You are worth more than you think!

My friend Bill Pagaran is a loving husband, father, talented musician, passionate follower of Jesus, and effective communicator of the Good News. He radiates joy and passion for life.

Today, you could not imagine that he almost committed suicide when he was a teenager. Growing up in a house where he was abused in about every conceivable way by family members, he felt he couldn’t bear the pain any longer. If this was all there was to life, it was time to check out for good.

When he was a student in school, he decided to follow through with his decision. Walking into school that morning, he looked quietly at his teacher and classmates, thinking to himself “this is the last time I will see them.”

But then something unexpected happened. Another student, who had never acknowledged or spoken to him before, greeted him with the simple words “Hey Bill, how’s it going?” Bill was so surprised that he couldn’t go through with his plan that day.

Things like that kept happening to him, keeping him alive one day at a time, until he met the One in whose image he was created in a personal way. As he put his trust in Jesus, he began healing the wounds of years of abuse, setting him on a new road, full of hope and destiny. He experienced firsthand that the One who had created him also loved him to infinity and beyond, to use Buzz Lightyear’s famous words. God’s love was proved in the fact that He had given his best for him, Jesus, his own son!

Now this personal love became reality for him. His life changed, and Bill became a passionate activist for life. He now travels the world, sharing his story with others who are as desperate as he was. His ministry is fittingly called “Carry the Cure.”

A few months ago, Bill was in our communities sharing his “Committed to Life” message with hundreds of students. He illustrated the worth of every human being by pulling out a crispy $20 Bill, waving it in front of the students, asking them how much it was worth. Then he crumpled up the bill and asked the question again. After spitting on it, throwing it on the ground and stomping on it, he repeated his question again. The students were unanimous, it still was worth $20.

As the meaning of Bill’s presentation sank in, he handed the now cleaned and unraveled bill to a student who had been visibly touched by his demonstration, causing her to burst out in tears of recognition and joy.

You may feel like that crumpled up, stomped on, abused $20 bill. But the truth is, you are still worth your original value.

You are marvelously made in the very image of God, who will heal your pain of rejection and abuse, if you allow him to.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please talk to someone, a trusted friend, family member or pastor. There are many caring people in our communities. You can also call the 24/7 suicide hot line at: 1-800-273-8255 or text 741741

Instead of thinking there is no way out, you can experience healing through Jesus and become a beacon of light for others, like Bill.

You’re of infinite worth to the one who created you and gave his son for you!