It was so encouraging it was to see you all last night! Always strengthening to be with others who love the Lord. You can’t imagine what it means to me to see your faces in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, New Hampshire, Hawaii, Florida, and Australia. I have been so blessed to be with friends from the Tuesday night Bible study, friends I haven’t seen in years, and beloved family from around the world. I rejoice with each name that pops up in Zoom.

Meeting online isn’t perfect, but I hope it’s a boost to your soul as we link arms around the world to draw on the Word and our mutual support. I know some of you cannot join us, or be there every week, and that’s fine. Feel free to slip in or out as needed. Feel free to just listen in without needing to share—or stick around and chat if you’d like. Feel free to share the link with others or have people contact me if they want to stay in the loop. See you again next week.

Grief and Grace…

Last night we talked about the correlation between Grace and Peace. This morning Grief and Grace are on my heart.

All the feels… As I check in with people through the week, I hear all the feels:

• People who are thoroughly enjoying sheltering at home!

• Joy at having the gift of time

• Contentment

• People who are absolutely swamped

• Tackling a new learning curve

• Missing loved ones

• Loneliness

• Increasing conflict

• Blaming

• Depression

• Exhaustion

• Fear

• Worry

• Anger

• Disappointment

• Despair

• Grief

Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress;

My eye is wasted away from grief, my soul and my body also. 

(Psalm 31:9)

Grief comes in so many forms. Grief involves loss of all types. There’s a continuum and a broad spectrum from people who are really upset because they can’t get a manicure to people who have lost loved ones or may not survive themselves. And every single loss in between. Some of us have absolutely heartbreaking life-and-death situations. Some face an uncertain future. Others of us have lost really significant gatherings (weddings, funerals, graduations). Some have lost plans, vacations, family events, holiday events. Some are struggling with mental health issues as they have lost routines, connections, support structures, life-giving input. Some are praying for patience with spouses, children, and other family members as you shelter together without a break. Some are desperately missing being with friends and family.

Some feel guilty if we compare our grief with others. We cannot compare our pain. Pain is never an excuse to sin. But we each have a different temperament, support system, and circumstances. Some of it goes back to the adage: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” Repeat after me: Patience and kindness. Kindness and patience.

That includes you. We need grace toward one another. We also need to extend grace to ourselves. These are uncharted waters. We’ve never walked this path before. For me, it feels like slogging through quicksand. I hear all the incredible productivity: “This week, I Marie Condo’d my house, cleaned every nook and cranny, repainted every wall, built a chest of drawers, made meals for six homeless shelters, knit blankets for the poor, earned a Masters degree online, taught myself Spanish, and worked my regular job full-time from home.” Some days I amaze myself with my efficiency. Other days all I can muster is taking a shower and brushing my teeth.  Anyone else ever feel like that?

“For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.” (John 1:16) Take a deep breath. Take a nap if you need. God is working from and toward eternity. Lean into Jesus during this uncertain season. Extend grace to others. And yourself. You are being loved and held in ways you can’t possibly fathom. Rest in the One who loves you.