Jim had to the best of my knowledge become a Christian a few months before. I was counselling him, and he seemed to be growing and changing. I don't remember much of that Sunday morning, except the utter shock of the congregation when I announced Jim's death. His suicide prompted a personal search which is not yet over. If you are contemplating suicide, please understand that there are other options beside taking your own life.
Suicide is ugly.
The devastation that suicide leaves on those who are left behind is often compounded by some beliefs which are not necessarily a reflection of the truth. Samson, a captive, blinded by the Philistines, found himself in a position where he could cause many Philistine deaths. When David's son, Absalom, revolted against his father, Ahithophel abandoned David and joined the revolution. He suggested a strategy to Absalom which would surely have defeated David. His advice went unheeded, however, and Absalom failed in his bid for the kingdom.