Seasons of Grief and Loss

If you’re reading this, chances are that your heart is heavy. You may have lost someone you loved. Maybe a marriage ended, a job disappeared, a dream died or life simply changed in a way you never saw coming. Whatever brought you here, I want you to know something first: you are not alone and what you’re feeling is real.

Grief doesn’t follow a schedule. Some mornings you may wake up and feel okay, and on other days, a song, a smell or an empty chair at the table, may knock the wind right out of you. I’ve learned that grief isn’t something you “get over.” It’s something you walk through one step at a time, and sometimes, that step is just simply getting out of bed.

Here are a few things that can help you to navigate these unsettling seasons of life:

1. Give yourself permission to feel it. You don’t have to be strong all the time. Cry when you need to. Be quiet when you need to. Even Jesus wept (John 11:35). If He made room for tears, so can you. “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)

2. Be gentle with yourself. Grief is exhausting. You may forget things, feel foggy or have no energy for the things you used to enjoy. That’s normal. Lower the pressure, say 'no' when you need to, and seek rest without feeling guilt.

3. Don’t walk this road alone. It’s tempting to pull away from everyone but healing happens in community. Call a friend, sit with family or let someone bring you a meal. If the weight feels too heavy, talk to a pastor or a counselor. Asking for help is not weakness; it’s wisdom. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

4. Take care of your body. Drink water. Eat something even if it’s small. Step outside for a short walk and let the sunshine touch your face. Your heart is hurting and your body needs care too.

5. Pour out your heart to God. You don’t need fancy words. Tell Him you’re hurting, tired, angry or confused. He can handle every bit of it. Some days your prayer may be as simple as: “Lord, I need You.” “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

6. Hold on to hope even if it’s small. Hope may feel far away right now, and that’s okay. You don’t have to feel it fully today. Just lean on the promise that this season will not last forever. “Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

7. Remember and honor what you’ve lost. Share stories, look at old photos, light a candle or write a letter. Remembering is not holding on too tightly; it’s a way of loving someone still.

There’s no right way or right timeline to grieve. Some days will be heavy and some days will feel a little lighter. Both are okay. Just keep taking the next small step and know that God is walking right beside you in every one. “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” (Psalm 23:4)

If you're dealing with loss today, I'm praying for your comfort. These feelings won't last forever. Healing will arrive, gradually, one peaceful day at a time.

Is there someone in your life walking through grief right now? Share this with them. Sometimes a few kind words are exactly what a hurting heart needs.