If I Had Only...

A rash of ministry professionals, particularly young ministers, who took their own life prompted me to write this book at this time. It would seem that the clouds of depression had so overwhelmed them they did not see any solution but removing themselves from the equation. The letter at the end reflects on my struggle. Under other circumstances, I might have been one of those statistics. In their most difficult moments, a profession designed to help others was not there to help them or me through the turmoil. I pray that books like this one will stem the tide of this terrible epidemic.The title, "If I Had Only..." is the beginning of many sentences. We wish that we had known then what we know now. Twenty-twenty hindsight is terrific, but it would have been helpful to have known those things beforehand.The purpose of the book is to help get ahead of the "If I Had Only...'s" you will face traveling this leadership path. Some things you have already encountered - maybe this validates the need for this book. You may never have to deal with others, but read them anyway - you never know. But perhaps there is one thing that will help you right now - and many more will help you in years to come.Reflecting on my time as Executive Director of a sizeable Association, I wish that someone had shared some of the things I have included in this book. At first, I might not have been open to the help, but it is what I needed, and with time I would have appreciated it.Therefore, you might not think you need to hear the things I share in this book. But since you picked up the book, you are probably dealing with some issues, which may be eating your lunch. I do not promise that what I share will solve your problems. But the ideas in this book may prompt you to discover what works in your particular situation. And that will be the best solution of all.