Grit Required (Samson Guy Job Description)

Suicidal ideation is never to be taken lightly.  

Let me state firstly that when I initially walked into a Samson Society meeting back in August of 2014, I certainly sensed that fostering friendship was at THE CORE of the ministry, and that these friendships would be borne out of GREAT need (as a result of men being either within or having experienced the bitter taste of crisis). 

Prior to this, I myself had quite recently dealt with intrusive suicidal thoughts (over the course of a handful of months), and in actuality, it was those oppressive ideations that ultimately fostered me into said Samson meeting (kudos to my dad for his help).

But I suppose it was my naivety that cloistered me into suppressing any notions of actively befriending other Samson men who might similarly walk this dark road.

Because here we are, and no doubt, suicidal ideation is one of Satan's most widespread ploys.

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There's a local (Metro Jackson) "Christian" periodical that features the serial writings of a therapist (who just happens to be paralyzed and subsequently wheelchair-bound), and he's not at all shy about commenting on his longstanding confrontation with suicidal ideation.  

It can be unsettling reading his work, and I'd be willing to bet a dollar that most readers quickly take a detour whilst encountering his willingness to nonchalantly reveal this particular roosted personal demon. 

Now that I think about it, it's probably not too different from hearing someone announce that they're same-sex attracted, particularly if they're active within a fundamentalist church / presenting themselves as a "traditional, Biblical sexual ethic" believer.  

Nonetheless, suicidal ideation is a tough, tough subject that needs to be discussed on a regular basis.

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The primary descriptor for Rob is either level-headedness or arrogant asshole, and I first came to realize this during my teen years.  The Operator of the Chick-A-Fil I was employed at made this observation.  

I believe a lot of this trait (pick one) can be attributed to my best friend during that same era.  His influence was paramount in this regard.  Greg was unflappable when it came to the stress of standing up to opposition / difficulties of any kind.

My mom, too, genuinely displayed this cool-headed quality (level-headedness).  I couldn't help but be influenced by her modeling of this approach.  

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Nonetheless, you needn't be a Vulcan to be an effective Samson guy, though grit cannot be underestimated in its effectiveness relative to handling hard topics / situations.

And this is because you're going to face many of those (either past or present) as you walk alongside your Samson brothers.  Grit is simple determination to keep pressing forward no matter how difficult the circumstances become.  It's a mindset versus a character trait, and it can be called upon by ANYONE.

Regarding walking alongside a brother whose faced / facing suicidal ideation, I cannot stress the need for grit enough.  For there're simply few other topics more inexplicitly depressing, worrisome, triggering (I hate that word!) than this one.  

Why muster the determination to not back down from carrying the weight of this macabre topic?

Because, everyone who's brave enough to step into Samson Society needs to be seen.  No matter where there at for such a time as that.