Draw Strength

Over the last couple of days, we’ve reflected on the importance of lament and grief. We know that if we bury it, if we hold it all inside, it often comes back to hurt worse later on. And it can come out in weird ways. So it is important to grieve.

But, it is also important not to get stuck there.

A number of years ago, there was a woman in the church I was serving who lost her husband. They had been married 50 something years. And at first, I didn’t think she was going to survive the loss. For well over a year, she rarely went out, whenever I’d see her, it was like the world was coming to an end. I can only imagine after 50 something years the loss, the hole that must be there.

But then, at some point, I think it was close to the second anniversary of her husband’s death, she made a turning point. She got involved in our Stephen Ministry program at our church. She received 50 hours of training in lay pastoral ministry, and become someone I relied on to walk with other women who were going through this.

I don’t know what made the difference for her. But at one point she told me about this scripture in the gospel of Matthew, where Jesus says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” She told me that the word comfort in English comes from two Latin words, Cum Fortis – with strength.

And I saw that in her. She had mourned, and mourned, maybe too long. But because she had been through it, she was with strength. And it was the kind of strength that she could use to help others through it. On reflection, I think it worked both ways. In getting out to serve others, it got her mind off her grief. And in making a contribution, she found a deeper joy.

My prayer for you today is that in moments of loss when you find yourself picking up the pieces, you would indeed take the time to grieve and lament… But don’t get stuck there. May you celebrate small victories. Draw strength from your experience, and use that experience to look out for others along the way.

Let us pray: Heal us, O God, that we might be instruments of healing. We ask in Christ’s name. Amen.