I’m not an expert on everything, but I’m an expert on my own journey. My grieving season is crushing me to dust, but it is also teaching me so much. One thing I’m learning is that finding hope after loss is a challenging and winding road. It’s often filled with unexpected turns and obstacles that can make the journey feel even more daunting.
Each step forward may be shadowed by happy, but painful memories.
Memories that bring tears and heaviness.
Yet it’s within these moments of reflection that the seeds of resilience can be sown.
Today, I learned the power of the word “yet.”
I was talking to the person I consider my “guide” through this dark journey of grief recovery.
The word recovery seems the best word to use becuase grief has crippled me. It’s rendered me immobile and robbed me of productivity.
What a horrible Christian without hope after loss!
Christian Sister, typing how much I am struggling right now feels weird because we always want to feel like we are on top of the world.
It’s wild how Christians love to embrace the “overcoming” aspect of our faith walk while hiding and burying the struggle ones.
That’s why people outside our faith often think we are fake or phony – at least that is my opinion.
Anyway, the word “yet” should be part of your vocabulary if you are striving for hope after loss. This small but powerful word embodies the essence of possibility and resilience!
It reminds you and me that while we may be facing challenges and sadness now, there is still potential for joy and healing in the future.
Embracing “yet” allows us to acknowledge our current feelings without losing sight of the brighter days that lie ahead.
I think that’s the embodiment of hope.
By gently weaving “yet” into our words and thoughts, we nurture a mindset that fosters growth and optimism, steering clear of doom and gloom.
My Confession
In this season of my life, I have a tendency to focus on my current state of being entirely too much.
I don’t want to exercise.
I don’t feel like socializing much.
I can’t seem to get motivated to exercise.
I don’t feel happy.
Wasn’t it sad reading about all the things I don’t feel like doing right now? Hey, if it isn’t for you, it certainly is for me.
In spite of that, I want you to read them again, but I want you to add the word “yet” after each one.
For example, read it like this:
I don’t want to exercise YET.
I don’t feel like socializing much YET.
I can’t seem to get motivated to exercise YET.
I don’t feel happy YET.
Can you see the forgiving, powerful seed of hope this one little word adds to each of those statements? Do you know what else I think it adds? I think it incorporates some self-compassion into your and my journey for hope after loss.
This simple little word subconsciously pushes us toward taking the necessary steps of rebuilding our lives and rediscovering happiness after the pain.
As we navigate through the grief and loss, we often discover pockets of healing in shared stories.
So I am going to share one.
My Pooty Sour Face
In my sister group of ministers’ wives, on Sundays, we have a tradition of snapping a quick photo and sharing it in our online group with a hearty greeting and good morning.
I love seeing my beautiful sisters smiling faces. It makes me happy and allows me to connect with them. Our church is huge, so some Sundays we don’t get to see one another.
My pictures have been looking so depressed lately! Fake smiling is not my gift.
Yesterday, I snapped my picture. I looked like someone stole my puppy.
However, behind me was one of my favorite people. She was grinning so big! She was likely wondering why I was taking a pic in church. Either way, for several reasons, I’m glad I captured her image.
The funny thing is her big, beautiful smile reminded me of how I used to feel. Her bright smile gave me hope.
Today, I looked at the pic and thought, I don’t feel that way in this season, but I will.
That was my “yet” moment. It gave me hope. <3
You try it!
As you seek and grasp for hope after loss, acknowledge your feelings. Don’t cover them up and hide them.
I don’t think that is healthy.
Instead, use the power of the word “yet.”
Pop “yet” at the end of how you feel, so you can experience the hope and faith that comes with knowing Jesus and having the Holy Spirit near.
Even psychology says the pain won’t be forever. See here.
By embracing this powerful word, you open the door to transformation in your life, Christian Lady!
You’ll allow yourself to acknowledge your current struggles while holding on to the promise of better days ahead.
List your pains in your journal OR in a notebook. Then add YET!
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12
This perspective not only builds your resilience but also deepens your relationship with God.
It reminds you that even amidst challenges, there is a divine plan unfolding.
As you journey through the ups and downs, the presence of the Holy Spirit acts as a guiding light.
He’s 100% reassuring you that you are never alone in your walk.
He will empower you to face each day with renewed strength and optimism—even if you don’t feel it…yet.
Note: Thank you to everyone who knows me and emails me encouragement. It is not wasted. I thank God for you.
