Sunday Reflection: When you lose

Loosing someone you love is terrible no matter the age. It hurts--big time. And there will be grief. 

Recently I stood in a long line of patrons waiting to see the family members of a nearly 81 year old man, during his funeral visitation. He was a fine man who meant a lot to a lot of people including my parents. In line I coached myself on what not to say to his new widow like, “How are you?” I already knew she felt terrible because she'd lost her one and only husband and would now live life without him. 

Of course the first thing I said to her was, “How are you?” But I also told her to take care, which brought tears to her eyes.

There are some things we should do and should not do, say and not say to someone when they’ve lost a person they love.

•   Don’t tell the grieving that their loved one is in a better place.
•   Give no advice and share no wisdom with the person who has lost someone.
•   Listen, listen and listen some more. They need someone to listen to them.
•   Share good and funny memories.
•   Say to them that they can call you in the wee hours of the morning when their heart is breaking in two--because it will.

And the bereaved will have to grieve—maybe for a couple of years and maybe for a lifetime. Either way is okay. It's their journey.

During my times of grief, I've moved closer to God because that's where I want to be. I know, “He heals the brokenhearted  and binds up their wounds”.  Psalm 137:3 (NIV)

There will be many sad days, but there will be good days again, too. “…weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5 (NIV)

Have a great weekend!

Teresa


Source: Holy Bible, Biblegateway.com