Grief and Comfort

Departures are hard and goodbyes are very difficult. To part with a friend or loved one after a period of time spent together is generally tough.

Whenever departures are near, for people or places, I psychologically switch my mind from my present state to a future one long before the period of leaving. That is my coping mechanism for dealing with departures. I honestly do not like things or circumstances to catch me unaware neither do I like to be vulnerable to my emotions.

However, death is entirely different. It gives no notice. It tells no one. It simply doesn’t allow for a psychological switch before it happens.

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is not easy. It’s a period of shock, pain and sadness. I honestly do not know much about grief but I know how one can go from 100 to 0 real quick after hearing an unpleasant news. I was in my final year in school at a cybercafé when a lady who was very energetic suddenly got a call about the demise of a loved one and immediately keeled over. That’s the kind of trauma grief brings.

Just as the loss of a dear one is a reminder of how fleeting life is — here today and gone tomorrow. The pain of grief can also be a gift that gives significance to life and time itself. It reminds us of how important our families are, it teaches us to value the companion of friends and even helps us to open our arms to strangers and those in need.

The biggest comfort in grief however, especially for those who lived for Christ and died in Him, is knowing that we’ll meet again; but this time, to part no more.

I’m dedicating this post to everyone who has had to deal with the loss of a friend or loved one or is presently grieving a dear one. Even when it doesn’t seem like it, the Holy Spirit is closer to you than your skin.

In Goodness Adegbola’s words on his Instagram story few days ago,

“God sees you and He’s near. You can talk to Him. He’s not afraid of your questions. Your pain is not something he doesn’t feel. Grieve the way you can and most importantly, grieve with God. God is with you, for you and in you. He is near to the broken-hearted”.

Till another time,

Love and Light.