The Savior in our Grief

This was shared by Melissa Triplett  at the WW conference in Provo on Friday - she gave me permission to share it here :

Think about what others have said about your loss. Phrases that start with "At Least..."

"At least he isn't suffering anymore." "At least he is no longer battling addictions. He's free now"

Christ never said "At least." He has never edited my pain, trimmed it down to something more acceptable-more spiritually comfortable. He has never asked me to be grateful for my grief.  He does not rush my hurt towards a silver lining. He does not correct my tears or shame my questions. He does not flinch at my pain. 

He sits where hurts. He lets the silence stretch and tears fall without needing an explanation. He lets grief speak it's native language. With heave groans, sobs and wordless prayers that ache their way Heavenward. He doesn't say "At least this happened for a reason."

He says "Blessed are those that mourn"

He does not say "At least you are strong"

He says "Come unto me all that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

There is no minimizing in His presence. No pressure to be ok before I am healed. Only a Savior, acquainted with grief who never asked me to apologize for my raw and naked grief. 

How do we move forward? By reaching our hand towards our Savior and asking him to walk with you. By waking up each day and deciding to be a fireweed and not the ashes.