Although I write about joy to the soul, I realize no one plans to be sad. And yet, the loss of who or what we love creates heartache and lingering questions in ways we never planned.

In her new book, Can You Just Sit with Me?: Healthy Grieving for the Losses of Life, Natasha Smith tackles the tough nuances of the grief journey. When we’re hurting, we may not need another casserole, another wannabe helpful explanation, or even another “poor child she just lost her _______.” We may just need someone to sit with us.

With heartfelt transparency about her own grief, Natasha Smith does just that. Even as I reflected on my own losses of family members and friends, I appreciated the “Grief Exercises” at the end of the book’s chapters. These questions and activities offer tools for self-assessment, scriptural encouragement, and a suggested prayer.

From a faith perspective, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, tells us we are not to “grieve as others do who have no hope.” And yet, the book’s readers are reminded that Jesus wept over the loss of His friend, Lazarus. (John 11:17-35) In His Beatitude’s sermon, Jesus promised, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (‭Matthew‬ ‭5:4‬ ‭NIV‬).

For those who mourn (and for those who support them), Can You Just Sit with Me? is an invaluable resource. It provides biblical examples to guide readers through the harsh reality of grief while pointing us to Jesus, our suffering Savior.

He was “despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief” (‭Isaiah‬ ‭53:3‬ ‭NLT‬) Natasha writes, “You can find the word grief approximately 252 times in the bible, and the word weep weaves through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. The Bible says, ‘There is a time and a season for everything under the sun. A time to weep and a time to laugh a time to mourn and a time to dance’ (Ecclesiastes 3:4).”

With the holiday season upon us, empty chairs or cherished traditions may spark reminders of who or what we miss. Sitting among our decorations and gatherings, grief may feel like an unwanted guest who refuses to leave. But Natasha offers this insight:

God holds in His hands those who feel as if their lives have fallen apart. He sees you right now. God is near. God is here. – Natasha Smith

Natasha shares about her many losses (including her father, sister, and miscarriages). But she also shares about her struggles and how they, eventually, brought her closer to God. She also notes, “About 2.5 million people die in the United States annually, each leaving an average of five grieving people behind. Grief is expressed and processed in a variety of ways, so what can grief look like? Often described as waves, grief is fluid, taking the shape and form of the individual. Thus, as individuals, we process grief differently.”

And yet, while our process may be different, there is only one God of all comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) In Can You Just Sit with Me?, Natasha Smith invites readers to bring their unique form of grief and sit with Him. With God’s strength, we can learn to live with what is so hard to live without.

Natasha Smith is a wife, mom, and North Carolina native. She is a writer, speaker, and podcaster, who shares stories on faith, family, and grief. She has inspired others through her writing for over 12 years. Her work has appeared in Guideposts, Focus on the Family print publications, Her View from Home, TODAY Parents, Pray with Confidence, and other e-publications. You can find her online at imnatashasmith.com.

Buy the book on Amazon or wherever books are sold! LEAVE A COMMENT on this post and enter a drawing to win a free copy of Can You Just Sit with Me?: Healthy Grieving for the Losses of Life. All eligible entries (in the continental US only) must enter comments by November 29, 2024, at 8 pm ET. The winner will be announced on December 6, 2024.