15 years ago, Heaven open its doors to welcome my father. Even just thinking back, it’s easily the worse piece of news I’ve ever received in my life. So much has changed since that day in 15 years... I’ve gone from the little girl 40 days shy of turning 12, to a wife and healthcare provider.
More than ever before, I know so many people who have lost loved ones this year. COVID-19 took away parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends. I can imagine that many people around the world are mourning the loss of a loved one they thought would be there to celebrate the holidays with them. It’s an odd feeling… An incomplete feeling - if that makes sense. Because for so long, the holidays have represented family time and a time to reflect. If there’s anything that I have learned, it is that grief is not linear.
There are many years I chosen to celebrate my father‘s birthday and they are many years that I celebrate his passing on to heaven. Why? I’m not really sure. I just know some years it hurts more or less than others. To anyone that has lost a loved one, to anyone that is feeling incomplete this holiday season, to anyone that is grappling with how to choose joy, or how to be joyous in this moment despite their circumstances remember this - I’m sending love and hugs your way.
Here are a few verses that have gotten me through really rough periods:
Psalms 30:5 - Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Psalms 94:19 - When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
Matthew 5:4 - Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Isaiah 41:10 - Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Revelations 21:4 - He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
Be kind to yourself and others this Christmas. Feel your feelings but remember that we have a Living Hope... and sometimes the thought of that alone is enough to keep going.
Merry Christmas, Y'all 🤎