I've always admired the Osmond family. They have strong family values, and seem to have been a kind and close family even amidst the trappings of Hollywood. Not only were they nice, but they showed a kind of self-deprecating humor (toward themselves and each other) that was very endearing and fun. Plus, they were -- and are -- highly talented.
That's why it was shocking to see where Michael Blosil, son of Marie Osmond, committed suicide the other day. Yet he, like his mother Marie, had fought the demons of depression many times over the years. Not that anyone would have known it.
"That [suicide note] was a shock," said an unnamed pal of Michael. "He was always smiling. (He seemed) really happy, always making jokes. We hung out every single day, a group of us."
Yet in his suicide note, Michael reportedly said he felt lonely and friendless.
"It wasn't like he was a loner type." continued the pal. "If you were sad, he would be the one to make you feel better. He would find a way to make you laugh. He was there for you if you needed anything."
I know from my past before Christ really came into my life that I was nice, I was good, I was kind...but for not the best of reasons. I thought that trying to be nice would make people be nice to me in return, that if I were a friend, someone would be friends with me. Sometimes it works that way.
But sometimes people can see through you and see the selfish motives behind your "niceness." And whatever kind of "niceness" you get in return, it's never enough. Maybe that's what happened with Michael, maybe not.
In the movie "It's a Wonderful Life," George Bailey helps everyone around him, serving above and beyond the call of duty. But he doesn't like it; he doesn't like his life; he doesn't seem to get much out of being "nice" to everyone. Then, when it looks like he is going to be in trouble and go to jail for something he didn't do, rather than rely on his friends, he despairs and contemplates suicide.
Later he realizes that he DID have friends after all -- friends who were willing to help him, but he had refused to recognize that 'til the end. Too bad Michael didn't realize that in his life as well. But doing the right things (being nice and kind and loving) for the wrong reasons (getting people to like you) can take its toll. That's why the Apostle Paul said not to rely on the world, but to rely on God instead: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed, by the renewing of your minds; so that you may discern what is the will of God -- what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)
As the old song says, "What a friend we have in Jesus!" We need not despair when our earthly friends don't live up to our expectations; we must look instead to God -- both as a friend and as someone who challenges us to go beyond being nice, to doing God's will...and not worrying about anything else.
David Hewitt
