As God tenderizes us through the pain and sorrow, he makes us the kind of Christians we need to be to help others when they begin their grief journeys

These past couple of weeks were filled with patient endurance as we helped clean out and get rid of the clutter from my wife's mothers home- a home she hasn't lived in for 3 years due to her death. Today, my wife and I attended the celebration of life service for James Parker who lost his battle with cancer. We were there because his family needed the presense of frinds who will support them through the daunting recovery process. Over the years, I have had conversations with many about the importance of going to funeral services. Some have told me that they try to avoid those public displays of sorrow 'becauase it makes them sad. What they failed to realized is it's not about how it's going to effect them, but their presense will do more to remind the family who experienced the loss that they are loved and we are there to support them. When Maria, our 10 year old daughter died suddenly in 2007, it was our friends who took time out of their busy day to attend our daughter's celebration of life service that made a huge difference in helping us heal. As I look back over those years, I can attest that God tenderize me through those my loss by reminding from his word that when we grieve, we grieve with hope that Christ shed blood on the cross assures us that we will see our loved ones again, but only after our purpose is completed on earth. To those who are grieving, I assure you that recovery will happen. It may take time, but you will come out of darkness into the beautiful sunlight. Suggestions to reach that goal include: 1) continue worshipping at the same church when you loved one was alive. 2) take care of your physical health by making a appointment for a physical ( Grief can take it's toll on the human body.) 3) Start a journal where you can write all your daily emotions on paper where you can see it on paper. 4) If grief share is available near you, attend a group. Grief share is a 13 week that will walk you through the grief precess. Https://griefshare.org Lastly, remember that God loves you, feels your pain, will through the savior, Jesus Christ will walk with you through the pain.