Today’s opportunity was helping with a grief and loss session. One of the participants was too raw to the death of a loved one. An hour or so of time together was about all she could take.
Another came with issues related more to the aftermath of family relationships than the direct personal impact on the participant. Another is working on emotions that rage in out of control at some times.
The thing that reigns supreme in these sessions – what often we think is abnormal is really quite normal. As we completed the day, I was reminded.
My own grief and loss – parents, sibling – doesn’t have to capture my life. The thing that provides hope in the midst of all this is that God is in control. Faith grabs a hold and won’t let go. And soon God’s love captures our hearts.
Grief and loss can be a stepping stone to something greater. We don’t have to medicate – we can go through and come out on the other side brighter, stronger and a better person.