Passing of a Parent/Relationship

Ecclesiastes 12:7 (KJV) Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it

Yesterday marked the one year “anniversary” of the passing of my mom. I don’t particularly care for the word anniversary because I, like most of us, think of a celebration or joyous occasion within the context of the word. In this case, it’s not a joyful familiarity from which I speak.

It’s been said that a person isn’t ready to live unless they’re ready to die. That’s a deep sentiment. It would be also be a profound understatement to say that our mothers play an important role in our lives. I have come to the conclusion, that outside of God, it could possibly be single most important relationship we experience…whether it’s the good, the bad, or the ugly part of life.

Life Lesson: It’s okay to grieve the loss of a parent. (Or the loss of a relationship) No matter who you are. No matter what your experience is/was. I would encourage you to “own” your emotions, and turn to the Lord to help you during the dark hours. It’s easier said than done… I have learned this from first-hand experience.

Things to Remember

1)    You are NOT alone. God sees your tears. He hears the outpouring of your heart. Talk with Him just like you would your BFF or your beloved spouse.

2)    Acceptance comes in stages. Some of us move through the stages of grief quickly and others may be challenged for years. Some people carry un-vocalized pain and grief like one would carry an umbrella during a hurricane. (Let that mental image permeate your thoughts)

3)    Know your purpose, so that your pain doesn’t overcome you. This can be confusing for many people during the process of sorrow. But, rest assured, as a Christian, you DO have a purpose!

4)    Try not to isolate yourself. God designed us to give love and to receive love. There is NO other love like the love of God in our lives. It is during our deepest time of sorrow that this love can permeate our brokenness.

5)    Acknowledge the loss! It doesn’t mean you’re weak. I've heard divorce described as a type of death, haven't you? It takes a strong God to help us during our weakest hours!

 

I read a quote recently that stated, “God pours life into death and death into life without a drop being spilled.” Oh, how I’m looking forward to seeing my Redeemer one day – in a land where we will never grow old! A heavenly land where the sting of death has been eternally removed. The song I copied below has brought me cheer on cloudy days…may it do the same for you!

Sweet By and By Lyrics

There's a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar;
For the Father waits over the way
To prepare us a dwelling place there.

Refrain:
In the sweet in the sweet
By and by by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet in the sweet
By and by by and by
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

We shall sing on that beautiful shore
The melodious songs of the blest,
And our spirits shall sorrow no more
Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.

Let’s look UP friends!