Facing Our Journey

Dear Death,

I am tired of you. Tired of how you come uninvited, ripping apart lives and stealing futures. You are a thief. You steal joy, the presence of loved ones, and leave behind chaos, heartbreak, and torment. You bring questions with no answers: What could I have done differently? Should I have seen the signs? Was it my fault? You force us to wrestle with guilt, confusion, and despair, and you leave wounds that feel impossible to heal.

I see families laughing and celebrating life with their loved ones, and I think about everything you have taken from me and my family. You didn’t just take people; you stole moments. You stole my children’s grandparents, my grandchildren’s mother, my mother, my father, aunts, uncles, cousins, and so many others who were anchors in our lives. Now, we wait again, walking with a ticking clock, knowing someone else we love is terminally ill. Knowing you will come again.

How do we prepare for you, Death? How do we not feel punished by your relentless presence? How do we reconcile your role in life when all you seem to bring is devastation? I have lost so many in just four years—my father, my cousin who was like a sister, my daughter-in-law, my godfather, aunts, and uncles. And I am left asking God: Why? Is this a punishment? What is the lesson? Or are you simply here to remind me/us of how fragile life is?

Even in my anger and confusion, I know this truth: God is still good. Even in my darkest moments, I know He is present, guiding me, reminding me that grief is not the end of my story. You did NOT win!

❤️ Signed, a Survivor of Your Storm❤️

How Are You Finding Balance Between Loss and Healing

Every morning I wake up, I know it’s another day God has granted me—a day to live, to love, and to do great things. But there are days when joy feels just out of reach, when sadness threatens to consume me. I feel like I’m constantly bracing for the next loss, waiting for the next shoe to drop. I want to stop living like that. I want to stop being overtaken by grief.

I want joy. I want to celebrate. I want to laugh without feeling the shadow of loss hovering over me. And I believe that’s possible because God is with me.

I hold onto scriptures that bring me comfort:

• “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

• “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4

• “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

These promises remind me that while death steals, God restores. While grief is heavy, His grace is greater. And while sadness lingers, joy is still possible.

For those of you that are struggling in this season, let me remind you: You are not alone. It’s okay to feel broken, angry, or overwhelmed. Grief is messy and does not come with a timeline. There is no switch to turn the pain off, no quick fix to make it disappear. But there is healing. There is hope.

One of the most important steps in healing is finding an outlet for your emotions. For some, it’s journaling or writing; for others, it’s speaking into a voice memo or simply crying out to God. If you have a tribe—someone who will listen without judgment—lean on them. And if you don’t, know that God is always there, ready to hear you. Even if you sit in silence, He hears the cries of your heart.

But don’t let anyone rush you. Don’t believe the lie that grief should be over quickly or that you should just “move on.” Grief is personal, and it is okay to take your time. Healing does not mean forgetting; it means learning to carry the pain differently, honoring the love that remains, and finding light in the darkness.

A Call to Action

I encourage you to take this journey one step at a time. Find what helps you process your pain. It could be writing, speaking, praying, or creating art. Surround yourself with people who love and support you. And if you don’t have that, know that God is always with you, offering comfort, peace, and healing.

Here are some resources that may help:

Books:

• “Grieving with Hope” by Samuel J. Hodges IV and Kathy Leonard

• “Through a Season of Grief” by Bill Dunn and Kathy Leonard

• “Good Grief” by Granger E. Westberg

Scriptures for Comfort:

• Psalm 23

• Isaiah 41:10

• Matthew 5:4

Support:

• Reach out to a trusted Christian counselor or pastoral leader.

• Look for grief support groups at your church or in your community.

• Don’t be afraid to create your own outlet for healing.

My Final Thoughts 💭

Death, you are inevitable. But so is healing. God’s love is stronger than the pain you bring. And to anyone reading this who feels like they can’t go on, let me remind you: You are not alone. There is hope. There is healing. And there is light waiting for you, even in the darkest tunnel. Take my hand and walk with me.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal.” ~ Irish Proverb