Always the Fight Ministries: Displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse. (c)2019Nancy Virden
In 2012, when Always the Fight Ministries did not yet have a name or singular purpose, someone came up to me after I shared my story and said, “I’m glad you’re alive.”
It was stunning. How often do we say or hear that sentiment? Coming from a stranger, those words felt different from a parent expressing gladness on a child’s birthday. Even “I love you” from a spouse or friend does not always specify why. We might be left with another question. Yes, but do you like me?
Having someone appreciate my existence went beyond judgment. It was a simple acceptance of my right to be here. She acknowledged that my life is sacred as any other person. Even if she did not know how it would play out, she knew in faith that my life is meaningful.
On July 28 of this year, Always The Fight began a YouTube channel featuring a video series titled, “I’m Glad You Are Alive.” It is an important message aimed at anyone who is contemplating suicide or has attempted suicide. Each video focuses on a different point. My hope is to offer reasons for staying alive, and a little guidance on how to move toward a more satisfying life.
The following is the latest of these videos, recorded yesterday, titled, Forgive? Please consider sharing videos and subscribing to the channel to help get this message special across to many who need it.
Today’s Helpful Word
Genesis 1:26-27
Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
NOTE: I am not a doctor or mental health professional, and speak only from personal experiences and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.
If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.
If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. (for international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!
Always the Fight 
How can I be at peace with myself, I have never killed anyone, raped anyone or even violently assaulted anyone but ,myself and my ex wife used to drink and take drugs and our children were fostered and then my daughter was adopted, I feel terrible guilt about this and wrestle with my mind. I have been on and off anti depressants now for a long time and although, they helped me to get off to sleep, this doesn’t happen anymore, and I have 3 or 4 upsetting dreams every night. I met with my stepdaughter a year ago and she said that she had connected with my own daughter and that she wanted to get in touch. So I gave her my number and a little while after that, my lovely daughter started texting me, and sending me pictures, eventually we met, and we have now met up 3 times ,that went really well. I try my best to think positively and do the best I can, but I really do find life, difficult. The rate of young people committing suicide here is astronomical, what could possibly be so bad for a 14 year old ? I will go back over your lovely posts and would like to really thank you.
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See my reply to your other message. God loves you!
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It’s such a lovely thing to say, especially these days, to actually say the words ,I’m glad you’re alive, I really suffer from anxieties and awful depression, not being able to sleep and negative emotions and thoughts flood my mind. I used to have a bit of a heroin problem, but never touched it now for 3 and a half years, and never had a drink for about 18 years, although, I’m still taking my daily medication, methadone, I’m now down to 10 mls and have been coming down 2 mls every two weeks for a while. I really do believe that there is a God and a Christian God at that, so much so, that I started Bible studies with Jehovah’s Witnesses, and although, I really like a lot of their stuff, there’s a lot I don’t like, for instance, I cringe when I hear them say, “when I came into the truth ” as though all other Christians are wrong and the smugness when they constantly down religious traditions and leaders. Sure, I have no love for the present Pope and our Archbishop of Canterbury is a liberal lefty ,who also demonizes the white working class British people, and put foreigners before his own flock, I don’t really think of myself as being a racist, the most used word ever invented, but dear Lord, the sheer violence we have in London and all over our once beautiful town’s and cities is shameful. I have often prayed that America never ends up like London or the once beautiful cities of Europe. I will never understand why these people, who claim to be all into peace and yet, they are total hypocrites, surely we should be protecting our lands, where our ancestors built, sweated and ultimately gave their lives for and learn to love one another. My doctor gives me absolutely nothing to help me sleep, and nothing at all for my nerves, the very mention of Valium and the consultation closes.
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Artwork368, I’m glad you are alive! Sounds like there may have been times you skirted death. I praise God you did survive. Your story is inspiring for two reasons. One, you have recovered from so much and your life teaches the rest of us to persevere. Two, you are open to allowing us to relate with you. We all have struggles, and the consequences of past decisions can haunt anyone. Yet you are still moving forward! Thank you for praying for America. We also pray for your side of the world. The hope I have, and that many born-again believers have, is that Jesus is not one of many or human or weak in any way. He is the Only Son of God, is himself God, the King of kings and Lord of lords. His return is when the earth will be put back in order. We place our faith in his salvation and relax in tumultuous times because God is in charge and will never fail. We use the unaltered Bible as our guide and the very story of God and his love for us. I heard a song today that said, “What if I told you that the battle is already won? What if I told you everything is about to change” I doubt I got that exactly right, but the message is absolutely true – your and my battles are already won. That is because Jesus won them! The Bible says God goes before us into battle. I hope you find a Bible Study that satisfies your deepest needs as only Jesus can. I lead one and plan to start more. By the way, that is sooo exciting about your daughter! I am happy for you.
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Thank You kindly for your advice and for replying, it means a lot. I will continue to read your words and with regards to my daughter, I guess social media is good ,sometimes, as it was through this we met, God Bless.
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