Not the SolutionSample

Why is it so hard to move forward when we find ourselves emotionally and spiritually overwhelmed? Often the reason we struggle so much is because we have the wrong perspective! Life is not really about us! We see this in the life of Christ and we are told to live out his example. When we stop focusing on how we feel and shift our focus to helping others, not only do they benefit, but we are able to find the motivation to move forward!

What does this look like in real life?

I met Dan on his first day at one of our Mighty Oaks programs for veterans. He had served proudly and honorably in the Marine Corps but now looked like someone without hope. It was clear that he didn’t want to be there, but also that he had nowhere else to go.

Eventually, Dan shared his story. For nearly thirty years he served with honor and distinction in the Marine Corps, achieving the highest enlisted rank possible, the rank of Sergeant Major.

Even though he had a career that spanned three decades and was successful from nearly every perspective, it did not end that way. Broken relationships and a change in job responsibilities caused him to lose his way to the point that retirement became mandatory. He left the only thing he had ever really known and was now without purpose or direction. It was a suicide attempt that led him to us. A failed attempt caused his family to reach out to Mighty Oaks, and his first stop after a month in the hospital was one of our programs. Dan is doing great now as he continues to rebuild his life, but that is only possible because he changed his perspective. He decided that he would stop being a victim of his own bad decisions and now works to pay-it-forward for others.

So, in case you missed it, here is the reason for a chapter on the founding of a veterans organization in a book on suicide: there is HOPE if only you will DECIDE to move forward. That is our story and that can be yours!

Before you can begin to make progress, you need to change your perspective! Begin looking for ways to serve others and you will also find the strength to move forward.