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Advent Through the Lens of Grief: Week Four – Love
Love can feel complicated in grief. In this Week Four Advent reflection, we explore God’s love through loss, the incarnation of Christ, and the hope that love did not stay distant—it crossed over.
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Thankful in the Midst of Grief
Navigating the holidays after loss is never easy. This Thanksgiving, I’m learning that being thankful in the midst of grief doesn’t erase the hurt—it reveals God’s nearness. Rebuild Session Ten offers gentle guidance for these difficult seasons.
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Connecting with God in the Midst of Your Grief
In session seven of Rebuild, we address the question, “How Can I Connect Spiritually Through My Grief?”Because Rebuild is a Christ-centered program, bringing up the idea of finding God in the midst of grief is expected—but I appreciate that it doesn’t rush the conversation. In the early stages of grief, our belief system is often shaken. Questions about God’s loving care when someone dies are normal. Nothing about losing a loved one feels “loving.” Getting angry with God, questioning His goodness, or wondering if you’re being punished are all common reactions. Many of us put God in a box—believing He is good when He heals, protects, or provides in ways…
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Learning to Hope Again When Grief Reopens Old Wounds
This summer, I’ve been working through a Bible study with a friend: Hope For The Hurting Heart, by Linda Dillow. It’s a gentle, faith-based companion for those walking through grief. With honesty shaped by deep loss, Dillow offers more than advice—she offers presence. Her “Heart Skills” are not spiritual checklists. They’re anchors for when sorrow threatens to pull you under. We haven’t made it far in the book yet, but one chapter—on Hope—stopped me in my tracks. Honestly, it would’ve been worth the entire book just for that one lesson. Because if I’m being honest… The search for hope may be my greatest struggle in life. Especially during times of grief.…
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Do I Grieve Like I Have No Hope?
This past year has been full of funerals. Many have buried someone they love, as have I. Often, it was an elderly parent or grandparent. It can seem like a relief when a loved one has been sick for a long time. Or they have lived a full, long life and pass. For others, it was unexpected—those who are younger and buried a spouse or sibling. Then there is the heartbreak of those who buried a child, even adult children (because they are ALWAYS your child). Seeing another parent “join the club no one wants to be a part of,” the bereaved parents club, has been a bit triggering. It…
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I Will Never Forget The First Time I Heard That Song
Music and Memory in GriefMusic is a universal language. It reflects the heart and touches the soul. In seasons of grief, it opens a valve to our emotions. That’s why so many people find healing through music. Each season, I seem to discover a new song that helps me say what my heart is feeling. Especially around the holidays, I find myself listening again and again as I silently cry, “I miss you.”Here are a few of the songs that have carried me. The Sweetest Gift (Craig Aven 2016) In 2018, shortly after Bryan died, I came across The Sweetest Gift by Craig Aven. Christmas had already passed, but I…
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As One Parent To Another, What’s Your Story?
Grieving as a parent is one of the hardest roads we walk. But sharing our stories helps us remember the life, not just the loss. Telling our stories keeps memories alive—it’s how I hold on to my sons, David Michael and Bryan Marcus, and how I also celebrate the lives of my daughters, Robin and Sara. Earlier this year, I had the chance to share my personal story of grieving as a parent on the podcast “While We’re Waiting.” I am forever grateful to Brad and Jill Persenaire Sullivan and Janice and Larry Brown for how they walk alongside bereaved parents through this powerful ministry. In part one of this…
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Grieving Into The Holidays – Ragers and Gapers
Part Two As you drive through the holidays, you not only face speedbumps (things you can anticipate may be headed your way) and potholes (things you don’t see coming) but there are other drivers on the road. Every driver you pass is on a journey as well. Each can potentially cause a challenge for you to arrive safely at your destination. So, avoid one and embrace the other. Avoid this…Road Rage We’ve all been driving down the road and seen drivers overreact to being cut off. It is called road rage. Road rage is the violent anger caused by the stress and frustration involved in driving a motor vehicle in difficult conditions. When it…
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Grieving Into The Holidays – Speedbumps and Potholes
Part One The holidays are a complicated part of life in the midst of grief. Holiday festivities and holiday grief don’t usually mix well. Families gathering around a Christmas tree and someone missing are awkward. What are some tips to help “drive through the holidays” with as minor damage as possible? When it comes to hard days and holidays, beware of speedbumps and potholes. Speedbumps I know it is a word-picture and might be silly, but go with me here. If you think about a speed bump, they are forseeable changes. It is usually well-marked. A sign typically warns you it is coming. It is put there intentionally to “slow you down.” And if you…
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Gifts in the Midst of Grief – Part Three
Grief is a journey that can last as long as life on earth. But I believe it isn't the end of our stories. It is only the beginning.
