Shining Through Shattering

One thing every human being has in common is the experience of losing someone or something. Through our shared grief, God reminds the world that “when you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you” (Isaiah 43: 2a).

Maddox felt God’s closeness through grief firsthand after a series of personal losses beginning in 2014 and continuing throughout the next eight years. In 2019 Maddox was nominated as a deacon and was passionate about helping others who were grieving deeply. He recalls that “through my loss, grief, and all the personal battles, God was leading me to a place where I could use this for good” (Maddox, GriefShare leader).

These events led Maddox to join GriefShare. In the group, he received tools that helped point him back to scripture so that he could better navigate his grief journey. Through the healing of the Holy Spirit, Maddox could see the light breaking through the cracked pieces of his heart that had been shattered by grief. He was encouraged by the hope that we have in Jesus, remembering that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).

Often people feel that their lives have stopped when they experience a devastating loss, but God still has a full life planned for you. You can find power, joy, and hope by submitting to God and choosing to give your burdens to him because he is strong enough to carry them. As Maddox says, “your life will not be defined by your grief. It will be defined by your choices.” When you chose to spend time in fellowship and prayer with the Holy Spirit, he will meet you in your grief and carry your broken heart closer to God. GriefShare creates an environment for people to face their emotions, but the Holy Spirit creates the real transformation.

Give yourself grace and permission to grieve. Remember, “If there were no love, there’d be no grief” (Zig Ziglar). Everyone’s grief journey is unique and only when you’re ready, choose to be strong and courageous and get back up. The GriefShare program is carefully designed to support you as you put one foot in front of the other and grab ahold of God’s righteous right hand. He is your refuge and your rock, and He will walk you through the valley of the shadow of death.

Learn how you can find hope again at hppres.org/care.