A renowned writer ended her life by suicide, leaving behind a heartfelt and poetic message in her will. In her final words, she expressed a desire to die on her own terms, with elegance and dignity. She said that while she had no control over how she was born, she believed she had the right to choose how she would die. This statement gives us a glimpse into her pain and a decision she likely made after facing great personal struggles.

The suffering she endured must have been deep and overwhelming. Whether it was mental, emotional, physical, or relational, something in her life caused her so much pain that she felt hopeless and saw death as her only escape. While we may not fully understand what she was going through, it’s important to approach her pain with empathy. Her decision reminds us of how heavy and isolating life’s burdens can sometimes feel.

However, her words also raise a question: do humans truly have the right to decide how and when their lives end? If we have no say in how we are born, can we really claim the right to choose how we die? Life is a gift that we didn’t create or choose—it was given to us. For this reason, it’s important to consider who ultimately has authority over life and death.

From a Christian perspective, every human life is sacred and created by God with purpose. We are not accidents but intentional creations, made in God’s image to reflect His beauty and glory. Scripture teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, entrusted to us by God (1 Corinthians 6:19). Therefore, we don’t have the right to harm ourselves, even in difficult times.

Though the writer’s pain was real, God promises to be close to the brokenhearted and to offer hope and healing (Psalm 34:18). Life’s challenges can feel unbearable, but there is always hope in God, even in life’s darkest moments. His love and grace remind us that we are never truly alone.