Joshua’s song

dipping pen in

tears of the moon

i chant the blood

of my dreams

i paint a prayer

to the God

of my life

whose Spirit in me sings

i script a song

a song of the night

i whistle on the breeze

i conduct the wind

it kites my soul

i sojourn on my knees

seeds are buried

some will grow

others fear the morn

at night dark blossoms

echo light

at daybreak fruit is born

the song of the night

is pitch black white

love is never done

the song of the night

is full-orbed bright

it gently bids us,

come

* * *

 + + +

"Joshua,
 I command you, be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9

Please, if thoughts of ending your life cross your mind, consider if you truly want to die, or if you want the pain to end. There are many options to help you cope with your pain and suffering, whether it is physical, emotional, or mental.  You may feel alone, but you are not.  You may feel isolated, but this feeling is not the whole truth.

Please do not act impulsively, but talk to someone who can help you see and live into your wholeness as a human being.  You are valuable, you are loved and you can find help for your pain without killing yourself.

 Call  1-800-SUICIDE   1-800-784-2433  
or  1-800-273-TALK   1-800-273-8255.

In the photo on the left Joshua
is standing in front of an icon of Christ, whose right hand forms the sign of a blessing.  The ancient Church thought it a good and right thing to depict in beautiful images the faces and stories of those who have sought and served God and neighbor with their whole hearts. Joshua holds such an icon in his hands, but the glare of the camera flash makes it hard to see what is depicted.  Because this icon looks blank, it almost seems that Joshua is holding up a mirror or saying "Your face here."
 
Each of us is a seed, and each of us can plant seeds of good. In doing so, we change the world for the better and light the way for others. This is Joshua's song of the night, a song that shines light from what to us may sometimes seem deep darkness. 

As mentioned on our home page, Joshua Alive carries Joshua's legacy of doing good and caring for others. If you would like to join us, here are some things you can do: 

1. Do a specific act of good in memory of Joshua.  It is especially meaningful if you do this act for someone whom you dislike or might consider an enemy. Imagine if this website were here for 20 years, and over that time a million people read this, and acted on it.  That would  mean one million acts of good that may not have existed if Joshua had not been created.
2.  Tell the truth and speak the truth as you know it, without judgment or blame, realizing that no one person has all the truth. We may think the lies we tell do no harm, and are "little white lies."  Instead of "little white lies,"let us tell "little white truths" that have the power to bring light and heal. The truth will set us free.
  
3. Give to Joshua Anew non-profit the organization created in memory of Joshua.  Our mission: To encircle the world with acts of compassion in memory of Joshua Levi Zitzloff
and to work for prevention, education and healing of the trauma and aftermath of abuse and suicide.

Donations can be sent to:
Joshua Anew
18108 Old Excelsior Blvd.
Minnetonka, Mn 55345



4. Let others know about this website.

5. If you have been sexually abused, or have some of the signs or symptoms, please, talk to someone you can trust about it; a wise friend, a counselor, a pastor, a doctor or other health professional.

6. Write to us if you think we can help you or to share any stories of good, or pain and sorrow, or if Joshua, or learning about him has changed your life in any way. Write if you would like us to pray for you. We will.

 Renee-mary@comcast.net


Another site for healing and hope:

Sonflower
 

Links to learn about sexual abuse: 

Sexual abuse and Incest

Sexual abuse and the brain

Sexual abuse and Substance Abuse

Suicide linked to Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse and PTSD