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.
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  1. Yes I went to Griefshare twice when Harold passed away. It helped so much; they teach you how to grieve in a healthy way.

    1. They certainly do Liz! Thanks for sharing your GriefShare testimony ((hugs)).

  2. Beautifully written. You have a way with words!

    1. Thanks for the encouragement Kate. Blessings to you!

  3. Thanks Sarah – I’m glad this post encouraged you!

  4. I’ve never heard of GriefShare, but it sounds like a great resource! Will pin for future reference 🙂

    1. Hi Emily. I’d never heard of GriefShare either, until I discovered them in my loss. They do a great work. Thanks for stopping by.

  5. Thank you for this. As I read this, I could entirely relate to the pain I am feeling after losing a friend not to death but circumstances and now I have to see him every day and not talk to him because he is not leading to Christ. I am trusting in God to heal me. I know it might not make sense to you that I talk of this as loss and relate it to loss by death but that’s what it feels like sometimes.

    1. I’m glad these words encourage you. From what you describe, you are certainly experiencing a loss. May you continue to rely on God’s strength and receive His peace and comfort.

  6. Thanks for sharing your experience.

    1. You’re welcome Emily!

  7. Owning my despair.
    Yep, been there. I see so many struggling in loss from so many years ago, and it hurts me. Thankful God pulls me out of that pit every time!

    1. Hi Sarah -thanks for sharing how God has helped you through your losses too. I’m grateful to be pit-free!

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