If there’s something this situation with Covid-19 has shown us, it’s that people care about trying to “flatten the curve” and lower the death rate when it’s something that could directly affect them and something that feels so close because of how fast it came about and how many people it’s affecting. The fear of dying or having someone close to us die can put a panic into us that makes us want to do anything possible to not let that happen. However, with that being said, several leading causes of death each year could directly affect you, or someone you know, and you probably don’t even think about it. In fact, I’ve been affected by one of the leading causes – I lost my best friend in a car accident a few months ago due to someone driving under the influence – and until it happened, I never would have though that I would be someone affected by something like that. The thing is, we never think we could be affected by it until it’s something like Covid-19 that everyone is viewing as a global pandemic. I’m not saying the Coronavirus isn’t a big deal, what I am saying is why do we not put this much effort into saving lives the rest of the time, not just when something like this happens?
Below are 4 of the leading causes of death, a solution to help lower those numbers, a Bible verse that backs up the view of doing something to change this situation, and at least one link of a way you can get involved to help save lives outside of the Covid-19 time, as well. You can be a difference maker!
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Scenario: There are approximately 800,000 suicides every year, this number doesn’t include the ones that were “just attempts.”
Solution: Be there for the people in your life. Don’t tear anyone down, rather build them up and encourage them. Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Link: suicidepreventionlifeline.org
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Scenario: Every year approximately 1.35 million people die from car accidents and another 20-50 million people suffer from non-fatal injuries in car accidents.
Solution: Be careful when you drive and make sure to drive with acute awareness. Don’t text and drive. Don’t drive under the influence. Stop your friends from driving under the influence.
Verse: Philippians 2:4 “Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Link: madd.org & faddintl.org & padd.org
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Scenario: Approximately 9 million people die from starvation every year.
Solution: Sponsor a child in poverty through a program like Compassion International. Give food to the homeless. Help pack food boxes through an organization such as Feed My Starving Children.
Verse: Matthew 25:45 “Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for the least of these, you did not do for me.”
Link: Compassion.com & fmsc.org
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Scenario: This one breaks my heart. In 2019, there were over 42 million abortions worldwide. Abortion is the leading cause of death in the world.
Solution: Be the voice for the voiceless. Stand up against abortion, support adoption, and encourage/be a friend to the women going through a situation where they would even consider this.
Verse: Proverbs 31:8 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.”
Link: adflegal.org & bound4life.com
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Help lower the death rate in more ways than just Covid-19 and show God’s love to everyone you come in contact with. Remember that saving lives on earth is still temporary, yet Jesus came to give us eternal salvation. By believing in His power and forgiveness through the resurrection, we are able to have eternal life in heaven. So the ultimate way to save lives is to share the Gospel story. While doing that though, don’t forget that it’s not just Covid-19 that can impact you, there are many other things also and you can make a difference in the lives of others. You can help prevent some of these deaths. The change starts with you, it starts with me, it starts with one person deciding to stand up and do something. In the words of Matthew West, “if not us, then who, if not me and you? Right now, it’s time for us to do something! If not now, then when will we see an end to all this pain? Oh, it’s not enough to do nothing, it’s time for us to do something!”
Love you all and I’m praying for you! Let me know if you need anything. 💜
Sources:
https://www.worldometers.info/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3278149/
https://decisionmagazine.com/abortion-leading-cause-death-worldwide-2019/
https://www.who.int/mental_health/prevention/suicide/suicideprevent/en/
Joyful Journey 
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