#write31days | October 12

This week is a hard one for me, I’ve lost two besties in October, one October 10, 2006 and another last year, October 15, 2017.  Two things I could do without ever having to #doitagain. 

But, we aren’t promised that grief will not come.  In fact, it’s come again recently.  And, it’s still just as hard to navigate because every season of grief is different.  Grief looks different for everyone.  There are so many types of losses that we grieve. Grief isn’t always because of death. Despite having to #doitagain, the single thing that is consistent every time is that Jesus is near.

But, that doesn’t make the days better immediately, the loss feel less, or the heartbreak easier.

However, I think I’ve really learned through the years how to let myself grieve loss.  I’m certainly not “better” at it because every time is still hard,  no two circumstances are the same.  I just know what I need, and how to let myself deal with loss.

I know when to ask for help.
I know when I need to be by myself.
I know when I can talk about it.
I know when I can’t talk about it.
I know stages I’ll work through.

Still, I often wonder why grief comes into my life again and again and I have to #doitagain to process a loss. I know I’m not alone in this.  However, I’ve learned that God uses every. single. one. of my losses, no matter what it was, as a part of my story. Even if I don’t see it until years down the road.  Because of my losses, I’ve been able to relate better to people. I’ve learned a lot about empathy, not just sympathy.  So, every time I have to #doitagain and grieve a loss, I’ve learned to lean into Jesus and to trust that he’s got me. He hasn’t forgotten me and no loss is outside of his sights.

If you’re grieving, my prayer for you is that Jesus will be near your broken heart and that others will be able to help you put one foot in front of the other day after day as you grieve. However long that takes. Whatever that looks like.

The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18

I’ve written several times about grief; here, here, here and here because it is a huge part of my story. 

If you’re just joining in from #write31days, I’m so glad you’re here!
You can {click here} to find links for all posts in this series.