Grieve it, then leave it

If you were raised in a culture where any show of emotion was considered a sign of weakness, you must learn that grieving your losses is a healthy process—and a scriptural one. The Bible says, “When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs…They will continue to grow stronger” (vv. 6-7 NLT). Note, when your strength comes from the Lord, you can walk through “the valley of weeping” and come out stronger. The length of time each of us spends in that valley may differ, but there comes a point when we must accept God’s will and move forward. So often we’re shocked by the death of a loved one, but God is not. David said, “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment…laid out before a single day had passed” (Psalm 139:16 NLT). And try as you will, there’s nothing you can do to change that. The truth is, we don’t grieve “as…those who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13 GNT). One day we’ll be reunited with our redeemed loved one in the presence of the Lord, never to be separated again. The farewell is just “till we meet again.” In the meantime, if you need help, don’t be ashamed to reach for it. Remember, “A brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). Ask God to lead you to a person, a counsellor, or a support group that can help you identify the unfinished business that’s keeping you stuck in the cycle of grief. Cherish your loved one’s memory, but move forward and fulfill your divine destiny and purpose.