I can't tell you which of his films I admired more: Hook, Patch Adams, Dead Poets Society, What Dreams May Come, Jumanji, Good Will Hunting, Night at the Museum, The Bird Cage…
My heart is broken.
With Robin's death, a little bit of my laughter and your laughter died. It wasn't about another actor dying, but about a piece of us, a piece of this light of life, being extinguished.
I don't want to make this about depression or addiction, but there's always hope, there's always help. I wish Robin could have found both.
Something like this, happening so abruptly, pulls us all up short. It makes us re-evaluate things. It makes us recognize how fragile life is. It makes us ask questions we usually avoid. He seemed to have so much to live for. Why? Could this have been prevented? Who could have intervened? Am I struggling with depression right now? Should I ask for help? Am I alone or can I really talk to someone who can help me?
Again, I don't want to make this tribute all about the burdens and struggles of life, but when someone who shines so brightly burns out in this way, we can't help but consider these things. We all face the pressures of life. We all face dark days, sometimes seasons, and must journey through them.
Robin, thank you for making us laugh. You inspired us with so much hope, but lost hope yourself. In your death, your family, friends and fans are left with questions that will go unanswered. You faced battles and now we mourn because we couldn't help you overcome. If only WE could have made YOU laugh….
I know God is a God of great mercy and grace. I don't know how grace works, but I know that it extends far beyond what our human minds can comprehend. As you stand before that great God of grace, may his love be lavished upon you. I pray you have found ultimate healing from your struggles and battles in life. I pray also for your family, for their hurting hearts and questioning minds.
August 11, 2014 was truly the day laughter died.
Captain Scott Strissel lives in Brainerd, Minnesota. He is an active blogger and contributor for the purpose of encouraging and challenging the Salvation Army world. Read his blog at pastorsponderings.org.
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On Thursday, August 21, 2014, Keith Pond said:
On Saturday, August 16, 2014, Ross Canning said:
On Saturday, August 16, 2014, Steve Simms said:
Suicide is tangible evidence of the invisible evil forces at work on us all. Humans have been programmed with a survival instinct. It is not natural for us to override that programming and take our own life. Animals don't do that, why do humans? Because we are continually attacked by invisible, evil forces that constantly strive to overcome us, make us hopeless, and coerce us into self-destruction. Jesus put it this way: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
--Although this invisible battle is real, there is a power that can overcome it in you and carry you to victory -- to hope, peace, love, joy, significance, and meaning. The power is a Person -- the living, resurrected Jesus Christ. He's ready to fight in you and through you to give you "life to the full." Let your battles, pain, and despair drive you to Him, not to self-destruction!
On Friday, August 15, 2014, Kristiina said:
I have lost my marriage, my work and my health. I think of suicide nearly every day....
I have almost lost my faith during my trials. Getting help from few ladies who understand my up and go's. They take me occasionally to a pentecostal or babtist church. It helps a bit, but I feel God doesn't (want to) come to my home- my entire life any more.... This may be a problem of some others too?
If you are not understood or wanted to your "own" corps / congregation- what can you do? Just feel lost, hopeless. aimless, beaten.
I waste my time and energy in playing games (facebook), watching films... This is the reason for this comment. I was surprised that someone inside the SA would comment a death of an actor...
I am proud of you- thanks.
On Thursday, August 14, 2014, Christa said:
On Thursday, August 14, 2014, Larry Scarbeau, Major (R) said:
Rest in Peace - Robin Williams - you made me laugh and I pray now you have found the real joy you so much deserve.
Larry
On Thursday, August 14, 2014, Karen said:
Always remember...the ones who look after everyone else are usually the ones who are filled with the most pain. It's time to look, listen, talk, and be real before it is too late for someone else.
On Thursday, August 14, 2014, Laurie Orlic said:
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