God called you home

I little knew that morning that
God would call your name

In life I loved you dearly
In death I do the same

It broke my heart to lose you
Know you did not go alone

For part of me went with you
the day God called you home

I'm left with peaceful memories
Your love is still my guide

And though I cannot see you
You're always at my side

My family chain is broken
nothing remains the same

But as God calls one by one
our Chain will link again

~author unknown ~

Grief, from whatever source, is a long and painful journey.
And, it is full of frightful choices.
The urge to retreat into a cocoon-like existence is great,
and depression is slipped into so easily.
The allure of escaping into busyness or pleasurable fancies also raises its ugly head.

Alongside all this temptation that would take us all further and further
from healing lies that sometimes healing obscure choice of acceptance.
Obscure because this path leads into the pain and makes no promise of a quick cure.
Instead, it opens the wound to its very depth and applies the healing balm
of God's very special grace from the inside out.
~ Verdell Davis~

May the wings of faith uphold you
When your cross is hard to bear,
As temptations surround you,
 And no one seems to care.
May the wings of faith surround you
And shield you from the pain
When sorrows overcome you
And teardrops fall like rain.
May you know that God is with you
In times of deep despair.
May the spirit, who's within you,
Confirm that He is there!
May the valley of the shadow
Provide angels unaware...
May the wings of faith uphold you
When your cross is hard to bear.

Clay Harrison, Poet

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there… I do not sleep.
I am the thousand winds that blow…
I am the diamond glints on snow…
I am the sunlight on ripened grain…
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you waken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of gentle birds in circling flight…
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry—
I am not there… I did not die…
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free!
I follow the plan God laid for me.
I saw His face, I heard His call,
I took His hand and left it all…
I could not stay another day,
To love, to laugh, to work or play;
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
And if my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss…
Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss.
My life’s been full, I’ve savoured much:
Good times, good friends, a loved-one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief—
Don’t shorten yours with undue grief.
Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,
Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.

Mary Elizabeth Frye

Autumn - artist: Tuomas Korpi

My First Christmas In Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring. 
For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart
But I am not so far away, We really aren't apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones, You know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do.
For I can't count the blessing or love he has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear
Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
Author Unknown



God will wipe away every tear from their eyes;
there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.
There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.
Revelation 21:4

for more on grief see:
Bible Verses Reflections 7
Bible Verses Reflections 11
Reflections 16
Stories 4
Bible Verses Mourning