Reflections on Robin William’s Suicide

            How shocking it was to hear of the self-inflicted death of Robin Williams, a comedian par excellence. To say that he was uniquely gifted, is an understatement. The genius of his performances has become a legend, taking comedy to a new level. His perpetual style of humor mesmerized audiences world-wide, almost placing him in some “saintly” category. Sadly, the mighty fall just like the rest of us. Why?

            Maybe the following anecdote will help. A man went to a psychiatrist seeking a cure for his depression. Well into the session, the psychiatrist recommended that the man attend the Barnum & Bailey Circus playing in town. He said, “Be sure to watch the lead clown who is extremely funny. If he doesn’t help cure your depression, nothing will.” With a perplexed look, the patient answered, “Doctor, I am that clown.”

            No one would deny that a sense of humor is a great gift, especially in a depressed and frightful world. How good it is to be able to laugh, even when it’s so easy to cry! It’s a tough world out there, and people like Robin Williams have made things a bit more bearable. But humor cannot live in a vacuum; i.e. it must be anchored to reality and hope.        Significantly, Robin was not only a funny man, but a dead serious actor. Humor is often used to cover up deep inner problems. One may readily mask insecurity and emptiness by making others laugh or turning everything into a joke. This is what makes someone like Robin an enigma---how could someone so funny be depressed to the point of suicide?

            Think about it; actors make a living trying to be someone other than themselves. Is it possible that they never find out who they really are? I have one favorite actor who is so believable on screen; yet, when I heard him on a talk show he came off as an “air-head” in an empty suit! How can that be? It’s simple, because he’s an “actor” by trade. And yet the world bows at his feet in “adoration,” expecting great platitudes regarding life and politics.

            What other factors were involved in Robin’s suicide? As some asked, was he “broke” after having made millions? Was he failing physically? Was his career beginning to “slide,” which would eventually remove him from the spotlight? When you’re at the “top”, where can you go but downward. It’s the same issue that we all face to one degree or another—a sense of hopelessness. No one can rightly face the past or the present without having hope in the future. No amount of wealth, education, or political power can produce hope. “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die,” is a common philosophy of life; but no one is ready to enjoy this life until he’s prepared to die.

            The Bible offers that Hope in the person of Jesus Christ. He came to die in behalf of sinners, to pay the sin debt, that forgiveness and hope might be provided. He arose to place that salvation in force and personally becomes the believer’s Hope. If this life is all we have, we are miserable creatures at best. Christ is the “Hope of Glory,” i.e. a secured future and eternal life in Heaven. What a thought!

            “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul,” asked Jesus? Whatever Robin Williams possessed in this life, he lost his way. This is not to be critical, but only to promote a moment of truth for the rest of us. Jesus said, “I am the Way…” and that’s no joke! Laughter is a precious, God-given emotion, but must not become an end in itself. This life is serious business and we cannot simply “laugh off” our responsibilities or treat lightly the certainty of our future destination. In a day of shallowness and frivolity, may this sad event sober our thinking.