Don’t Fly Solo

Time alone is essential when processing the unexpected emotions after loss. A steady diet of alone time, though, can lead to isolation. And the enemy of your soul loves to convince you that you don’t need anybody. His strategy is to get you all alone so he can speak in his conniving, confusing voice whispering,

• “Where are all the cards and flowers and friends now?”
• “Nobody cares about you!”
• “Nobody cared about your person.”
• “Your life will always be a ‘griefy’ mess.”
• “Don’t tell anyone you’re struggling. They’ll think you’re weak!”

I wish I’d known, in my early months after the loss, that admitting you can’t handle something on your own is actually what strong people do.

What Not to Do:

After my mom’s death, I hunkered down all by myself for months and months. I had no idea how helpful it would have been to invite people into the pain. In that place of isolation, I started to believe the lies about what I was going through, and how long it might last. Fear crept in, and I wondered if this dark unfamiliar cave of sorrow might be my new permanent residence.

I now understand that it didn’t have to be that way.

Deuteronomy 31: 8 “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

How about you?

What are some practical ways you can invite others, and the Lord into your pain? Write whatever’s coming to mind.