I am still working my way through the "stages" of grief over the loss of my mother in April. Tomorrow is her birthday.
But since I know that there is life after death and that families can be eternal, is my grief selfish? Mama is in a better place, learning and helping others. She's probably happy to be out of this world for a time. So it's ME that is sad, it's ME that wants her back, it's ME that wishes things don't have to change, that she doesn't have to become only a memory for now. And it's ME that has to go through my own grief, in my own way. Only I can do that. And I have to do it.
Why?
Because we all have to experience loss. Death is part of our mortal experience. If we didn't experience this kind of loss, this kind of grief, we wouldn't understand the sacrifice that the Father made, the sacrifice of His son Jesus Christ. The atonement of Christ would mean less or nothing to us if we didn't know this kind of pain. And so, in my mortal and imperfect way I am eternally grateful.
I pray for help and comfort through this process.
I will survive.
I will grow.
I will be more sympathetic.
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3 comments:
I don't think grief is selfish. -It's a natural process we must go through when we lose a loved one.
It took time for Jesus to arrive, when Lazareth's sisters told Him he was ailing, and to come! By the time Jesus got there Lazareth had been dead for a few days and his sisters cried, grief stricken, as they expressed their sorrow to Jesus, saying had He come in time Lazareth might have lived. What did the Savior do? He wept with them! Then He called Lazareth to come to Him! "He stinketh" they said, but Lazareth's spirit returned to his body and he walked to Christ, alive and whole! :) I believe Christ knew all the while that He would bring Lazereth back to life, - yet He wept with them! Such tender love and compassion! :)
You are right, that the atonement can be affective in dealing with our sorrows as well as our sins, and Christ experienced your loss of your mother, and the grief and anguish you now feel, when He was in that garden! He KNOWS how you feel! He beckons to you, and to all of us, "who are heavy laden" to come to Him and "I will give you rest." :)
It's a process that you will work through with His help.
I love you Dolores!! Feel free to call me anytime, even if you just want someone to listen. I consider myself a good listener! :) Hugs! :)
Grief is natural. Birthdays can and will be hard for many years.
Aunt BJ, I bet you give awesome talks and lessons in church. Very kind words.
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