Grace to Grieve

Posted on October 20, 2025

While I know that, “this is the day that the Lord has made, and we shall rejoice and be glad in it,” I arose with a deep spirit of heaviness within me. As I prayed for insight as to why I was experiencing this weight, the Lord revealed to me that my heart was still grieving and going through the healing process. The Lord echoed that the healing process takes time. To be honest I didn’t realize that I hadn’t given myself to the Grace to Grieve the loss of my significant other Will, until I began to prepare for an assignment on grief for “The Streaming Sanctuary”with Alicia Massey.

Grief doesn’t only come in the form of losing someone to a physical death. Grief surfaces through the end of a relationship, or the loss of a job. It can also result from significant life changes such as a serious illness, moving away from friends, a health diagnosis, or losing a valued dream. One of the first steps to our healing is recognizing that your heart needs healing. I thought I was dealing with my loss by ignoring it. I am always saying to others, “you can’t heal from that which you conceal, and won’t reveal,” now it’s time to take my own advice. (sigh).

Another step to healing is understanding that it is a process and is not immediate but comes through a progression of steps. It starts with a decision, a choice to want to get well. It is not a sprint, but a marathon. However, no one can tell you how to grieve or for how long you should grieve. Be patient with yourself and others. Everyone grieves differently. Doesn’t matter what kind of grief you or someone you know, and love may be experiencing, just know that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted. Ironically, this weekend (October 25th) would have been Will and I two-year anniversary. November 20th will also be his first-year death anniversary. Whew! Now, I understand the space that I am in.

However, I am not grieving like I have no hope because 1stThessalonians 4:13 says, “Beloved brothers and sisters, we want you to be quite certain about the truth concerning those who have passed away, so that you won’t be overwhelmed with grief like many others who have no hope." The old adage that, “time heals all wounds,’’ is not my stance. Time does not heal all wounds, but the grace to grieve does.

This is not our normal motivation for Monday, but prayerfully this will encourage you or someone you know.

Love y’all

Pastor P

Key Aspects for your Healing Journey

Mind and emotion

• Acknowledge and accept feelings: Recognize and accept all your emotions, both positive and negative, without judgment.
• Practice self-compassion: Be kind and gentle with yourself, especially during difficult moments, and remember that healing is not a race.
• Harness thoughts: Become aware of unconscious thoughts and feelings, and work to shift negative self-talk.
• Practice mindfulness: Engage in daily mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, and being present to connect with your body, emotions, and thoughts.

Body and environment

• Prioritize self-care: Focus on both physical and mental well-being through nourishing food, regular movement, and adequate sleep.
• Nourish your body: Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and stay hydrated, while reducing processed foods and sugar.
• Move your body: Incorporate physical activity, like walks in nature, to help reduce stress and boost your mood.
• Create a supportive environment: Step away from negative influences and set firm boundaries to protect your mental and emotional space.

Connection and growth

• Seek connection: Build supportive relationships with others and don't be afraid to ask for help.
• Embrace support: Lean on a community, professional guidance, or friends who can offer support and help you feel less alone.
• Accept that it's non-linear: Understand that progress will not always be a straight line; setbacks are normal parts of the process.