Two celebrities commited suicide this week: Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. Strangely enough, both used hanging themselves as the vehicle to end their lives. Both of these people had plenty of money. Spade was a world famous purse designer. Bourdain was well-known for his television show where he traveled around the world and tried exotic foods. On the outside, they lacked nothing. There was no item too expensive to purchase. Plus, they had fame and notoriety. In the end, it wasn’t enough. But why?
It is an understood necessity to have money to survive. We hear Americans say “if I just had a little more money. Just a little more.” People who work hard for the “almighty dollar” seem to want more, but they never seem happy. Often, they abandon those who love them in search of the next fleeting $20 bill. Their loved ones suffer for the sake of money.
They say money, fame, and material possessions bring us happiness. You will find the most significant amount of fame and fortune in Hollywood. The actors and actresses live in mansions, wear clothing that costs thousands of dollars, go to special events and so forth. They are so happy and joyful, right? Maybe, but maybe not.
There is a high drug abuse rate, alcoholism, adultery, divorce, and so on. Religion is mocked and placed in a category of disdain, specifically Christianity.
Nihilism is prolific on the left. They reject all principles of morality and God. If there is no God, then there is no morality, and therefore life is meaningless. This is not just a problem in Hollywood, but in all sets of people.
If our hope is in material possessions that eventually break, rot, or rust, why are we here? So many people on both the left and right place their hope for lasting happiness in politics and politicians. When a politician is hit with a scandal, there is shock and surprise. Why? They are human like anyone else.
Ultimately, we want to know there is hope. We are naturally curious about specific topics. One of the most philosophical questions asked is “what is the point of life?” Politics, sports, food, and recreational activities can’t answer that.
Many times, after hearing about celebrities committing suicide, we learn they battled depression for years, while they were famous. It’s mind-boggling for some reason. People think “well, they had everything.” They didn’t. As humans, we search for more.
Individuals across all socioeconomic classes take their own lives. A soul is the one thing they all have in common. There is no discrimination. In the end, they are all human. Their soul is empty. There is no need to be alive on this earth anymore. They have no faith, and no reason to live.
Faith is what gives us hope. It provides direction and an answer to the age-old question of the meaning of life. Without a Creator, what is life and why do we have it? It’s clear that "accidentally" being here isn’t fulfilling. Otherwise, the suicide rate wouldn’t be 123 suicides a day.
The world is full of despair and emptiness. The phrase “money can’t buy you happiness” is correct. The acts of Spade and Bourdain are a prime example.
It’s time to stop looking around, and start looking up.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. If you need help, please call.
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