Libby’s Grief

Read: John 11:32-35; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

“Mom?” Libby stepped into the apartment kitchen. She had heard movement; she knew someone was up.

“What’s going on, sweetie? It’s early.” Mom sat at the island with a steaming mug in front of her.

“I can’t stop thinking about BJ,” Libby said. “I miss him, Mom.”

Mom held out an arm, pulling Libby close when she walked over to her. “I was thinking about him this morning too.”

Libby’s eyes filled. “He’s been gone for months. When am I going to stop crying?”

“We can’t rush the grieving,” Mom said. “Your brother was very important to us.”

“Allie said that her dad doesn’t want her crying anymore,” Libby said. She and her best friend were dealing with the same thing. Their older brothers had both lost their lives on the same day, in the same crash. “She said he told her that she’s cried enough and needs to get over it.”

“Poor Allie,” Mom said quietly.

Libby looked down at the floor. “Is that what Jesus thinks?” she asked. “That I need to stop crying about it?”

“Jesus? No.” Mom rubbed her shoulder. “Jesus understands your pain. He’s not going to rush your grieving or get upset when you cry.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes,” Mom said confidently. “There’s actually a time in the Bible where we see Jesus in a situation that we can relate to,” she said. “Mary had lost her brother Lazarus, who was Jesus’s friend, and she was upset about it. When Jesus saw her weeping, He cried too. He had lost His friend, and He also felt the pain of the sister who had lost her brother. He didn’t try to stop Mary from grieving. He grieved with her.”

“Do you think Jesus cares about me and the pain I’m feeling?” Libby asked.

“I know that He does,” Mom said. “He loves you, and it hurts Him to see you hurting.” She squeezed Libby’s shoulder. “Why don’t we talk with Him now while I make you some hot chocolate?”

“With marshmallows, the way BJ loved it?” Libby asked.

Mom smiled and wiped her eyes. “With marshmallows,” she said.

–Emily Acker

How about you? Have you lost someone you were close to? Maybe your grandparent passed away, or maybe a parent left. Did you feel guilty for grieving? Did you feel like you could only cry about it for so long and then you had to get over it? There is no time limit on grief. Losing a loved one hurts, and Jesus understands that. He sees your tears and is with you in your grief.

Today’s key verse: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

Today’s key thought: Jesus sees your pain