Life IS...Sample

Life IS... Seeing Beyond Your Now

One of the most painful and difficult things to deal with in LIFE is death. Depending on the loss, death has a way of causing your life to come to a sudden stop.  Although we know death is inevitable for all of us (Eccles. 9:5), we cannot see beyond that moment because we never imagined living without that person.  

The effects of a loss may include various types of depression, denial, and simply existing without actually living.  We may find ourselves saying things like, "I don't know how I'm going to make it without ___________________(fill in the blank)."  

In those moments, we often cannot see beyond our now, and quite frankly, we don't want to.

Right now, you or someone you love may be dealing with a significant loss.

Your grief is taking you down a dark path of separation.  Separation from God and separation from family and friends.  Today is your divine interruption. Grieve, but don't allow the grief to paralyze you and stop you from living.  

October 5, 2008, is a day that I will always remember.  On that day, I lost one of my biggest cheerleaders here on earth - my sister, Janice. She would call me every day and ask, "What are you doing, little girl?" I couldn't imagine what life would be like without that daily question.

After her passing, I cried almost every day—finally, reality set in.  No matter how much I missed Janice, she was not coming back.  I had to find a way to move beyond my immediate grief and live. I knew that is what she would want me to do.  

Janice loved family gatherings. To help me cope with the grief, I decided to organize an annual Nieces Brunch.  Every year on the day after Christmas, we would all gather together for brunch and make it a girl's day.  This brunch became an annual tradition that honors my sister and reminds me how precious our time on earth really is. 

I don't cry as much now.  

Whenever I feel myself slipping into that space, I can hear her say, "Keep moving, little girl, make me proud."  Although my sister's not here, her spirit lives on through me.

If you are experiencing a loss right now and cannot see or move beyond your current state, find a way to celebrate that person's life. Celebration leads to gratitude, and gratitude leads to praise. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us that, "...in everything give thanks; for this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus for you." The simple act of celebration may help you find some comfort during this difficult time.  

Your pain can turn to praise! Thank God for you, the one you lost, and the impact they had on your life. Thank Him for being close while you grieve. Let Him remind you of things you can thank Him for! If He commands us to "give thanks," then He'll develop a willing heart to be filled with gratitude no matter what pain we're going through.

I believe if the person you are grieving could say anything to you today, they most likely would tell you to LIVE! So I say to you - live life to the fullest and make them proud.

Reflection:

Have you allowed grief to paralyze you?  If so, how?

What steps are you willing to take to allow the healing to begin?

Prayer:  

Father, I pray for the strength and ability to see beyond my NOW situation. You have so much in store for me, and as painful as it is right now, I know this is not the end, in Jesus' name, Amen.