Grief, Loss, and Legacy.
God told me to talk about this back in January, but honestly, I couldn’t because I was grieving the loss of one of my friends. In the midst of not being in the right headspace to deliver what He had placed on my heart, I started to sort of talk my way out of it.
At that time I had a moment with God and I was telling Him that no one wants to hear about this topic the second week into the new year. I said just because I’m experiencing a loss doesn’t mean that this is what everyone else needs or wants to hear. Then God said look at how many people you’ve seen on social media who didn’t make it to 2020. Look at how many of my friend’s loved ones didn’t make it into 2020. Look at how many people didn’t even get the chance to make it into the second week of the year. The holidays had just passed. So many people were grieving the missing seat at the table. The memories they didn’t get to create with their loved ones. This is all still fresh for a lot of people.
God said this is a topic that not many people want to talk about, but it’s a topic that needs to be addressed. It’s a topic that many people struggle with and have no hope of a better season. So many people are so stuck into searching and only wanting to hear “fill me up” messages. But this is the time to really dig into the reality of what people are dealing with and truly struggling with and provide them with what they truly need in this season.
So, maybe someone you loved has passed away recently. Maybe you are still struggling with getting over the loss of a loved one or a friend or family member or colleague. They may have passed years ago and it still grieves your spirit. Maybe there are triggers that drive you into a deep place of darkness and isolation. Maybe you don’t have peace with the loss of a loved one. Uneasiness not knowing if they made it to heaven or hell. Questioning God asking why this happened or why did He allow it to happen.
Or it can even be someone who you have never met a day in your life. Someone you admire. Someone you look up to. An artist, public figure, sports player.
Maybe you are grieving the state that our world is in with the Corona-virus (COVID-19) and the number of people that have lost their lives from it, the number of people that have contracted the virus, and even some being people who are very close to you.
Or maybe your loss or grief is totally unrelated to death and that is ok. Death is not the only thing that causes us to grieve. Loss actually comes before grief. So let’s look at some things that you may have loss that is causing grief in your life.
Loss Examples
- Ended a relationship; breakup
- Illness or sickness of someone you love
- Job loss
- Financial setback
- Loss of home
- Lost some valuables or things or memories that can never be replaced
- Pet died
- Moved away from home, family or friends
- Separation of family
- Divorce
- Loss of child (stillborn, miscarriage)
- Accident
- Home broken into and some things were taken
- Friendship ends
- Engagement is called off
With that being said, I hope you find a sense of comfort knowing that grief and loss don’t have to only be tied to death.
And whatever or whomever you have lost, it is ok to grieve. It is ok to mourn. It is a process so I’ve created a podcast series: Grief, Loss, & Legacy to help with your healing process. The series will cover Loss, Grief, How to Cope with Grief, How to Help Others Who Are Grieving, and Legacy. We all have to leave this earth at some point, but what matters is if you are leaving the legacy that God desires you to leave.
Listen to this series on A Spiritual Warrior Podcast w/ Chatoya Antwine on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and more.
I lost my brother Friday. It was suddenly. He left a legacy but did not speak on his state of Christianity. He prayed . He said he accepted Christ in a bunker many years ago in Iraq. I don’t know. This is so timely to my situation. Thank you Lord for you comfort through this sister in Christ.
I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying that God gives you peace that surpasses all understanding and comfort during this time. I am grateful to know that this was a timely post and podcast series. God knows exactly what we need when we need it. I know that the legacy portion of this series will guide you in your healing process as well. Stay tuned and I am praying for you!
Hey! This is great and so timely for me, on so many levels. Thanks for sharing your own personal grief story and journey- it helps me see that I am not alone, that the feelings and emotions I feel because of my loss are totally normal. It’s also encouraging to know that God is there to comfort me. Looking forward to this series- many people will be blessed! Thanks for following God’s leading.
I am grateful that God has chosen to use me as a vessel and I am blessed knowing that this post and podcast episode has been a blessing and source of comfort for you. God is with you always! I’m excited to hear how much more this series will be a blessing to you!