One of the heaviest loads we bear as humans is grief. Grief is defined as “intense emotional suffering caused by loss, disaster, misfortune, etc.; a deep sadness.” The word comes from the Latin root meaning “to burden,” emphasizing the extreme weight of grief. As a Christian, we tend to reflect on a dark valley, like the one mentioned in Psalm 23. But we also must understand that grief is not an event, but a process. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross defined five stages of grief to include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Those who suffer loss or devastation may experience all of these stages, or they may transition from one to another or alternate between them. Everyone grieves differently.

As Christians in the U.S., and more specifically Central Texas, we have had a rough few months filled with grief, loss, and devastation!! Not only did our hill country experience one of the largest floods in history, but we lost over 130 people among multiple communities along with dozens of homes, stores, and a surreal way of everyday living here in the Texas Hill Country. We will never return to how things used to be, and we will forever see the scars on the land and on the hearts of the people.

Our country has also suffered from the loss of four influential Christian men who made a significant difference in the lives of millions of people across the world. These losses include John MacArthur on July 14^th, James Dobson on August 21^st, Charlie Kirk on September 10^th, and Voddie Baucham on September 25^th. We know that each one of them was welcomed into Heaven and told, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” Unfortunately, we still feel pain and loss because they are no longer here to lead us, guide us, and teach us.

We all have a right to grieve for those we love and cherish. Even Jesus wept for his friend, Lazarus. Crying, resting, reflecting, and sharing memories aids the healing process. We are called to show each other grace while we grieve and express sadness. Grief causes bitterness, emptiness, numbness, exhaustion, and helplessness. But Jesus knows our grief, and He knows our pain, because He has experienced it all. I encourage you to not hide in the valley while you grieve but to take small steps toward the peak of the mountain. While grief is a process, every step you take looking upward will allow you to reach the mountain top and see the journey behind you. We may walk through many valleys in this life but that means more mountain top views when we reach our destination.

I know this season may feel foggy and confusing, but God gives us clarity in His word and through His love. Lavish in them both! We may not understand why we have lost so many great people this year or why we go through natural disasters that devastate families and kill children, but we are told not to lean on our own understanding but to trust in Him and to follow His path that leads us through the valley up onto the mountain top. Know that this season will pass and joy will come in the morning. Let us lift up prayers for our country and for those impacted by the floods in Texas.    

Ginger Turner is the Founder and Director of Warriors for God Ministry. She has a Master’s Degree from Liberty University in Marriage and Family Therapy, is a Board Certified Mental Health Coach, and a Christian Life Coach. Ginger recently released her first book, Warrior Through Grace, about the childhood trauma and life experiences that led her to becoming a Warrior for God. Ginger, her husband, and three children reside in the Hill Country of Texas where she teaches and counsels couples, young children, and teenagers. Her focus is on enriching marriages and families, suicide awareness, and coaching the community on Whole Body Wellness. Ginger loves the Lord and lives every day for Him, serving Him in whatever capacity He sets on her path.