Grief. It feels like a metal weighted door. You try to hold the door wide open – for you need the sunlight to flood your senses; but, the cold door just weighs your arms down.

You strain and grunt with all you have to keep the door open. But it closes with a deep – thud – and leaves you in the darkness of a sterile dungeon with quivering arms.

Losing a well-loved person is difficult. You think of their laughs, smiles and long to hear their voice – just once more. But the absence of that human from this world is stinging.

A deep feeling of loss swims through your veins and sweeps over your soul. Oh, to feel that embrace once more or to see that smile. You’d give anything.

However, it’s important to remember not to wallow in grief. In Christ, we have an everlasting life that cannot be matched by another.

Absent from the body and present with the Christ. That reality is a sparkling gem that can offer so much joy and clarity in a time of what seems like bottomless tears.

Through your salty tears, picture that loved one at the feet of the King of Kings! Ears ringing with the melodic voice of the Savior, and skin supple with the moistness of new life.

A fragrant breath in their lungs, they are at peace; and dance in the throne room of the brightest beacon. No more pain, no more fear, no more struggles.

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalm 30:5

It’s hard: but, try to dig your feet out of the cement of sadness that hinders you from moving forward. Let those tears transform into strength. Allow the words of our Creator encourage and dry your eyes today. He went before you to prepare a place for you (John 14:2).

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:5

Written in remembrance of my grandmother, Billie Rose Willingham – and the hope that we shall see each other again in the presence of the LORD.