As the final leaf of December turns, a hush falls, and the echoes of loss may resonate louder than celebratory chimes. This year, for many of us, has been etched with goodbyes, each one a tear in the fabric of our lives. The weight of these losses, each a testament to lives cherished, can feel like a leaden anchor, dragging us down into doubt and despair.
But even in the depths of the valley, the Psalmist’s words offer a beacon of hope: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). Yes, our grief is real, raw, and deserves acknowledgement. Let the tears flow, like cleansing rain, washing away the numbness and allowing us to feel again.
In sharing the stories of those we loved, we keep their memories alive, threads woven into the tapestry of our own lives. “The memory of the righteous is blessed” (Proverbs 10:7). Their laughter, their dreams, their quirks – these become embers, glowing in the darkness, reminding us of the light they brought to the world.
But amidst the ashes, a quiet strength stirs. We discover reserves of resilience we never knew we possessed, drawing strength from the love that remains, even after physical absence. It’s the hand of a friend placed gently on our shoulder, the echo of a familiar hymn, the whispered promise of Isaiah 40:29: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
As we step into the new year, the path ahead may seem shrouded in mist. Yet, we carry the lessons learned, the love remembered, and the unwavering faith that even in the darkest of nights, the dawn will break. For as Romans 8:38-39 reminds us, “neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
So, let us carry our grief with grace, not as a burden, but as a badge of the love we shared. Let us remember our loved ones with love, not with despair. And let us rise, like phoenixes from the ashes, wings dusted with hope, ready to greet the new year with open hearts and spirits renewed.
In this season of both sorrow and promise, may the words of scripture be a balm to your soul: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Lean on the support of loved ones, find solace in the community of faith, and know that even in the darkest moments, the light of hope will always find its way through.
May the new year bring you the peace of Christ, the joy of the Spirit, and the strength to walk in His light, one step at a time.
From my heart to yours, with love and prayers. See you next year!
The Reason I Rise 