Good Grief
Posted on Apr 18, 2019 by
Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter services are holy and foundational to our faith. But one thing I love about celebrating Good Friday, in particular, is that it naturally leaves space for grief. The songs and scripture reflect grieving and lamenting. Too often, church services or conversations in faith communities do not give enough time for expressions of pain, loss, and grief. We want to rush to the happy stuff. We want to convince ourselves and others that life is all good. But life can be really hard.
I’m not suggesting that we should only focus on our grief during Good Friday. However, it is part of a person’s healing journey to take time to reflect on death and loss as part of life.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Easter, too! The celebration of Christ’s resurrection. The hope and joy that sounds out with trumpets. But it is important to remember Good Friday before getting to Easter. As a foundation in the Christian faith, Easter only comes because of Christ’s death.
In our grieving journeys, it is important to leave room for the pain and grief. That is true when helping others, too. Don’t rush people to joy and hope without giving them space to express the anguish.
This week, I hope you are able to leave space for both joy and grief. May you find peace during this Holy Week and Easter!
Emily Nelson Dixon
Director of Teen Ministries and Outreach