Navigating The Loss Of A Loved One
Death. It’s something we all encounter eventually, yet few of us are truly prepared for it—emotionally, spiritually, or practically.
From figuring out financial responsibilities to deciding when to clean out a loved one’s belongings, grief isn’t just about sadness—it’s an all-encompassing, life-altering experience. While I had attended many funerals growing up, nothing could have prepared me for the heartbreak I faced on June 12, 2016—the day I lost my dad.
In sharing my story, I hope to offer you practical tools, spiritual encouragement, and the reminder that you are not alone.
Grieving is Not Linear—Feel What You Need to Feel
One of the most important things I’ve learned is that there is no “right” way to grieve. One moment you may feel sorrow, the next, anger, and sometimes even moments of numbness or guilt. All of it is normal.
Don’t bottle it up—feel your feelings. As messy as they may be, they are real, valid, and necessary for healing.
Run Toward God, Not Away From Him
It may feel hard to connect spiritually when your world is falling apart, but leaning into God can be one of the most powerful steps you take.
These two scriptures brought me comfort during the darkest nights:
- Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (NIV)
- Matthew 5:4 – “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (NIV)
Even if He feels far, God sees you. He has not abandoned you.
Find a Community That Understands
Grief can feel incredibly isolating, which is why it’s so important to find a support system. For me, that was GriefShare—a faith-based support group for those grieving a loss.
Whether someone had been grieving for months or for years, everyone in the room understood the weight of loss. The group became a safe space to be vulnerable, share my story, and find encouragement.
The Day My Life Changed Forever
The first funeral I remember was my Great Uncle Joe’s when I was just six. Even though I didn’t fully grasp death then, I was surrounded by it throughout my life—losing uncles, grandparents, a cousin, and even a friend to suicide. Yet nothing compared to the sudden, tragic loss of my dad.
On June 12, 2016, my sister called to tell me my father had been in a motorcycle accident.
“He didn’t make it,” she said.
That moment broke me.
I dropped to the ground, consumed by a pain I had never known. He was only 57, healthy, full of life—and gone in an instant. Even more heartbreaking, we had only recently reconciled after two years of not speaking due to a family rift.
What Happens After the Funeral?
We drove from Las Vegas to Colorado the next day to begin making arrangements. My dad didn’t have a will, but thankfully, our family came together to honor his memory and plan a beautiful funeral service held the day before Father’s Day.
He had been the general manager at a local radio station for over 25 years, and the turnout at his service showed how deeply he had impacted the community.
But what many don’t talk about is what comes after the funeral—the paperwork, court proceedings, house decisions, taxes, and the never-ending list of responsibilities. And all of this while you’re still gasping for emotional air.
Grief Takes a Toll—But You’re Not Alone
I spiraled.
I couldn’t sleep, couldn’t eat, felt overwhelming guilt, regret, and anger. I didn’t want to pray, sing, or go to church. I even blamed God.
Then I saw a flier for GriefShare at my church. I hesitated but signed up. That decision changed my life.
Healing Through GriefShare
GriefShare is a 13-week faith-based course designed to walk you through the grieving process with community and compassion.
In my first class, I was anxious. I’m naturally introverted and didn’t think I could talk about my grief with strangers. But slowly, I found myself opening up. Everyone in that room got it. We shared, we cried, we supported one another.
It wasn’t instant healing, but it was a turning point.
I even took the course a second time around my dad’s birthday—those “firsts” after a loss can hit like a tidal wave.
By 2018, I felt called to help others the same way I had been helped. I’ve now had the honor of facilitating GriefShare classes at two churches, and it’s been an incredible experience watching others find light in the darkness.
You Don’t Have to Grieve Alone
If you’ve lost a loved one, please don’t isolate yourself. You are not alone.
We hold GriefShare classes twice a year at Landing Place Church, and we’d love to walk with you through your healing process. You can learn more and find a group near you at GriefShare.org.
2 Corinthians 1:3–4 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (NIV)
God may feel distant right now, but His comfort is real. And sometimes, He sends it through others who’ve walked the same path you’re on now.
Final Words of Encouragement
Grief changes you. It breaks you, reshapes you, and teaches you things you never wanted to learn. But it can also bring unexpected strength, empathy, and purpose.
From heartbreak to healing, you don’t have to walk this road alone.
We’re here. God is here. And there is still hope.