In my young life, I have probably attended more funerals than the average person. However, I don’t remember an experience like when I found out that a good friend had passed away; she was only 25 years old. This happened the day after Christmas, and it was hard to enter the new year with celebration realizing that not all of us made it.

Since she died, my church has lost few other “larger than life” people who will be deeply missed here, though we look forward to being with them in heaven one day.

This sorrow was difficult, especially at the beginning. However, experiencing it has helped me to empathize more with others who are also experiencing grief. This is a sensitivity I did not have before.

How can we maintain joy in the midst of such sorrow?

After my friend passed away, I was in shock for a few days, then I cried for a few days. One song that really helped me was El Poder de Tu Amor (The Power of Your Love). I could not find an English version as powerful as Ingrid Rosario’s, so I learned it in Spanish. The song is a prayer, and reminded me of the power of God’s love, the strength He gives us as we wait on Him, and of His presence in our valleys.

El Poder de Tu Amor (The Power of Your Love)
Spanish Version | English Version

How do we treat each other in the midst of such sorrow?

I learned that each of us processes grief differently. Some need to sit in a corner for a few days, some need to stay busy. Many of us are living with the pain of lost loved ones, so we must be patient and gracious with each other.

Bible Verses

Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. — Psalm 30:4-5

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. — Psalm 27:13–14

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. — Psalm 94:19

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 trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. — 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

What I’ve Learned

• We serve a God whose presence can be felt even in the darkest times.
• God comforts us in all our troubles.

Life Lesson: In the dark times of our lives, God is with us and He comforts us.