Good Grief

Honoring Those We Have Loved and Lost

Grief is the high cost we all pay for loving others.

The pain of losing my husband was overwhelming.

The good news is:  Many supported me in the early days of my loss.

The bad news is:  Not everyone has stayed with me on this new journey.

It’s been hard to accept that God put some people in my life only for a season.

Feeling alone is a reality.

I had lived with my husband for 46 years. I had people in my life, but I didn’t always feel they cared.  If that’s how I felt, couldn’t I support others as well?

So, I have felt called to reach out to widows. I am finding a new sisterhood of strong women. We both give and accept encouragement from each other. It has been a big step in my healing process.

 How can we grieve well?

The Bible says, “God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

Ultimately, God is the only one who can heal us. He knows our pain. He loves us enough that He sent His son to die for your sins and mine. He did this to give us a new life in Him.

Where can we channel our love after loss?

We can focus on loving God with all our heart, mind, and soul. Then, through His power, we can share that love with others.

2 Corinthians 1:2-5 talks about the ability to comfort others in our suffering with the comfort God has given us. It is a high and holy calling, and I take this verse seriously. In reaching out to others, I have found renewed purpose in life.

I gave my love to a boy named Samuel.

He has the same birthday as my late husband. I sponsor him through Compassion International. My donations go toward health care, Christian Teaching, and vocational training. In return, we exchange letters and pray for each other. 

He is now fifteen, growing in the Lord, and studying to enter the tourist industry.

In case you are interested, you can find out more at https://www.compassion.com/

This was my calling, but it might not be yours.

 Might God have a different plan for you to bless someone in need?

Giving doesn’t need to just be meeting a financial need. It can be the gift of a kind word, a smile, or an offer of friendship.

I had a big reality check recently. I love Samuel, but…God recently showed me I didn’t love my neighbor's children as I should. As I pulled out of my driveway the other day, I was annoyed. They had left bikes in guest parking, and toys littered their front yard. I know God is calling me to show His love to them too.

I need to be obedient. 

Are you willing?

To listen to the promptings of God’s Holy Spirit

And love others as ourselves? And share His hope?

Even if it involves sacrifice?

Your thoughts are welcome. 

 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace.”  I Peter 4:10-11