Sometimes I read that which perfectly relates to my feelings. There are three very real emotions that many of us either feel, have felt, or will feel. Yet it is rare to find grief, love, and hope expressed so well and beautifully as by one writer. If you can relate to these emotions, then I think you will be blessed by the following thoughts written by James E. Foy.
GRIEF, LOVE, HOPE
“Many of us have experienced and endured the loss of a spouse, a child, a sibling, a relative, or a close friend. When a loved one leaves this world, leaves us behind, we experience unfamiliar aspects of grief, love, and hope. Intense emotions that descend upon us as a storm cloud.
Sometimes each of these will be experienced separately: consumed by GRIEF, for example, that expels other emotions. Almost like being in the grip of a monstrous boa constrictor depriving one of oxygen. Grief that is a weight heavier than one can carry. Grief that threatens to be a constant companion from now on as the once familiar has instantly become unfamiliar and accompanied with indescribable emptiness and loss. Grief under which one cries out: ‘I can’t do this.’ In one sense, grief at a time of personal loss is a cryptic expression of affection.
Grief is not bad — in truth it can be good, because it enables release. A release that is necessary for one’s well-being. As the release (that may be thought of as unattainable) is experienced, the grief will gradually subside. Grief — natural and reasonable grief — is not to be rejected, quenched, or denied. On the other hand, one need not exaggerate or wallow in grief. Grief probably will not totally evaporate but will accomplish its vital purpose and retreat into the background.
Meanwhile, even in the throes of grief sometimes one will be flooded by LOVE: the warmth of the physical presence now absent; overwhelmed by the closeness that was known; the vivid, palpable re-living of deep affection and desire; the reality that this person cannot be replaced; the awareness that the loved one is still present in a new and incomprehensible manner. Love that defies description. Love that enables one to carry on. Love that encourages acceptance of the new normal. Love that strengthens. Love that will remain always but allows enjoyment of new relationships.
Moreover there is HOPE. And sometimes this hope drives out all other awarenesses. It may be accompanied by physical sensations like a tingle in the spine, a tightening of the solar plexus, even the proverbial goose bumps. Though that will be rare, it is a beautiful sensation.
This hope in its highest and most precious assurance is reserved for those who know the resurrected Jesus and therefore have cause to anticipate a reunion with the loved one. A reunion that will enable a more perfect, more satisfying, and more intimate relationship with the loved one than could ever be realized on earth (regardless of the type of earthly relationship). This can bring a joy beyond comprehension or expression. Hope based in Jesus Christ is a beautiful reality.
Of course after losing a loved one, all three of these mentioned emotions may come and go, increase or decrease, and be felt together rather than distinctly. In various combinations and intensities. The sorrow of GRIEF is bearable because of the certainty of our HOPE. And LOVE will prevail throughout eternity for those reborn into God’s family.
Grief is a cry of the heart, a sigh of the soul, a despair of the mind.
Love is the beat of the heart, the breath of the soul, the joy of the mind.
Hope is the grasp of the heart, comfort of the soul, the resilience of the mind.
I hope these thoughts bring comfort to others as they have to me.” (JEF)
“Therefore you too have GRIEF now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.” (John 16:22)
”This is my commandment that you LOVE one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)
“Now may the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)