Grief

So…. grief, let’s talk about it. This is the part that doesn’t feel glamorous and that most try to avoid, but it’s a very real part of the process. It’s ok that it’s present and it’s ok to feel it.  Remember that in your story of pain you didn’t have good tools to process through grief, but you have more tools now! We are confident that you can process through this powerfully with Papa by your side. 

Grief helps us bridge the gap between what we know and what we feel, allowing us to reconcile the past and present so that we can choose a new future. It says, “that mattered to me.” Bypassing grief can sometimes complicate the process and keep us in a place where we are unclear on what we are needing and desiring. Allowing grief is allowing honesty within yourself. Grief usually comes in waves, and so be tender to your heart every day no matter what emotions come up.

If you aren’t sure what grief could look like in your story, here’s a list of things that you might connect to. Read through them and if you feel your heart stirring, let your heart start to share why.

Things that are worthy of grieving:

• Loss of a loved one
• Friendships that grow apart and change
• When life doesn’t turn out how you thought it would
• The needs that went unmet as a child
• Traumatic moments you’ve experienced
• Break-ups
• Job changes
• Losing a pet
• Unmet expectations 
• Hope deferred
• Disappointments
• Lack of freedom to express emotions
• Continuing to grieve “old” things you’ve grieved in the past
• Corporate grief from world issues and pain

There is no right or wrong way to grieve so give yourself grace as you walk this out. The biggest thing we can do for ourselves when we are in seasons of grief is to be intentional about being “with” ourselves. Let that be your focus, to stay with your heart in all the ups and downs of the emotions. It won’t always be like this and you will come out on the other side. 

He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

REMINDER: If you are feeling swirly or stuck in your grief, reach out through the IC, a woman you’ve connected to in the program, or attend a Hear You Zoom so that you don’t have to walk through this alone.