Growing up, Edras Cordova's father constantly reminded him of a saying. Edras chose to remember his father's teaching by having it tattooed across the top of his chest. Roughly translated, the words say: "Only the one who carries a knapsack knows what's in it".
We never know what another person is going through. Edras took the message to heart and it softened him. Unfortunately, it appears that his siblings and other family members did not learn such a message.
People are so often trapped in their religious beliefs and systems that they are blinded to truth and reality.
Many of my prior podcast guests have told stories of being trapped in such systems, and they described how they were able to escape and ultimately live fulfilled lives as their authentic selves.
Edras Cordova and his brother were both gay. Edras was able to navigate his escape route from the Jehovah's Witness cult (his word) and to go on to live a life he never thought possible when he was trapped in that religious system.
His brother was not so fortunate. He chose a path of staying in the system, marrying, have two children and believing that somehow he would be "cured" or "fixed" and being gay would go away.
The torment and pain of being caught in such an untenable position ultimately drove him to multiple suicide attempts. Two weeks before taking his own life, he told his family that he was either going to live his gay life, or commit suicide.
Edras discusses the pain and fallout of his brother's choice in hopes that people who are caught in such systems will open their eyes and hearts to the truth: If we don't allow ourselves and others to be who they are, the cost will be unbearable.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Text or call 988 on your cell phone for help.
LGBT youth crisis helpline. If you are thinking about harming yourself — get immediate support. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S. It is 100% confidential, and 100% free.
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/
Photo: Copyright Wilkinson/2022
Opening and closing music courtesy the very talented Zakhar Valaha via Pixabay.
To contact Wilkinson- email him at BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com