Grief. It’s ugly. It sneaks up on you. It hits you when you least expect it. It can hijack your day. It can put a hold on you tighter than Hulk Hogan with a figure 4. If I’m honest, grief stinks.
Back in September, I received a text from a friend of mine saying that one of our closest friends was killed in a motorcycle accident. I will never forget starring at phone, trying to grasp the reality of what happened.
I was numb. In pure shock. I had no words. It was like I was punched in the gut. All I could do was sit on my bed, starring at the wall.
My friend was in great shape. We had run, literally thousands of miles together. Told jokes. Made each other laugh. Shared deep talks. Encouraged one another to be better husbands, and fathers. And just like that, all of it morphed into a memory.
For the next several days, I found myself crying…a lot. I figured I would feel like this for a few days. I did. But those days turned into weeks. And then, into months.
There is something about grief that you just cannot explain. And, there are things about it that need no explanation. Like, tears. They are real. Or, hearing a song that brings back a memory. Or driving past a place you used to hang out. Gut punch. Every. Single. Time.
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who
believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by
believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Right after Jesus said these words, one of his best friends, Lazarus, died. Just 4 verses later it says, “Jesus Wept”.
My Pastor once said, “Tears are not a lack of faith. It is evidence that someone was deeply loved and missed. Just as Jesus wept at the death of his loved one while knowing about eternal life, we too, feel the deep loss as we walk by faith.”
It has been 4 months since I last saw my friend. Ironically, just hours before his accident I sent him a quick text, “Miss ya bro.” And today, I still do.
I take comfort in knowing that my friend did have a relationship with Jesus. And from that, he is promised Heaven. That brings me great peace. I will see him again.
If I’m honest, grief stinks. But, it is part of life. And, just as Jesus wept, we can too. Tears are healthy. And today, if you’re grieving, or if reading this is bringing up the pain of missing a loved one, cry. Weep. It’s not a lack of faith.
With Jesus, there is Heaven. Go make a difference. Always run by faith.
If you’re struggling with grief, drop me a comment and I will pray for you.
TommyRunByFaith 