Blessed to Mourn // Matthew 5:4
Grief is so unique, isn’t it? It is essential after experiencing a tragedy, but it is so uncomfortable. It is uncomfortable for the one grieving, but also for those surrounding others in mourning. We don’t know what to do, what to say, or how to help. As a result, we tend to avoid the mourning, those suffering through it, and try to move on as quickly as possible.
I think it’s important to sit with Jesus’ statement about how those who mourn are comforted. Consider this as permission to grieve. The best way to go through mourning is to actually go through it. Grief is unavoidable and it must be experienced sooner or later. Grief also has a purpose: to take you beyond the initial reaction to the loss and help you get to the place where you can live on the other side of it in a healthy way. This includes recognizing a change in the relationship with what you’ve lost; developing a new normal in your life beyond the initial sting of loss; and finding new meaningful ways to invest your spiritual, emotional, and physical energy while holding tightly to cherished memories. This is a deeply challenging process, but God’s promise is that (A) He is with you as you grieve, (B) grief has a purpose, and (C) there is life on the other side, even though it will be very different.
If you are going through a period of grief, keep going. If you have a friend or loved one who is, be there for them. I promise, you don’t need the right of words to say or things to do, because your presence and acknowledgement speaks volumes. Whatever you do don’t try to put it off or avoid it. Yes, it will hurt — and hurt A LOT — but Jesus promised you will be comforted when you do…by God and the people He deploys to come alongside us.
