Charles
Whittlesey was a hero’s hero. Leader of the so-called “Lost Battalion” in World
War I, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery when his unit was
trapped behind enemy lines. When the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was dedicated,
Charles was chosen to serve as pallbearer for the first soldier laid to rest
there. Two weeks later, it is presumed 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 the quiet,
post-public moments, his feelings of despair set in. People today frequently
face situations bigger than they can handle. Sometimes it’s temporary despair
brought on by fatigue, as in Elijah’s case. 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, it’s more than despair and it’s more
than temporary. That’s why it is imperative that we talk about depression
openly and compassionately.
God offers His presence to us in life’s darkest moments, which enables us, in turn, to be His presence to the hurting. Crying out for help—from others and from God—may be the strongest moment of our lives.
