Tangi Devotion

CRYSTAL BONEY Lead Pastor The Mission Church

themission.org Sundays 8:00 | 9:30 | 11:00 The Mission Church 41347 W I-55 Service Rd Hammond, LA 70403

Grief, it's universal. It crosses all boundaries and is something that we will all share. It's a natural response you feel when something or someone you love is taken away. The loss of a loved one, a divorce, the end of a relationship, loss of health... all can trigger a sense of grief.

Lately it feels as though we've been surrounded by loss and pain. When it feels as though we are starting to catch our breath, we are seemingly blindsided by more heartache. The pain of loss can feel overwhelming. You experience all kinds of difficult and unexpected emotions from shock or anger to disbelief, guilt and profound sadness. All are emotions that are very common as we walk out our pain. I've come to realize that coping with the loss of someone or something that you love is one of life's biggest challenges. It effects you on every level... physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally.

Grief is very personal. It's not neat or linear. It doesn't follow a schedule or timeline, and it looks different for everyone. Inevitably, the grieving process takes time. Healing happens gradually and can't be forced or hurried. My best friend, Crystal Sparks, who has been grieving a great loss, said it best: "You don't just grieve once. You grieve as many times as you come into contact with the loss. The void can resurface in endless ways, bringing you closer to both the pain and your healing." We assume that the pain will go away faster if we ignore it, but true healing only happens when we choose to face our grief despite the pain, however frequent that may be. It's not a question of if the emotions will hit you, it's a matter of when.

If you find yourself in a season of grief, know that you are not alone. The season may feel lonely, but God is always with you. Acknowledge your pain and know that grief can trigger many different and unexpected emotions. Surround yourself with community and be willing to continuously bring your pain before the Lord. Pray always. There will be moments you don't feel like praying, but push through, knowing it's the ship that will carry you to victory. Charles Spurgeon said, "In all states of dilemma or of difficulty, prayer is an available source. The ship of prayer may sail through all temptations, doubts and fears, straight up to the throne of God; and though she may be outward bound with only griefs, and groans, and sighs, she shall return freighted with a wealth of blessings!"

I've experienced great loss in my life, but what I know is that there isn't any amount of pain that Jesus can't heal as long as I'm willing to give it to Him time and time again. I love you, friend, and I'm with you heart and soul.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30