The Death of a Parent

The death of a parent can unleash so many memories that we have long since forgotten. When we think of the times we wronged our parent, the times that he wronged us, and all the numerous times forgiveness was not granted, we can feel like we are falling into a pit of utter despair, with no way of every correcting the situation.

Yet, with God’s love and guidance, we can climb out of that pit and realize that although we cannot tell our parent any longer that we forgive them or ask forgiveness from them, we can forgive their memory and ourselves. Forgiveness allows us to be free from the burden of unresolved hurts. The Lord does not want us to be buried with our passing parent, buried under the relentless pain and frustration of unforgiveness. He wants us to honor our parent’s memory by clinging to Him and the hope that these past situations can be used for our good. They can help us value our own children more, they can help us cherish every moment that we have with those around us, and they can help see the unspoken pain in another’s eyes and reach out in love and hope and acceptance.

My dear friend, hold tight to God’s TRUTH, not what your flesh is telling you in times of despair or what Satan would want you to believe. You are a precious child of God who is of infinite worth – no one could ever replace you in the lives of your spouse, your children, your family, and your friends. The grieving process is hard, and you must allow yourself time to feel your loss and your emotions; God says that there is a time for that (Ecc 3:4). But, remember… Fight, with God, to stay out of the pit. Live life on purpose!