Charles Whittlesey was a hero’s hero. Leader of the so-called “Lost Battalion” in World War I, he was awarded the Medal of Honour for his bravery when his unit was trapped behind enemy lines. When the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was first dedicated, Charles was chosen to serve as pallbearer for the first soldier laid to rest there. Two weeks later, it is thought that he ended his own life by stepping off a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean.

Like Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-7), Charles was publicly strong, but in private, his feelings of despair set in. People today often face situations bigger than they can handle. Sometimes, as in Elijah’s case, worry is brought on by exhaustion. He had been part of a great victory over the prophets of Baal (18:20-40), but then he feared for his life and ran into the wilderness (19:1-3). But often, what we feel is more than worry and it’s more than temporary. That’s why it is important that we talk about depression openly and caringly.

God offers His presence to us in life’s darkest moments, which enables us, in turn, to be His presence to others who are suffering. Asking for help—from others and from God—may be the strongest moment of our lives.

Author

Randy Kilgore

Topics

Our Daily Bread