Grief Comes Calling

by Ruben Daggett and Marzetta Neal

There are times in our lives when loss is so profound, so sudden, and so unexpected, that our tears are the only things that give voice to our pain.

I felt as if I had no voice-only deep pain and crying as my only release.

The death of my husband plunged me into a gray sea of emotions and I found myself standing with my heart in a thousand pieces before the creator of the universe asking, “How can I take the next step? How can I walk through this darkness? How can I survive this brokenness?”

Death, as we know it, is a natural part of life. We are born… we die. What we experience in between those two events is called life. Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that there is a time to live and a time to die. We embrace the living part of life, but we are shattered and fragmented when someone we love dies.

I felt totally unprepared to deal with the death of my husband. It was so sudden! I did not expect it nor did I have anytime to prepare for it. But it happened! One moment I was kissing him and telling him to trust God to heal him. The next moment I was being told that his heart had stopped and all efforts to revive him had failed! Then, and only then did I learn what it means to lean on God!

I walked through the gray murky days of funeral preparation and burial with the love and support of family and friends. A little later, I began to write notes and journal my feelings. A true healing began. Something as simple as pen to paper began the healing process.

My tears gave voice to my pain and the writing was a healthy outlet that allowed me to hold tight to God and His promises; “that one day He will wipe every tear from my eyes.” There will be no more death, no more sorrow and no more crying. All of that has gone forever.” Rev 21:4. (The Recovery Bible; NLT)

I’ve come to know and understand that every person’s journey is unique and individual. No road map, no Map Quest! But, rest assured that God would guide you through one moment at a time.

So, I encourage you to grab hold of His promise that “ He will console those that mourn. He will give beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. For He promises that those who mourn will be called mighty oaks of righteousness for His glory.” Isaiah 61:3 (The Recovery Bible; NLT)