Beauty in Uncomfortable Places

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Psalm 147:3

Jesus wept.

John 11:35

As I sat down for the Grief Share seminar, my chest tightened as I nervously took in the faces of those sitting around me. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I knew this is where I needed to be for support.

Sliding off my coat and silently waiting for the leaders to begin, I noticed that most of us were sitting silently. I could identify with that silence. It was a peaceful and safe place. The silence was a place where I could manage my thoughts and emotions; sometimes it was just too overwhelming to speak.

Other times, tears would suddenly well up in my eyes. Or I would feel the need to speak about all that was happening in my mind. My body and brain were adjusting to this new normal without my dad.

Grief is like that. It can feel like a blind rollercoaster ride. Sometimes you’re high, other times low, and then other times you’re steadily moving forward as nothing has changed. It’s a strange and sometimes lonely place to be.

With Grief Share, we all shared something in common. We came together because we were all grieving the loss of a loved one.

With my small table of new friends, we had the option to share about our losses. We listened to one another and were reminded that we weren’t alone. It didn’t matter if the loss was recent or years ago, we understood the pain.

When it came my turn to speak during Grief Share, I explained that it had only been 7 months since my dad passed away. The weight of his loss had only heightened during the approaching Christmas season. Each twinkling light, Santa display, holiday parade, or Christmas movie was a stark reminder that things were forever different and my dad wasn’t here. With the new year quickly approaching, it was strange grasping that my dad wouldn’t be present in the next year. I would have no future memories with him on this side of heaven.

I remember being in awe of our leaders for the group. They had been where we were in that moment at one time. They now chose to lead a support group where others were experiencing the raw emotions of grief.

Their past pain was now being used for something beautiful- to have compassion for the brokenhearted. Seeing their willingness to step into an uncomfortable place to help others emboldened and encouraged me...

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