A Letter to My Grieving Friends This Holiday Season

It’s that time of year. The leaves are falling, there’s a chill in the air and darkness settles in a little earlier. These events remind us that the holidays are right around the corner. For most of us, the holidays hold magical memories. Maybe the warm feeling of Grandma’s house, the smell of a Thanksgiving feast, decorations sprinkled around your home or gift exchanges with family and friends. But for some it’s a time of loneliness and pain. A reminder of the empty seat at the table, broken dreams and the hardest goodbye.

Grief runs deep. There are days when it hurts to breathe. Even when you know God and believe His promises. Even when you know without a doubt that someday you will see them again. It takes time. It takes prayer. It takes gratitude. Thank God for the time you had, for the memories created and for the love you shared. Look beyond the pain of today and search for God’s grace and beauty in tomorrow.

Today is hard. This season is hard. It won’t always be this hard. You will find hope again. One day you’ll find yourself smiling again and realize it’s okay.

“The Lord is near the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

Click here to listen to a song that has been dear to my heart lately. I hope it speaks to you.

In Christ,

Lori