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Life After Loss

This writing journey of mine was birthed out of a profound loss. Since then, I have experienced other losses. I find myself returning to the subject of grief and life after loss. 

Once again this week, I witnessed and experienced death of loved ones. These particular losses prompted me to reflect on how I have changed over the years in the way I deal with loss.

When I was younger, it was easy for me to become

angry and bitter when a loved one left this earth. I remember my friend from high school and the grief and fear that struck me when he passed away from H1N1 while we were just in our 20’s. I didn’t understand that loss, and I was angry that God had not answered my prayers.

A few years later, I watched my grandfather endure tremendous illness for months with no real insight from doctors. When his body finally gave in, I was strong for my family and even told my grandfather to go ahead of us. I promised him we would be okay. When it was all said and done, my grief was like a storm and threatened to destroy me. Fortunately, God grasped me into His grace, and I haven’t let go since.

In fact, we have experienced many deaths since my grandfather. The most difficult loss has been and continues to be that of our beloved friend and pastor, Chuck. Not a week goes by that we don’t think of him and miss his friendship and guidance. Still, I can say that God is good. I finally understand the words of Paul.

O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? (1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭55‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Paul doesn’t necessarily declare that this is an easy statement to make. He is simply encouraging the early church to continue to live in God’s good and perfect will so that this phrase rings true as we put our hope in  Christ who conquered death.

Over the last two years especially, I have not only witnessed but experienced the joy and peace that passes understanding despite the darkness of death around me. I now know how to live after loss. Because if I allow my grief to consume me, I am not honoring those who have gone before. Being angry resolves nothing. Bitterness is a poison that slowly kills me. So instead, I press forward. Some days I crawl, and others I run. Always I move forward.

If you, like our family, are entering the holiday season this year with someone missing, take heart, friend. There is life after loss. This brutal heartache will dull down, and you will be able to honor your loved one by living well. 

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭58‬ ‭NLT‬‬


© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.

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