
Companioning with hundreds of moms who have suffered the loss of a child over the past 12 years, I have learned that because each of us are unique, though we share something of the grief connected to the loss of a child, we each learn to live with our loss(es) in our way.
For me, after the death of our son, Kevin, I grieved deeply, but I knew early in my grieving that I did not want grief to define me and that though I hurt, I was determined to allow God to comfort, heal and restore me to the fullness of life, as only He can. I longed for what I called "grief relief," and so I did my grief work while turning to God.
For me, though being connected to other "moms like me" was helpful and encouraging, especially seeing those moms who were further along in their grief enjoying everyday life gave me hope. However, it was (and still is) only, when I connected my broken heart and hurt with the Healer that God's Word came to life where He tells us that "I AM the only one to bring out the miracle in you." Support groups, bereavement resources and professionals are all helpful in the "journey through grief," but I have found that healing only comes from the Healer.
It has been my personal experience that those who mourn and are comforted by God truly heal and find their way back into life with renewed meaning and purpose. For me, it was when I turned my heart toward God that I was able to be set free from the pain and sorrow of loss that could have so easily crippled me for the rest of my life, if I had let it.
I was surprised to learn several years ago that the sunflower is the only flower that ctually turns to follow the Sun and as I look at this picture, I think of all the moms that I know who stand in a field of sorrow together, looking to one another for comfort, hope and encouragement that in all honesty can only be truly found in turning toward the Son of God, the only One with the power and the means by which to truly heal and restore a broken heart. Give God a chance, He wants to comfort and restore those who mourn.
Won't you try "turning" to Him?
Angie "a mom like you"
www.amotherlikeme.info
amotherlikeme@gmail.com