For Such a Time As This (Esther 4:14)

God’s Word continues to echo in my spirit over the last 48 hours—an intense reminder spoken by Mordecai to Esther: "For such a time as this.” I now find myself in such a moment; a moment where silence is not an option for me.

On the morning of June 5th, I received a heartbreaking call: my aunt’s granddaughter, Chitavious “Tay” Norwood, ended her life by suicide on the one year mark of her mother's birthday who died just years earlier.

Though it had been years since I’d seen Tay in person, social media allowed me glimpses into her life—glimpses that revealed the daily struggles she faced as a young mother raising four children, ages 13 to just 1 year old. Her journey was not easy. Life presented her with challenges, some visible, others obviosuly deeply hidden. But in every phone call she shared with my auntie—who loved her immensly—I could still hear the sweetness in her voice, a reminder of the little girl who once played in my home during Christmas breaks. I remember that bright smile, her deep dimples, and those big beautiful eyes that lit up when I gifted her dolls and matching outfits as my daughter.

The darkness that overwhelmed her life on June 5th—I cannot change. But what I can do, and must do, is use my voice in this moment for her family. "For such a time as this", With an open broken heart, I'm reaching out to my community of believers, my friends, and every heart that knows this kind of pain—to come together and pour love, comfort, finanacial support and payers into Tay’s family.

Let us give Tay roses she’ll never see—but that her children may carry in their hearts forever. As Mordecai spoke to Esther, I hear the Lord asking of me...For such a time as this, will you sit in silence? Father, my answer is, No, I will not! My spirit CANNOT!

Let our compassion be louder than the dark silence of suicide!

Let our love be the light that remains. If you're incline to donate, please do, if you can't donate, please pray for Tay's children as they navigate this world without their mother.