It’s been said you cannot draw from an empty vessel. True words, my friends!
No matter what our specific story, if you’re on this grief journey you are sure to find yourself feeling broken. I’m still feeling a bit beaten up by my grief this week. My mind understands how and why I’m feeling this way, but, the rest of me is another story.
We can look at the grief chart and have an understanding that we are going to go through each step of the grief cycle. But, what is frustrating to me is that we can end up going through some of the steps, over and over again. You think you’re doing so well and WHAM! out of nowhere you’re back underwater again.
As I sat down to write my post one of my dear friends called. We spoke about how the stress of grief has been affecting us physically. It’s so unbelievable how the body literally breaks down under the weight of grief and the stress that accompanies it. We talked about how important it is for us to care for ourselves during this time. I know, some days are easier said than done, but we must never give up trying.
My friend is also walking through grief, albeit a different type than I am but it’s grief and it hurts terribly. She didn’t have a loved one die, at least not in the physical sense, but she is mourning the loss of her child. It’s so sad that we can mourn the loss of someone who still lives, and it affects us just as deeply as when our loved ones are no longer here on this Earth.
I realized after talking with my dear friend that I’m not as empty as I thought I was. She reminded me of how strong we are and all we have been through.
We’ve done life together. We’ve been there for one another through life’s ups and downs. Even though we haven’t lived in the same city for many years, the miles between us haven’t lessened the bond of our friendship or the strength of our joined faith in God. Prayer is a powerful thing and my friend is a mighty prayer warrior! She is one of my life’s greatest blessings. No matter where we are, no matter what’s happening in our lives we can lift one another up to our Heavenly Father who is always with us. It’s my faith that keeps me going day after dark day until the sun begins to shine once again.
So, if you’re feeling empty today, I encourage you to fill yourself up. Call a friend. Read an uplifting devotion or verse. Turn on some music and let the words lift your heart. Go outside and just breathe in and out. Sometimes that may be all you have the energy to do. But never forget this – you are never alone. If you need someone to pray for you leave me a comment or send me a private message. There is Hope During Loss and we will lift you up.