Megachurch Pastor Jarrid Wilson, Praised for Mental Health Advocacy, Dies by Suicide
"Loving Jesus doesn't always cure suicidal thoughts," he tweeted on Monday. "Loving Jesus doesn't always cure depression. Loving Jesus doesn't always cure PTSD. Loving Jesus doesn't always cure anxiety. But that doesn't mean Jesus doesn't offer us companionship and comfort. He ALWAYS does that."
On Instagram Wilson's wife, Juli, called him a "loving, giving, kind-hearted, encouraging, handsome, hilarious, give the shirt [off] his back husband."
"No more pain, my Jerry, no more struggle," she added. "You are made complete and you are finally free. Suicide and depression fed you the worst lies, but you knew the truth of Jesus and I know you're by his side right this very second."
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A post shared by Julianne Wilson ð¿ (@itsjuliwilson) on Sep 10, 2019 at 2:02pm PDT
Juli, who helped found Anthem of Hope, said she wouldn't let her husband's death be his legacy.
"Suicide doesn't get the last word—I won't let it. Your life's work has lead thousands to the feet of Jesus and your boldness to tell other about your struggle with anxiety and depression has helped so many other people feel like they weren't alone."
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in America, according to the CDC, and its impact hasn't missed the charismatic Christian community: In December, Pastor Andrew Stoecklein of Inland Hills Church in Chino, killed himself shortly after returning to the pulpit from a four-month leave of absence to battle panic attacks and depression.
In his message to Harvest Church community, Laurie asked followers to remember spiritual leaders are not above "the pain and struggles of everyday people."
"We are the ones who are supposed to have all the answers. But we do not," he wrote. "At the end of the day, pastors are just people who need to reach out to God for His help and strength, each and every day."
If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, confidential help is available for free 24 hours a day at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call 1-800-273-8255.
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