The loss of a parent doesn’t just sting, it leaves you with an irreplaceable hole in your heart. It’s been two years since my loving daddy went home to be with Jesus, and the loss I feel is still unimaginable. 

I know in my heart he’s in a better place that is absent of pain and distress. However, his physical presence and wisdom are so dearly missed here on this earth

He left behind an army of a family who adored him and looked to him for solid guidance. No matter how hard I try to look to the bright side and what’s ahead, grief has been my unwelcome bedfellow during this hard journey.

Grief is a persistent emotion.

It sneaks in quietly when you least expect it: sitting in the sun, out on an evening walk, compiling a work assignment, rocking your kids to bed. Grief never announces itselfit floods in like an unhinged well, covering you in its wet, messy thoughts. 

One moment you can be laughing with your kids playing race cars on the floor and the next slumped over in a heap of tears. 

It’s easy to feel like you are alone in your sadness; yet, when you study the Bible, so many Biblical figures experienced intense grief. 

RELATED: Fix Your Eyes on the Faithfulness of Our God

Ruth lost her husband and left everything to follow her mother-in-law to a land that was unknown to her. 

David had to hide himself in the clefts of the rock when he was fleeing from King Saul. 

Joseph was thrown in prison for adhering to moral integrity. 

Jesus even wept in the scripture after being told of Lazarus’ death. 

Human sadness can feel like the depths of despair, and it’s natural to feel grief in the crevices of our hearts.

Yet, God also promises to lift us from the mire. He is always faithful. 

Ruth overcame her grief and followed God faithfully and met her Kinsman Redeemer. 

David escaped King Saul’s wrath and went on to be crowned King of Israel. 

Joseph became the second in command under Pharaoh and saved a nation from a drought. 

Jesus displayed his mighty power in the midst of his tears and raised Lazarus from the dead. 

RELATED: God is Faithful, Even When We Don’t See It

While it is perfectly normal to embrace grief and let this process heal us, we mustn’t live in this sorrow. God will lift us from the mighty clutches of grief and raise us up.

That’s a promise. 

Psalm 30:5 notes, “Weeping may last for a night; but joy comes in the morning.” 

Surround yourself with those who have experienced grief and let this process heal you not stifle you. The loved ones you are grieving wouldn’t want you to live life in the shackles of despondency. 

While I will always miss my daddy and that hole in my heart will not be filled here in this life again, I can always look up to the one who made my heart and remember to say, “It is well with my soul.” 

May we learn from grief and let it change us, but never let it inhibit us from walking forward in God’s light. 

So God Made a Mother book by Leslie Means

If you liked this, you'll love our book, SO GOD MADE A MOTHER available now!

Order Now

Check out our new Keepsake Companion Journal that pairs with our So God Made a Mother book!

Order Now
So God Made a Mother's Story Keepsake Journal

Kimberly Willingham Hubbard 

Kimberly Willingham Hubbard was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. She attended Baylor University and has worked for several media outlets. She is the author of the book, “Crowned in Promise: 100 Prayers for Your Children.” Kimberly, her husband, Taylor, and two children currently reside in Richmond, Virginia. She frequently blogs on her website: www.tradingpapercrowns.com.

6 Bold Prayers To Pray Over Your Children Daily

In: Faith, Motherhood
Mother with child in bed

Motherhood is a multi-faceted job. One of the many ways we mother our kids is by praying for them. In different seasons, motherhood demands of us long, short, weary, joyful, or desperate prayers. They make up the lifelong dialogue with have with God about our children.  In times of silence, noise, and uncertainty, our prayers are woven together into a mantle of faithfulness. This mantle covers our little ones from the day they are born until long after they’re grown. It’s part of the fabric of motherhood. RELATED: Not Just Bedtime Prayers: 70 Faith-Focused Questions To Ask Your Kids Each Day Time...

Keep Reading

Dear Girl, Give Jesus Your Mess

In: Faith, Living
Woman holding Bible, color photo

Oh, dear girl, Give Jesus the mess. Your mess. The mess you think is too much or too big or too unbearable. The depths of the mess. The very worst of the mess. Lay it at His feet. He knew you long before the mess existed. Nobody knows your mess like Jesus. I assure you—this will not catch Him by surprise. Even when you do not understand, even when it is most difficult, even when you have your head buried in your hands. Praise Him, for God wastes nothing.  Even when it feels like opposition is coming at you from...

Keep Reading

Dear Grieving Soul, God Hears the Cries of Your Broken Heart

In: Grief, Loss, Motherhood
Sad woman

I remember the moment I finally yelled at God and let it all out. I was driving, alone, for the first time in weeks. My husband hadn’t left my side, I hadn’t left my kids because I was terrified to let them out of my sight.   The road wound slowly through town following a river that sparkled in the September sunshine. A few leaves were beginning to turn orange and red and the warmth coming from the bright afternoon sun felt good on my face. At the time, I noticed none of this because my heart was broken, torn in...

Keep Reading