I’m praying for those who lost loved ones due to recent violence and natural disasters. Sadly, loss comes to us all. Then it begins to linger. Owning my despair acknowledges the magnitude of my loss. But if I deny my despair, eventually it owns me.

Years ago, when my mother passed, waves of grief swelled above my head. I had the usual signs of drowning. I struggled to breathe. My emotions pushed away would-be rescuers. Until I found GriefShare, a ministry for people struggling with the trauma of loss.

As our small group camped around a mountain of grief, we each had a different climb.

If you’re grappling with a loss, you may see yourself in our circle. Some of us showed our ache outwardly. Others tucked what tore them apart behind a forced smile. Some grew numb to their pain.

But faith moves mountains.

Somewhere between watching taped testimonials and praying through tears, faith moved me. Breathing came back slowly. Eventually, I whispered hallelujah. It happened as Christ walked me through my loss, even when I lacked the strength to stand.

I learned what we cherish about those we love never leaves. Thankfully, memories come to visit when they no longer can.

He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. – Psalms 40:2 NLT

Learn more about GriefShare at griefshare.org.

This post is part of my "Lessons I've Learned About Life (so far)" series for the #write31days challenge. To find out more start here.