Good Morning!

I hope you had a lovely 4th of July weekend. It’s a difficult time to be celebratory, and some have suffered loss in ways they’ve never imagined. During these times of uncertainty, there’s value in remembering that allowing ourselves to acknowledge what we feel is beneficial in maintaining balance, particularly when things seem to be swirling out of control.

I’ve worked with many over the past weeks whose losses have been varied, seemingly random, and in some cases, devastating. Loss comes in unpredictable and unanticipated ways. There might be loss of income, loss of a relationship, loss of life’s continuity, and worst of all, loss of a loved one.

We know grief is a natural and healthy response to loss, but we sometimes feel conflicted. We’re not sure how to act. We’re afraid of our feelings. We’re confused, angry, sad, depressed, and experience a myriad spectrum of unfamiliar feelings. We’re not really taught how to cope with loss and grief.

Brene Brown noted in her book Rising Strong:

Why it's important to grieve when trying to conceive | Brene brown ...

Brown’s words suggest that the way to heal from grief is to walk through it so that we’ll be able to mend the broken parts. Sometimes that looks like sharing memories with others or remembering pleasant times with photos. Or there’s mindful reflection through breathing, meditation, and engaging in thoughtful activities. Often, it’s being present with others struggling with the loss, grieving with them, and holding silent space for them.

Scripture shows us a model of being present and holding space for someone who is grieving in the story of Job:

“So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great.” Job 2:13 (NKJV)

Unresolved grief can be devastating and has the potential to cause more profound damage in the future. The kindest and most supportive action we can take for ourselves and others is to process our thoughts and feelings. First, we need to sit with our pain or that of others to allow thoughtful contemplation and for the feelings to surface. The beauty is that time heals and helps the pain of loss fade.

Reach out to those around you who have experienced loss this week. Grieve with them, cry with them, hold space for them. Your actions may be the greatest kindness you can offer.

Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda