This has been a very tough year for many of us. I will be officiating the funeral service of a young man this coming Saturday. I have officiated too many funerals this year, this old mans heart hurts. So many funerals for young people…….. We were stunned when we got the call that my brother-in-law Paul Rogers was killed on a farm accident back home in Minnesota. Our heart aches for my sister Deb and the kids and grandchildren. It is such a tough Christmas for them and many others. Sharon and I mourn the loss of our puppy Daisy girl, Daisy went everywhere with us. She loved all people, she helped build bridges of love and trust as we traveled carrying out The Great Commission. God has blessed us with such precious pups! Zip, Brownie, Barley, Buffy, Reno and Daisy. They all are forever in our hearts!
I also have had many friends, like many of you, pass away this year. Sharon and I are praying for you all as you grieve. Please be sensitive to those that are grieving. I talked to a man last night that will be alone for Christmas, he lost his wife a few years ago. He wants to spend Christmas alone. Everybody grieves differently, please be aware of that. I went to grief counseling when my mom and dad passed away, and ended up teaching on grief. It can be a monster. I have found the writings of Gary Roe helpful, I hope you do to.
Fear can be a huge factor in our grief.
Here’s a Grief Affirmation for today:
When I’m afraid, I’ll acknowledge the fear and accept myself as I am as best I can.
When loss hits, fear begins to surface.
“Fear not,” is the most common command in the Bible. God knows we struggle with it.
Fear is the antithesis of faith. Fear wants to take over, dominate, and drive our hearts and lives.
God invites us to express our fears to Him – to give our fears to Him. He invites us to trust Him instead of being afraid.
Choosing faith over fear is an act of the will. It is a daily, moment-by-moment choice.
“Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Lord, here are my fears. I release them to You, one by one. I choose to trust You. I rejoice in the truth that You are with me. You will strengthen me, help me, and uphold me. In You, I have all I need for this day. By faith, I choose to rest in You. In Jesus’ name…
Until next time,
Gary
Gary Roe – Amazon Bestselling Author, Speaker, Grief Specialist
Website: https://www.garyroe.com/
Books: https://www.garyroe.com/books
PS from Pastor Dewey: When you tell a grieving person that ‘you will be in touch’ or ‘if you need anything call me’ or ‘ I will stop in to see you soon’ I hope you mean that! I have found that so many promises told to those grieving are broken.
