I came across the following quote among my many funeral resources: “I believe the hardest part of healing after you’ve lost someone you love is to recover the ‘you’ that went away with them.” I do not know the author, but during this personal season of grief, I find myself intimately identifying with his/her words.

As so many of you know, grief can be a violent and turbulent journey with unexpected twists and turns. One moment you are smiling as you recall precious memories, and the next you are a weeping mess with your heart aching over the loss of your loved one.

Grief is perhaps the greatest teacher known to humankind. It comes at a very steep price. Grief teaches us perspective, patience, love like never before, kindness, tolerance, acceptance, appreciation for the present moment, and so much more. Grief never ends, but it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is neither a sign of weakness nor a lack of faith. It is the price of love.

Words fall short in conveying my gratitude for your unwavering support and love during our season of grief in the passing of my beloved mother. Your many expressions of love are greatly appreciated and will forever be in my heart.

My grief however is mingled with rejoicing as I am reminded of God’s Good News as boldy told in two of my mother’s favorite hymns. The first is found in verse three of Natalie Sleeth’s “Hymn of Promise”:

In our end is our beginning; in our time infinity; In our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.
In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

I also find comfort in Gloria and Bill Gaither’s words of grace and reassurance in their hymn: “Because He Lives.”

God sent his Son, they called him Jesus; He came to love, heal, and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon, an empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Because he lives, I can face tomorrow; Because he lives, all fear is gone; Because I know he holds the future, and life is worth the living just because he lives.

And then one day I’ll cross the river; I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;
And then as death gives way to victory, I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know he reigns.

Because he lives, I can face tomorrow; Because he lives, all fear is gone; Because I know he holds the future, and life is worth the living just because he lives.

Forever Grateful,
Pastor Russel