Grief
by Tanya Person
We are getting to that age where it seems more and more people we know are passing away. Some are people we were not that close to, and since they are believers, we know they have gone on to be with the Lord. It feels more like an acquaintance has moved to another country.
Others we have lost recently were close friends. While we know they were believers, so have also gone on to be with the Lord, it still hurts. We have sorrow that they are not here with us. And so, we grieve. However, when we grieve, we do not grieve as those who have no hope, as it says in 1 Thessalonians 4:13, but we do grieve. It is appropriate to mourn. When we mourn, God comforts us in that grief.
Sometimes we think we should just “put on a brave face” and stuff it all down. We think that since they are with the Lord, we should just be happy for them. But when we do this, we are putting up a wall, a barrier that keeps God from comforting us. He cannot comfort us if we do not mourn.
So, for all of you who have lost someone dear to you, may I encourage you? Give yourself permission to grieve. Remember the good times and bad times with that person and tell God how you feel. This is all part of the process of grieving. There will be times when life feels normal and then you will get hit with a wave of grief. Walk through it with Jesus and you will be blessed.
Tanya Person Tanya and her husband, Jim, were missionaries to Hungary for over 18 years. They have worked with Ellel since 2005. After serving in various positions with Ellel in Central and Eastern Europe, God led them back to the United States, where they are now serving with the Ellel USA team. They have a passion to see leaders restored, the church discipled and walking in God’s fullness of life and freedom, and for mentoring the existing and developing team. Tanya also enjoys crocheting and knitting in her free time and has written some children’s picture books.
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