RAW GRIEF

“I have eight years of writing in a journal—everyday,” Phyllis said. “Some are pretty sad because it tells the raw moments of grief.” The journal was a present from a friend who encouraged her to express her feelings after the death of her husband of fifty years.

What thoughts course through your mind when facing the words: “Moments of raw grief”? I admit the curious side of me poked through, wondering how Phyllis, a writer for more than fifty-years, would articulate her deep feelings. Though, I knew they were too private to share.

Yet as we talked about her nearly eighty years of life, many moments of grief were shared. Polio since age 13. A meal of tainted food turned into a ten-year battle with hepatitis. She had to deal with her husband’s industrial accident which forced many life changes. And now she faces living with late stage polio.

“I’ve had a lot of struggles,” Phyllis said. “They draw you closer to God.”

And when asked her favorite Bible verse, she quoted, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  It’s no wonder she was quoting the Apostle Paul because he knew tremendous life struggles himself-- even to his eventual martyrdom.

This is how Paul leads up to that Bible verse: “I have learned to be content whatever circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation . . .”

Doesn’t this seem impossible? Well it is, except …

There’s the secret Paul and Phyllis have learned.

Grief? Struggles?  Phyllis told her husband as he approached death: “I will talk to God everyday.” And with that she connects to her source of strength—Jesus Christ.