The Story Behind "One Request"

When I was sixteen, I lost my father to suicide.

It was his birthday, on October 11th. My parents were separated at the time. My mom picked me up from school that afternoon. I asked her if we could go to dad’s house because it was his birthday. I tried calling and there was no answer. A bad feeling filled my stomach.

Knock.. No answer. Calls the police..

Shortly thereafter, the devastation began. I remember falling to my knees. My mom and I crying. My older brother away at college.. Could you imagine receiving that phone call, or having to make it?

The tragedy of losing my father, my mom losing her husband, our family members and his friends. The ripple effect it had.

In “One Request” you’ll hear the words, “God brought me back after almost following suit.” A few months after my dad passed away, my uncle (my dad’s brother), also took his life. This was a bit much to take in in a short period of time. Life got overwhelming. My joy was stolen. I wasn’t sure how to get it back. I was struggling to keep my emotions together at school while balancing Type One Diabetes and just being a teenager.

One life event after the other left me feeling sad and depressed. I didn’t know what to do or how to get better. I don’t think my peers knew what to do either. The “Joyful Julia” was absent. I battled with suicidal thoughts, which led me to the hospital for twenty days.

I wish I had a breakthrough before going to the hospital, but I didn’t. I merely could not cope with all the trauma and struggles of life.

I’m extremely grateful for the people who supported me through this time period in my life. What would we do without those in our inner circle?

Fast forward to today, my everyday mindset has changed. The way I live my life is different. While I can’t change the decisions others have made, I can choose where my efforts go, especially my thoughts.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Proverbs 4:23 NIV or the KJV:

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”

“I have this one request. Will you take this offering and make it blessed?” When these lyrics came out of my heart, my “one request” is a prayer: God, will you take my life and make it blessed? Will you bless others somehow through my life, above these situations and trials?

I want to see people walking in freedom in their everyday life. Walking through the healing of losing a loved one. Living beyond your hardship.

If you have lost a loved one, or if you’ve struggled with suicidal thoughts before, I’m so sorry. PLEASE, take action to process life so you can move forward and LIVE.

I did not think that life could get better. Especially with a chronic illness..

“How can I live my life like this?”

“I never get a break.”

“I don’t want to live like this.”

Whatever it may be for you..

There is HOPE on the other side. We have to figure out how to live well, for our own sake and others. I hope you choose to take this path, whatever that looks like for you.

If you know someone who could be encouraged by my song or story, please take the right moment to share it with them.

I want to thank you for reading and for your support.

I love and care about each one of you!

Julia