Grief is meant to be shared.

Really? It feels so lonesome and isolated and in many ways it is. It is a dark place that I don’t want to walk and even less do I want to drag anyone else there.

And yet….

… I long for people to hear my stories, whether they are loss or gain. I need people who listen with understanding and confirm that I am not alone.

… I long to keep the memories alive, to remember the ones who have meant so much to me.

….Even though I am an internal processor, I am comforted by those help me figure out how to process things, especially because some of those who helped me process before are not around to do that anymore.

…Grief is a good healthy thing. I don’t think we have to share with everyone but without those trustworthy people who come alongside, we have no hope of experiencing the fullness of God’s provision.

… The Bible clearly says we were made for community and to we are commanded to bear one another’s burdens.

I think I have come to realize that disbelief is a bigger weapon in the enemy’s arsenal than one could ever imagine. In retelling the story, while difficult, it dispels that disbelief and doubt and it makes room for the reality of loss and sorrow. We know that telling stories brings to mind joyful memories and yet in sharing grief it also means talking in spite of the pain of loss.

Saturday was an example of sharing grief. So many people came and shared ours as we celebrated the impact of my dad’s life. I am blessed by the people who loved him and those who love our family enough to come alongside and bear our burdens.

Ps. 34:18,19 The Lord is there to rescue all who are discouraged and have given up hope. The Lordd’s people may suffer a lot, but He will always bring them safely through.