Shared from Pray With Confidence
I am honored to be a contributing writer for the blog, Pray with Confidence with 30 gifted writers, we tackle the daily obstacles busy women have with cultivating an active prayer life. In this month’s blog, I share about grieving the loss of a loved one while still trying to have a beautiful and meaningful Christmas celebration with your family and friends. Most of us can say we have experienced the deep pain of losing someone we love. This makes the holidays especially hard. It is my hope that you will find the thirty verses contained within this blog encouraging to you.
Here is a sneak-peek as I share my story in the blog, How to Celebrate Christmas While Grieving the Loss of a Loved One
When You Are Grieving on Christmas
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 NIV
Christmas 2020 will soon be upon us. She will be gone two years by then. Only now am I sensing the permanency of our final goodbyes. Most of the words we wanted to say were left unspoken. They simply were not enough, hidden behind tears and a whisper or two.
Curling my fingers around hers, I held on tightly. Her strength was gone. She was leaving this life she had known for 77 years to enter what would be her forever home. I wanted to walk with her, to hold onto her, for a moment longer. But my grip was not strong enough; she was determined to finish her journey without me. And so, she slipped away, leaving me indescribably lonely. How could I know that once she was gone, I would be left feeling like an orphan? No one warned me of that one.
In the last few months, the fog has begun to lift. How I wish it would return and envelop me in the blanket of denial that came to feel comfortably warm and familiar. While I was unable to deny the stark reality of her absence, I could ignore the deep pain it caused me. During the holiday season, I could focus my attention on decorating and shopping for gifts. Better not forget to make a list and check it twice. No need to shop for mom; that’s right. She’s gone.
Saying the words, “She’s gone” stings as much today as it did two years ago. For those of you who have experienced the deep pain of losing a loved one, the holidays can be especially difficult. Nothing in life can prepare us for the deep loss we feel when they are gone.
Click here to read the rest of my story.
A Different Kind of Grieving
It is my prayer that you are not experiencing the pain or deep loss this Christmas, but for many who read my blog, you have a loved one whose life you grieve for other reasons. Perhaps, you are alienated from them due to their addiction or mental illness. Maybe they are a prodigal who has left the family, and you haven’t heard from them for months, or even years. Be comforted in knowing that the Lord sees you. He hears your weeping. You are also being carried in my prayers. May the Lord bless you and keep you this Christmas and always.
So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. John 16:22 NIV
Dear Jesus,
How grateful we are for your tender mercy towards us, your broken and grieving children. We are comforted because you comfort us. We are held because you hold us. We are satisfied because you satisfy us with your presence. We ask you to comfort the brokenhearted with your peace that passes all understanding. In Jesus name.
Amen.
Beautiful Blessings, Dawn
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