The Christmas season seems to be filled with additional memories for those of us who have lost someone dear. Although they are often bittersweet, I’m grateful for those memories.

If we put our trust in Him, we will find strength to endure, experience joy in the journey, and discover peace that passes human understanding.

For so many grieving people, November and December bring an added weight of sorrow from all of the ‘missing’ that happens when memories flood our thoughts.

Although the grief journey itself has no instructions, surviving grief and finding the ability to move through it, does.

Are you going through a painful time in your life right now? Most of us reading this post would answer “yes.” Are you familiar with the biblical prayer language of lament? I propose to you that learning how to lament will be life-changing for you as you walk through suffering.

I knew without a doubt that I wanted to trust Jesus, but at the same time in my human frailty, I needed Him to help me trust Him and knew I wasn’t strong enough to do it on my own.

When you and I are battered by the storms of life, we know what to do! “Lord, save me!”...and He will.

Are you struggling this morning with a situation in your life? Have you been betrayed by someone, are facing a seemingly impossible situation, or have said goodbye to someone dear to you? Go to Jesus. It’s not a trite cliche’, but an ultimate truth. He is the only one who can truly bring comfort to our broken hearts.

The bond that we feel the moment we meet someone else who has lost a child is astounding. A complete stranger becomes an instant friend.

One such opportunity is right around the corner! The Our Hearts Are Home Conference for Bereaved Parents takes place October 13-14, and you can participate online or in person.

When I consider the words of the Lord written to the people of Israel through the prophet Isaiah, I find comfort and hope to navigate the desert I am walking through today.

As believers, we want to be a blessing to those around us who are hurting, whether they are experiencing child loss, other loss, or other painful situations. So what can we do to be more attuned to the needs of others? And can we, as the ones who are hurting, find a way to allow others to more clearly see our pain so they can help?

One of the most prevalent apologetic issues that causes people to question the reality of the existence of God is this: Why would a loving God allow pain and suffering?

An old adage states that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” I feel that way today.