In talking with grieving friends this week, I see so many variations in the way people respond to the messy mutant forms of missing. Some cry uncontrollably, others cannot shed a tear. Some isolate in a self-made cave, others feel compelled to remain regularly in touch. Some slow their pace to sense sorrow and joy intermixing, others avoid feeling [...]
Good morning... Two emails came to me simultaneously. One simply said, 'GR8FUL,' indicating the single word one subscriber would put on her license plate. The other subscriber wrote, "I have found the grief to begin to loosen its grip on me as my gratitude catches up with the sadness. Eventually all I am left with is gratitude, love and [...]
Good morning... "Is grief ever really resolved?" I wonder to myself. The lives of some loved ones have ended abruptly. Others have endured a long, harsh season of dying. All are deeply missed by those who live on. As I walk alongside many grieving people, I wonder, "Is grief ever really resolved?" 'Resolve' is an interesting verb. In Latin, [...]
Good morning... Over Thanksgiving weekend, I took a private walk to the nearby horse farm with our puppy of eight months. As Tate and I circled around the familiar path, I came upon a woman sitting on a rock overlooking the river. As I said, "Hello," she looked up and I saw the tearful eyes of a friend I [...]
Good morning... Yesterday was the first Thanksgiving their loved one was not physically present at their earthly feast, having crossed over to heaven last spring. In a brand new way, this grieving family is making mashed potatoes. As I listened to his mourning mom talk about the conversations around their dinner table this fall, she said, "I have grown [...]
Good morning... Have you ever read the following Bible story? Until yesterday, I had not. Listen with me to this incredible account, and let's ponder together what God is saying to us today. ...Jesus went with his disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed him. A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the [...]
Good morning... My daughter said, "Mom, you have to read the article I just sent you. It's about the boy I know from Ole Miss who took his life." Opening her email, I read these heartbreaking words from the Clarion-Ledger newspaper article. "Rivers sent a text moments before pulling the trigger. He wrote: 'Mom, I love you, and I [...]
Good morning... Today many of our hearts hurt for an autistic boy who is forced to bury his father after a tragic death. A mother of another autistic child in our community introduced me to a story, a story that teaches us all about loving the unique life sitting upon our lap. "Welcome to Holland" is a thought-provoking, creative [...]
Good morning... When are shattered like we have never been before and the life we knew lies in a thousand pieces on the floor, we are rushed into heart surgery. The Great Physician promises, "I will give them one heart [a new heart], and put a new spirit within them. I will take from them the heart of stone, [...]
Good morning... Still shocked by the loss of her loved one, my friend sent out a "thank you" email to those whose prayers now carry her. God shared through her hurting heart life-giving words, words I now share with you. "His service was amazing. It glorified God, celebrated his young life and faith and was attended by approximately 1500 [...]
