From the Top

Broken and alone

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18) You have heard the proverb, ‘a stitch in time saves nine’. When I was a child, I didn’t understand what it meant, but over the years I began to understand, a small act can have a greater impact than the act itself. Recently this idea has been brought into sharp focus when Johanna, one of your chaplains, received a message from a member of rail staff on social media. For over 20 years he had hidden his depression from family and friends, now he was getting ready to end his life, he felt he couldn’t go on, all was planned, all was in place, he felt no-one would care, no-one would miss him. Then for some reason, he picked up his phone and saw a simple message on Twitter. Not a message of great wisdom, or incredible encouragement, but it was enough to spark a question. ‘If I take my life, what are the consequences?’ So, he reached out, and through a small act, a life was saved. As I write, it has just been a few days since he was about to take his own life, but when asked how he had been feeling today he sent a message that said, “I feel really good thanks, can really say I haven't felt this good in ages, a weight has been lifted and I have good enthusiasm.” I know he still has a long way to go, but with the continued support of the chaplains, he will overcome his emotional turmoil and pain. I’m so grateful to Johanna for her faithfulness and for that simple message, that saved a life.

Liam Johnston is the Executive Director of Railway Mission