There is a C.S. Lewis quote that says, "Nobody ever told me that grief felt so like fear". I remember reading that for the first time a couple of years ago, and it resonated deeply with me. They feel one and the same to me. I have felt the moments of fear and grief intertwined, washing over me like a flood. When my youngest brother passed away, there were times when I wondered how feeling so much pain was even possible. There were times when I wondered how I still had any tears left in me. I have felt that deep, deep heartache that makes your chest physically hurt. Grief feels lonely, and it feels dark. When you're in the thick of it, it feels like drowning. There were times when I really wondered when I'd laugh again, and it'd feel totally genuine. Goodness, I know how dark it feels. But let me tell you something, sweet friend. It will not overcome you. Light always overcomes the darkness. Always. We've just got to be brave enough to let some in. Sometimes are instinct in times of pain is to hide. We tuck ourselves away and put walls up. If we aren't careful, we'll become isolated and empty. We weren't created to do life alone, especially the hard parts. I think that at some point, that darkness can start to give us a false sense of safety. We feel protected if we can just stay there, with our guard up. It becomes a hiding place. But there is a better, true hiding place. That hiding place is the light of the world Himself. The one that never leaves us, even when we feel hidden in the dark. He gave us one another to help shine that light. He never meant for us to be alone. There is so much more waiting, if we are just brave enough to open our hearts up again. We, wounded and guarded, might tell ourselves that we are protected in the dark. But we are missing out on so much joy and so much life if we stay there. Be brave enough to let a little light in, just a little. Crack open that window, just a bit, and watch as a little bit of darkness fades away. Dear friend, if you are in the midst of grief, this is for you. If you are hurting, this is for you. I want you to know that you are not alone. You may feel brokenness, but that brokenness does not define you. It is not your identity. You are seen. You are deeply known and loved. The burden isn't yours to carry alone. Keep going. One day at at time. And let others go alongside you. Things may feel dark, but I promise that light will break through that darkness, a little at a time. Look for it. the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. john 1:5
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Hey there, I'm Courtney.
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