As I watched the flag-draped coffin of President Jimmy Carter being carried away, a wave of emotion hit me. Though the setting was vastly different from my own, I was transported back to a time when my family stood by the coffin of a loved one – someone who we dearly missed. Indeed, the public attention surrounding President Carter’s passing was unlike anything my family experienced, but the grief in that moment felt similar.
Grief connects us in ways that transcend social standing, or notoriety. It is the universal experience that reminds us of our shared humanity. Whether mourning a public figure or a cherished family member, the weight of loss is deeply personal yet widely understood.
Grief Transcends Boundaries
Grief never leaves us. It lingers in the corners of our hearts, waiting to resurface when we least expect it. As I watched the mourners at the funeral, I couldn’t help but reflect on the loss I have carried over the years. The loss of a loved one, much like the loss of a national figure, leaves a void – a space no one can fill. Time may soften the sharp pain of loss, but the absence is always there, a reminder that a part of us is forever changed. It is a reality that no one is exempt from, whether a national leader, a family member, or a friend.
Hope Amidst Grief
Though grief can feel overwhelming, there is hope. Scripture offers comfort and peace and reminds us that we are not alone in our sorrow. This passage, found in Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,” has brought me much solace when I realize God’s presence doesn’t eliminate the pain but provides comfort beyond human understanding.
Another verse that has carried me through difficult times is Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.” These words remind me that it is God’s strength that sustains me even when my own feels depleted.
Living with Grief: Embracing Hope
Reflecting on these truths, I am reminded that grief is not something to run from, nor can we simply “get over it.” It is a part of life, and it is okay to feel the sadness, to sit in your sorrow, and to acknowledge the void left behind. But we do not grieve without hope. The God who comforts us in our pain is the same God who offers us peace that passes all understanding. He has promised to be close to the brokenhearted.
As we walk through seasons of loss, we must remember that while grief may shape us, it does not have to define us. I’m discovering through my grief, what II Corinthians 1:3-4 means: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
As you walk through your grief, take a moment today to reflect on how God has carried you through in the past. Consider journaling your thoughts or meditating on scriptures that speak to your heart. Share your story with someone who needs encouragement or reach out for support.
You can download a free digital Joy Journal for the Grieving Heart by signing up HERE. The JOY JOURNAL will guide you through the practices that helped me through my grief. Together, let’s encourage each other and find strength in God’s unending love.
“Through it all” …..the good times, the bad tmes, times of grief and times of joy, HE abides with me and carries me in HIS loving arms. So thankful that HE Ioves me! 🙌👏🙌
Yes, through it all, He caries us. As events unfold in the world, we often forget what He has brought us through. Hold onto that hope, for it is eternal.