Wow, what an inviting topic for a post. I won’t be apologetic though.
Many smarter, wiser, and experienced people have gone before me in this journey of entering grief, loss and sorrow; for them I am thankful. Beginning almost 10 years ago now, before experiencing (or recognizing and dealing with) my own grief, loss and sorrow, I tried entering into some authors and people’s lives on these topics. It felt foreign to me until I was able to recognize my own journey in them, and connect with my own personal experiences.
Scott and I shared several posts around Easter of last year reflecting on difficult pain and suffering, and God: Haiti & Suffering, Dallas Willard on never tasting death, and reflections from women who have lost a child. Those are all good to revisit.
In the past, when someone was hurting I would keep them at arm’s length, say “I’m sorry”, and then try to say something positive and move on. I know how trite and unhelpful this was, but it was my initial response in my ignorance. Having journeyed deep into grief, loss and sorrow, I now have a little more understanding of why “they” encourage you to offer a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on and an open door to talk. And to offer silence, without answers. (more…)
“Truly, truly, I say to you,
