"Hello Grief...let's talk!"

Psalm 34:19 “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.”

Grief has a way of just showing up when you least expect it. The emotions flood your mind with memories of those who have moved to their heavenly home. Even though we know they are in a better place, but we grieve because their gone…and so, we find grief knocking at our door…. “Hello Grief…let’s talk.”

Sometimes we’ll wake up excited and motivated to complete all the things we have procrastinated. And then…all of a sudden, the emotional switch turns on and your mind is flooded with sadness and unspeakable pain. Your joy feels stripped away. Your excitement turns to dismay. You roll back INTO bed. Close the blinds and pull the cover over your head. “Hello Grief…let’s talk!”

The characteristics of grief are like the characteristics of a thief. It shows up when you least expect. It breeds fear of the unknown and unawareness of its presence. It has no start date or expiration date of attacks. It just shows up! Grief can become debilitating and “down-right” exasperating. Grief will suck every inch of strength out of your soul. It will cloud your mind with hopelessness if you let it take control. That is why it’s important to know that grieving…in a HEALTHY way… is necessary.

Grief will make you feel alone but you are not alone. Deut. 31:8, “The Lord Himself, goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Despite all the emotions we experience during our time of grieving, this scripture lets us know that we can overcome it. We can and we WILL get through it because God is with us. Psl. 34:17 says; “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles."

This is what I’m learning about grief. The more I try to avoid the emotions by doing “busy stuff”, the stronger it will return the next time. So, I’m choosing to face it. To deal with the emotions. To understand the process. Because grieving is a process. Some days are better than others. I’m learning to know that it’s okay not to be okay sometimes. It’s just a season that I must go through in a HEALTHY way. Here is another important thing to know.....grief is NOT the devil! Don’t allow anyone to make you feel bad because your grieving process is lasting longer than theirs. (That’s all I’m going to say about that). So…when grief shows up, we can say, “Hello Grief…let’s talk!”

Woman of God, if you get what I’m saying, please, consider the following:

When grief shows up, pray, and stay close to God’s Word and engage in a HEALTHY spiritual environment. There will be times you want to be alone, but don't stay alone too long.

When grief shows up, talk to someone about your feelings who will, LISTEN, not judge you and lovingly lead you back into the comfort of God.

When grief shows up, when you have sad memories, always think of a good memory to replace it. God left us memories to help us with getting through the grieving process.

When grief shows up, write down your thoughts and feelings and prayers. Seek God’s comfort and peace as He stretch you through the process.

And then….one day, when grief shows up, you will be able to say, “Hello Grief…let’s talk! Today, I ain't running away!”

God bless you.

Written by Sandra Kelley (February 21)