March 29, 2023
– Saint Augustine
In many ways, healing from grief requires support from others. You can’t do it alone, no matter how strong you think you are. You may be convinced you will find the strength in yourself, and you may be convinced that time will heal all your wounds. But eventually, you’ll realize you have to look outside yourself for help. That’s not weakness; it’s a newfound wisdom that comes from suffering.
Bereavement groups, counselors and friendships are necessary to the healing process. You shouldn’t try to walk this path alone. You should walk it with someone else for compassion and direction, someone who has walked it before and understands the pain. That is sharing. They call them “support groups” for a reason.
There’s one more thing. God will walk with you. Whether you are aware he is or not. Whether you want him to or not. Whether you deny him or not. Eventually, you will come to the understanding that he is putting people and situations in your path to help you heal.
Some people wait until everything else they try fails before they turn to God. Some people have to reach despair before they ask for help. Don’t wait that long. Learn from others who suffered the way you are suffering now.
They will point you in the right direction. They will be there when you need a shoulder to cry on. They will be there even when you don’t want them to say anything, because sometimes the best comfort comes from silence and not words.
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Don’t try to do it alone. Don’t be afraid, or too proud, to ask for help. It’s there.