Grief To Glory

On June 3, 2019, my eldest son went home to be with the Lord after a long off and on struggle with addiction.

It was a trying day as I tried unsuccessfully throughout the day to reach him.  He had just successfully  completed rehab and transitioned into transitional housing.  The day before his death I noticed he seemed down. I tried to encourage him that things would get better in time.

On the day of his death during a time of study I was reading “Possessing Your Inheritance; Take Hold Of God’s Destiny For Your Life” I came across a chapter titled “From Grief to Glory” by Chuck Pierce. Little did I know I would shortly experience the pain of losing a child.

In this chapter the author shared that all lost is painful, yet God may have a greater purpose for us in our season of loss. Many who have walked in intense grief have experienced a level of God’s grace that they might not have known otherwise.

Even in the midst of life’s greatest losses, God truly does give us the grace to see them through. “God’s grace in times of loss helps us walk through the pain with hope for the future.” -Chuck Pierce

As the days went by preparing for his homegoing celebration service I prayed each day for God’s Grace to strengthen me. I am thankful and grateful for family and friends that helped me navigate through the decision making process of planning a celebratory service.

On the day of his viewing I sensed a flood of peace come over me as I walked into the room. I kissed him goodbye knowing that he was at peace and home with the Lord. I would one day see him again.  His homegoing service was a celebration of his life, love for family, friends and fast cars.

Although my son lost his natural life due to his addiction he knew in his heart that God loved him in spite of his struggle. On the day of his death the Lord spoke into my heart that He was going to bring him home. So that night when the door bell rang I knew he was gone. Though he didn’t beat addiction naturally, he didn’t lose the battle because he’s at home with the Lord. God loves our loved ones more than we can even imagine. He sees their pain and struggles, still He never turns away. ❤️❤️

The days ahead may be clouded with moments of sorrow, but the deeper we experience sorrow, the more capacity we have for joy! Learning from the wisdom of others that we do not have to get stuck in our grief has been a key factor in helping me to rise up every morning in faith. The joy of the Lord is my strength. Grieving over the death of a loved one is painful, but “joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

God’s response to death is always life. That doesn’t mean he gives another child when one dies. It means that out of that sorrow and ‘ruin’ of your other life, God gives you a new life.

David W. Wiersbe, Gone but Not Lost: Grieving the Death of a Child.

Blessings,