David’s Legacy

From davidslegacy.org:

“Our beloved son and brother took his own life on January 4, 2016, at the age of 16. In the last few months before his death, our joyful David with a huge smile and an even bigger heart was overwhelmed with hopelessness after being continuously harassed, humiliated and threatened by a group of students through text messages and social media. As we have learned, cyberbullying is a form of abuse that is non-stop and can invade all areas of life. Experts tell us that cyberbullying can lead to depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, and, as we know, suicide.

To honor David’s legacy, we vow to help prevent this from happening to another family. No child should have to face this kind of harassment, and no family should have to endure the pain of losing a precious child in response. David’s Legacy Foundation is an organization dedicated to the education of young people, teens and adults about eliminating cyber and any bullying. It is our dream and the dream of thousands of other families to wipe out bullying in all forms and to protect our young children and teens from this senseless and cruel behavior.”

David was a good friend to me and my family. David was one of my Campus Life students. David lit up the room every time he was around! In his honor, and for this week that is fighting for suicide prevention, I would like to appeal to everyone that words matter!

Words Matter.

Let us examine the words we speak to others, the words others speak to us, and the words we speak to ourselves. In today’s “Daily Gaze” I point to Paul and his letter to the Ephesians: “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful.”

You and I have the opportunity to change the world around us by choosing good words! Let today be the day we start! If you have been a victim of harsh and hurtful words, don’t keep that to yourself and stand alone. We stand with you! Find a friend, get the help and support you need!

If you or someone you know is hurting, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at
1-800-273-8255 or Text TALK to 741741 for anonymous help and guidance.