Hi, I’m Scott Duffey, and I want to share a deeply personal journey with you—the experience of losing my best friend, Charlie, to suicide. I was the one who found him, lifted him from that tragic place, and felt shattered, crushed by the weight of it all.
Charlie was a special guy. He had gifts, talents, and a kindness that drew people to him. He wasn’t just good at sports; he reached out to others in unique ways. But somehow, Charlie lost himself. Darkness crept in, and despite everything he had to offer, he couldn’t see his own worth. It’s a pain I carry with me every day.
I know the voice of darkness all too well because I’ve faced it myself. I remember the times when depression overwhelmed me, accusing me, reminding me of every failure, every flaw. I believed the lies: that I was unworthy of forgiveness, that my family would be better off without me. I felt trapped, so far from God’s love, like there was no way out. Even after I married Heather and we had kids, that voice still haunted me.
But, friends, God didn’t leave me there. In my deepest, darkest moments, He reminded me of my worth. He showed me that, no matter what, I was precious to Him. The truth is that God loves us beyond what we can understand, even when we feel lost, broken, or unworthy. Like the shepherd who left 99 sheep to search for the one that was lost, God pursued me and pulled me from the thorns of my pain.
I want to tell you: you are precious. You are loved, even if no one else tells you. Life isn’t meant to be hidden in darkness, but lived fully, with thanksgiving and joy. You might feel like no one sees you, but God does. And I see you, too.
There’s a song by Adele, To Make You Feel My Love, and when I hear it, I hear the voice of heaven singing over us. I want you to hear that voice as if God Himself is speaking to you, reminding you of His love through every lyric.
If you’re struggling, don’t keep it to yourself. Reach out—to God, to others, to those who will walk with you. Your gifts, your talents, and your life matter. You’re not alone in this. There’s a beautiful person inside you that the world needs to see, and as you heal, you’ll see that truth for yourself.
We’re better together than apart. When we join our unique gifts, we become a powerful force for healing and love in this world. So, stay. Become the person God created you to be, and know that joy, peace, and healing are yours to embrace.
#HopeInTheDarkness #GodsLoveIsReal #YouAreNotAlone