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Dearest Fellow Bereaved Mother,

After losing my son December 8, 2022 at the tender age of 10, I crave the comfort and consolation of those who have experienced this loss like us, and are walking through it as faithfully as they can.

Pouring over books of old has comforted me in a way that is foreign to this current culture.

The strength and resolve found in their writing is an uplifting encouragement to my soul.

A distinct discipline/gift/grace of faith in Christ changes how I grieve because I know that Eli is alive with Christ in heaven, and I will see him again.

Because of this I do not despair.

It doesn't mean that I don't have bad days where I don't want to see or talk to anyone.

It doesn't mean that I don't fall apart and weep at the drop of a hat.

It doesn't mean that I don't wrestle to find joy in my day.

What it does mean is that I prayerfully take my painfully broken hearted requests to the Great High Priest.

This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but He holds His priesthood permanently, because He continues forever. Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:22-25 ESV

He always lives to make intercession for them.

It's easy to be selfish in grief.

The world tells you to feel it all, let your emotions run wild, be self destructive, shut people out, you deserve it after what you have been through.

Scripture tells me something different.

Something better.

Jesus says,

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 ESV

In daily coming to Him in prayer and worship, my sights are adjusted by His grace.

In daily reflection, knowing that Elijah is eternally home, my soul is deeply comforted.

So it is with deep hope in Jesus Christ that I write this letter to you.

If you know Him, I pray this encourages your faith. If you don't, I pray that this letter opens your eyes to the beautiful hope we can have in the face of such devastation and loss in this world.

Jesus

Changes

Everything

With hope in Christ alone,

A fellow bereaved mother

Ruth P.