Grieving with Hope
Unfortunately, many have suffered the loss of a loved one. That on its own is already challenging. Grieving in isolation hurts, it adds complexity to the already overwhelming struggles of grief. While our needs for grieving haven’t changed, the way we grieve has changed because of the current pandemic. The gatherings, the hugs, the laughs and the tears, it all happened while we were together in the same room with family and friends that came over to pay their respects and provide moral support. However, all of that in the current circumstances is no longer permitted and it’s uncertain when that will change. A funeral is an emotional ritual, it helps us go through the grieving process but, without seeing a body many may have trouble believing their loved one is dead. To make matters even harder, we still have to look after ourselves, make sure we’re healthy and stay safe because the risk of contracting the virus is still out there and so are the many other things we have to worry about such as utility payments, food supply and other essential things needed to survive. It’s no surprise we feel like there’s no relief. For instance, I recall a friend who lost her mother during this pandemic, and she had to celebrate her mother's life with just a few close family members, while also trying to navigate the complexities of virtual funeral arrangements, which added to her emotional burden. I also think about the small, personal moments that are now lost - like not being able to visit a gravesite or share stories in person, which can make the grieving process feel even more isolating. I've seen this play out in my own community, where a local support group has had to adapt to online meetings, and while it's been a lifeline for many, it's also highlighted the importance of human touch and physical presence in the healing process.
So how do we grieve when we feel like everything is falling apart? We have to face our grief, there is no way around it. We have to make time and push through all the pain and sorrow, the anger and heartache. If you are going through some difficult times, know that you are not alone, God is always with us, he will not abandon us. All we have to do is talk to him and ask him for strength. We have to trust that he is looking after us, and he will take away all the sorrow and pain and the feeling of emptiness and he will fill us with comfort and peace. We have to ask him to remind us of his eternal love for us and help us find a new meaning and purpose. As I reflect on my own experiences with loss, I've come to realize that it's in these moments of vulnerability that we can discover the depth of God's love and care for us. In my own journey, I've found solace in journaling and writing letters to loved ones who have passed, as a way to process my emotions and feel more connected to them. For example, I remember writing a letter to my own grandmother after she passed, and being surprised by the sense of peace that came over me as I reflected on the happy memories we shared - it was as if the act of writing had given me permission to acknowledge my grief, and to begin the process of healing.
God wants us to grief, he wants us to grief with hope.
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. -
