This past week we’ve watched a loved one prepare to die. The fact we’ve had six weeks to prepare, helps. The evidence that she is at peace and ready to go, eases the anguish. And her testimony…
“I love my Heavenly Father,
Jesus is my Rock
and the Spirit is my counsellor”
gives us great peace.
But it doesn’t make it oaky.
Most of all I’m just overwhelmingly sad. Especially for those who are
closest. Those who now have a hole that will never be filled. A space that will
gradually shape around a scar and a new way of doing “normal”.
Death is part of life and grief is an integral part of being human: to live
is to experience joy and pain. Yet how we experience grief is intensely
personal.
This week I couldn’t help but to reflect, remember, and re-live.
Grief
Savage
Grief is a savage beast
blinding, thieving
binding, sacking.
Dropping its head
it gorges furrows.
Barbed horns brand its name
in blazing letters:
Lost
Selfish
Grief is a selfish beast
Side-blinding, side-lining
Spiralling inwards.
twisted in knots.
All that was
upside down,
inside out.
Right side wrong.
Divisive
Grief is a divisive beast
Paring away, isolating
In a custom-made cage.
Alienating allies.
Uniting enemies.
Evicting from mainstream
Beating its own drum
In stifled … disjointed … time.
Honest
Grief is an honest beast.
It knows all.
It sees all.
And it measures worth,
paying its wage in full:
Pressed down,
Flowing over,
Rung out.
Heartless
Grief is a heartless beast
Toying, teasing
Releasing, reclaiming.
Five claws, three claws
No claws, four.
Two steps coping…
One curled up ball;
an echoing, empty shell.
Reflection:
I receive great comfort knowing my God understands what it is to suffer pain and loss. He is not distant, but One who is ever present, always loving, and all comforting. We read in Scripture that multitudes went to Jesus to receive relief from their suffering. And in His compassion, He healed and ministered to them. This is still true today and has been my experience.
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 right hand.
22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
If you are struggling with grief and loss, here are some practical things you can do to help.
How do you cope with grief and loss? What passages do you turn to?
Oh my word, that is so poweful! Thank you for sharing these thoughts as you trudge through the wet cement that is grief. My love and prayers are with you and your family at this time
Thank you Lee for your thoughtfulness and reply.
Such beautiful, powerful words Donita. Thank you. ❤️
Thank you for your response, Belinda. As you know, we grieve because we have loved. And to live in love is a privilege.