back the moisture in her eyes.

“After a person confesses according to the verse from Romans, do you believe it guarantees one's salvation regardless of their choices?

“No—I do not believe that. Well, in that moment, I thought ... maybe. But I really began to struggle with hearing what I heard that person say about suicide and the message it sends.”

"Mmm,” Lou responds.

“Why does it bother me?” Jules asks, releasing a slow breath.

“Maybe it still bothers you, because you should not have heard it. I've heard both sides of the heaven and hell debate. Whether a person is condemned or saved after committing suicide is a gamble that an individual takes. Only God knows our eternal destination.”

“I agree with the way you said it,” says Jules. Why couldn't they just say that?” As droplets fall, she looks towards the window.

“I don't know, but I can see how this disturbs you,” Lou replies, making notes.

“And there is also the verse on sin separating us from God, causing a relational barrier. There are so many other variables. Are we to ignore them because of one confession from Romans?”

Lou leans forward. “I believe we should take everything into account,” she replies, and then pauses. “What do you think about our verse from Hebrews 10:26?”

“It demonstrates that salvation is not a guarantee for Christians. I believe our confessions and repentance is what gives us a fighting chance.”

“That's right. The verse is not talking about suicide, but it establishes what you already know to be true,” Lou shares. “Am I correct?”

“Yes … I have never seen that verse before in my life. I have learned more from you in the last two weeks then … when I think that I could have …” says Jules.

A soundbite can kill a soul, but wisdom can save it.

“Jules—I don't want you to harbor ill-feelings towards the person who said what you heard. A soundbite can kill a soul, but wisdom can save it. God was there with you on the side of the road that day, stopping you. I want you to pray for the individual who may have given you the impression you believe they did. We can't control what people say, how they think, or what they do. Our focus is to work on your forgiveness and being a good steward of the life that God has given you. Do you agree?"

“Yes, I agree.”

The ladies become silent for several moments. As they do, Lou adds more details to her notes.

“Jules, give me a takeaway from our work today. What is something that has stuck with you?”

“Oh, I have several things … my body is God's temple, and I need to be a good steward of the life He has given me. And I am not my own,” she says. “I am starting to really know what it means to be still and know.”

“Perfect,” Lou nods, smiling.

“Thank you for everything. These sessions are making a big difference,” says Jules. “I know there’s more work to do, but I’m so glad I came here.”

“Me, too!”

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, help is available 24 hours a day. Call the National Suicide Prevention Line at (800) 273-8255.

About Bre

Bre'elle Jackson is the founder of GEN, and an author with more than two decades of experience in Christian publishing and writing. Holding a Master's degree in English and Creative Writing, and a Bachelor's in Management and Human Relations, Bre is dedicated to producing media that elevates the human soul and spirit wherever God leads her.