I'm sure you've heard of the recently released Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why.
It is based off the 2007 novel by Jay Asher and has caused an uproar on social media in recent weeks. The series follows Hannah Baker, who takes her own life and records herself discussing the thirteen reasons, or people, that drove her to end her life. Hannah intends to send these tapes out for the people talked about to hear what they did.
While watching this show, my heart shattered. For Hannah. For the reality of the show.
The show spoke on so many topics aside from suicide, all which are happening EVERY DAY: drug abuse, alcohol abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, rape, and bullying.
It's real, and it's happening.
While the show gave Hannah Baker 13 Reasons Why, I'm going to give you 13 Reasons Why Not:
1. You have a purpose.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a purpose." Jeremiah 29:11
2. You are not alone.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
3. You are loved.
"For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
4. You are given strength to persevere.
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
5. You will be guided.
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you." Psalm 32:8
6. You were created by Him & for His glory.
"Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." Isaiah 43:7
7. He will take away your worries.
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
8. He will comfort you.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
9. He will carry your burdens.
"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken." Psalm 55:22
10. He forgives.
"When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive your sins." Mark 11:25
11. He will give you hope.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
12. He will deliver.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7
13. He dwells in you.
"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for God's temple is sacred, and you together are that temple." 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
If you, or someone you know, are considering self-harm or suicide, or are a victim of any of the aforementioned topics, I assure you that you are not alone. Getting help is crucial. Reach out.
National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
