A LOSS, THE GRIEF, AND WHAT IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU

Loss and disappointment are real. It doesn't matter how big or small it is. It doesn't matter what or whom it is. It shows no prejudice - we will all experience it at some point in our lives...The sadness and grief that comes with it are VERY real and if you never acknowledge it, nor allow yourself to really feel it, it will NEVER get out of your way!

Unacknowledged sadness and grief is like a drunken cousin at a family reunion - They never shut up long enough for you to hear anyone else...You have to be able to hear what's next in your life - what path IS in front of you and who IS here that can travel it with you. (Brothers and Sisters | "Nora Walker")

...What is right in front of you? Who is right in front of you?

Allow yourself to feel the pain of your loss, and then, let someone who loves you help to pick you up off the floor (in some cases, this will be literal) - It will be more difficult than you feared it would be. It will be ugly. It will be humbling. However, most of all, it will be a refreshing first step towards a new beginning...

The difficulty of this is not lost on me, but it is because I cling to these truths in difficult times, that I can encourage you to do the same:

"BE SOBER-MINDED; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to DEVOUR. Resist him, FIRM IN YOUR FAITH, knowing that the same kinds of sufferings are being experienced by your brethren throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of grace, who has called you to eternal glory in Christ, will HIMSELF restore, confirm, STRENGTHEN, and establish you." 1Peter8:10

"Therefore, let those who suffer according to God's will, entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good." 1Peter4:19

A final thought: It's a peculiar thing - We think that if we never let anyone see our utter brokenness as we grieve a loss (of any magnitude), then we are displaying strength. However, the power of strength is born out of weakness...People have heard that Jesus hung on a cross for the forgiveness of sin, but not many understand that he also carried our weaknesses (Isaiah53). In speaking about himself desiring the LORD to remove a "thorn from his side" and in the power of Jesus' death and resurrection, the Apostle Paul declared that he would boast in his weakness so that the power and strength of the LORD would be revealed in him (2Corinthians12-13)."

Place your fear of weakness in the nail-pierced hands of Jesus and find hope in his resurrection! For in Christ, we are not given a spirit of fear, but of power (2Timothy1:7)!

"You were wearied by your many journeys, but you did not say, 'It is hopeless'; you found renewal of strength, therefore, you did not faint." Isaiah57:10

If you are reading this and think you have no one to pick you up off the floor, I want to encourage you... You only need to believe and trust the LORD when He says, "Never will I forsake you. Never will I leave you (Hebrews13:5)." Let the LORD guide you to a friend, a family member, or even to a professional trained in grief counseling. Declare to Him, "I put my sadness and grief into Your hands. You are in charge of my healing!" Draw near to the LORD and He will draw near to you!

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might...For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." Ephesians6:10,12

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