It’s always painful to hear someone’s life journey has come to an end, but suicide is another monster. An incredibly talented black writer Jas Waters took her own life recently. See she was telling the stories of other’s and fictional stories yet struggling to tell her own. She was fighting to be heard with whatever energy she had left. But despite this constant cry for help she wasn’t heard in time. I’m attempting to tell part of her story based off from her transparency on social media during the last few months. Key words I noticed were “anxiety”, “alcohol”, “I’m tired”. These are all red flags that let us know that help is needed, love is needed, patience is needed, prayer is needed, understanding is needed & a constant presence in their life is needed. Sometimes we all just need to know someone is there, just there. Sticking around no matter what happens and loving in spite of. Not always agreeing, not always talking, but always seeing.
See her story is someone else’s story even right now. And for them it’s not too late, not yet. Be the love for someone, be the patience, be the understanding, be the forgiveness. Be the prayer warrior and the confidant. Be the annoying person who never let’s up if it means someone else won’t give up on life. So don’t blame Jas for giving up. Let’s just do better. Let’s see those we’ve never seen before. Hold them close. Even if by phone, virtually or by lifting their names up to heaven.
I love you all. Don’t give up. Signed, someone who believes in you. ❤🙏 -Elizabeth Stiff
