Finding Light in the Darkness: Surviving a Loved One's Suicide

One of the greatest griefs a person can experience is losing a loved one to suicide. 

Studies indicate that 85% of people in the United States will personally know someone who has committed suicide during their lifetimes. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. How can we pray through the pain of a loved one committing suicide?

In this episode, FOCUS staff Travis Todd and Levi Rash join Jessica to talk about surviving a loved one's suicide. Travis, Levi, and Jess discuss:

• Travis and Levi's own personal experiences of living through a family member's suicide
• Common struggles people experience after a loved one's suicide, including wondering if they could have done more to prevent it
• Church teaching regarding suicide
• What helped Travis and Levi to pray during the painful time after the suicide
• Travis and Levi's advice for those who are grieving a loved one's suicide

You can purchase Fr. Chris Alar's book, "After Suicide: There's Hope for Them and For You" here.

Travis Todd
Travis Todd is a convert to Catholicism and has worked for FOCUS for 18 years. Travis served 9 years as a campus missionary and team director before accepting a role at the FOCUS Denver Support Center. He currently serves as Sr. Director of Formation. Travis resides in Arvada, Colorado, with his wife, Rebecca, and 7 children.

Check out other He Leadeth Me episodes featuring Travis here:

Conversion and the Drama of Family Relationships
Finding God in Daily Work: What's It Like to Work at the DSC?

Levi Rash
Levi Rash graduated from the University of Missouri - Kansas City and joined FOCUS in 2011. He served as a campus missionary, Team Director, and is currently a Senior Regional Director serving the West Area. This is his 14th year with FOCUS as a staff member. Levi has been married to Stef, a FOCUS alum, for over 8 years and they have 3 daughters. Levi's family resides in Lincoln, Nebraska.