If you need Hope beyond the twinkling lights, a Holistic Grieving This Season

Please do not carry your pain alone.  You are not alone.  I too carry grief.  So many carry a quiet pain.  Part of it is a new normal that will always be there.  I'm learning to live with loss.  But often still,  that new normal can surprise me and hit hard without warning.  It’s  especially true for many during holidays.  

There are many stages and time frames for grief, but one thing is true, it often hits harder at Christmas no matter where you are in your grief.  I say "holistic grieving" because grief affects the mind, body and soul.  Emotional, physical, and spiritual health are a package deal.  I/we need help in all areas.

I've shared many times that I've take a maintenance anti-depressant for years because I'm predisposed to anxiety and depression (MIND), and I run to keep my fybromyalgia at bay (BODY).  Please don’t feel shame if you need a doctor, or counselor, and or medication.  That is why I am open about my journey.  

I'm zeroing in on the Spiritual right now because it is a time for me to remind myself of God's love.  Why?  Because the struggle is real, and I know that God loves us and collects our tears.  He walked the earth and felt it all.  God’s Love is bigger than any other gift.

The world seems to be partying and gifting while inside I/we  keep my/our private pain.  I've noticed that while gift giving is fun, and being with co-workers, friends, and family is sweet, those things alone will leave me empty before during and after December 25th.

I want to acknowledge your pain and let you know you are not alone.  I also want to challenge myself along with you to see where I/we, am/are scrambling to create or find joy.  I do get caught up in the gifting and music and that is ok and fun and helpful, but those things pass so quickly.  There is so much more after the Christmas lights are taken down. I want to look beyond December 25th for my joy.

The 25th is when we celebrate the beginning of God's biggest show of love.  And yet it so often feels like the end of one big party.  The mask comes off and January is staring us down.  But actually, Christ's birthday is the day that God's Word tells us the Creator of the Universe took on flesh and walked among us.  He did this so He could bring us eternal life with Him.  There is so much more to the story!  It's the beginning of new life for us.  This is where I am challenged to find hope beyond my grief.  And I want to add that I have had joy. But I want to acknowledge for everyone that it’s one cycle of grief and then you’re done.  And we all need stability for that.

There. Is. So. Much. More. To. The. Story;

Would you be interested in taking a different look at Christmas with me?  Starting with Jesus birth at the beginning of December, and ending with His redemption story on December 25th?  I plan to read the book of Mark this month.  I am inviting you into this virtual "book club" for December.  No strings attached, just a different look, a different lens through which to process pain and find hope.

Youversion Bible app is easy to use.  Just download the app and search for the book of Mark.  I want to read a chapter every day or two between now and Christmas.  Part of my healing journey has been a re-focus and shifting again to God's greatest desire for us.  "To love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and your neighbor as yourself."  Luke 10:27  God is holistic in His love for us!  Revelation 21:5 says,

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

What. Great. Hope!

Noel - Lauren Daigle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Vwu-t7QRaE

Eyes on You - Mosaic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bg5KS2RB9ho

Stand In Your love - Josh Baldwin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T2tMt0Ky6g