“Consistent Faith (in God) and Stories of Faith in Moments of Grief”

To be honest, I don’t like listening to stories about people suffering.Yet I know that listening actively to those going through moments of grief and mourning can make us more humane and through which, we are given countless opportunities to grow in relentless compassion and mental maturity.

I have always done my best to emphasize with those who are experiencing seasons of grief and pain in their life. I often try to understand their backstory and their life trajectories so I could engage them in meaningful conversations with a purpose to find healing and provide guidance.

In the past few months or so, I have read various stories by people of faith, especially Christians, on unbearable terminal illnesses; stories about miscarriages and forced abortions; the devastated loss of a baby or a child; the passing of a dear mother or father; the unexpected death of a dear brother or sister; the problem of suffering and pain in life; and stories about disappointment and defeats,  and stories about moments of challenge and darkness in life.

For example, I read a story about a single mother who worked two jobs to pay her car note and rent as well as  to provide for her daughter and put food on the table. She said that I  have been a faithful Christian and never missed a prayer meeting or a Bible study at my church. Yet “God has allowed the car dealer to repossess my car because I couldn’t keep up with all those bills. I have been faithfullly serving him. I just don’t understand why he let that happen.”

I read a story about a young married couple (they have been married for less than three years. The wife became pregnant in the second year of their married life.) who lost their baby while the mother was eight months pregnant. Their grief was unbearable; yet the mother writes, “I love you,  my child. I know that I will see you again in heaven one day when all of us will be united.”

I read another story about a seminary couple. They have been married for about five years. Their precious 7 year-old daughter was going through a difficult time: a terminal cancer. She died at the local children’s hospital while the husband was in a seminary class learning about how to minister to youth and young adults. The young man was studying to be a Youth Pastor.

Yet I read another story about another family of five who were driving home from vacation. A teenager was speeding while driving, losing control of the wheel, and hit the family car. Four members of the family were pronounced dead at the scene.

What surprised me throughout these various stories was how these Christians were still firm in their faith and clinged more to God through Christ. They became more assertive about divine providence and God’s faithfulness in their journey of faith. Although some of them asked God difficult and challenging questions, they never doubt the grace and love of God in the midst of these challenges and moments of grief.

As  I continue to reflect upon these stories of grief and devastated human experiences, I have somewhat become attached to the pain of these individuals, but at the same I am deeply moved by their shared suffering and cry for consolation and comfort from God and others. Listening with care and understanding to others who are grieving and suffering may pave the way towards our own healing and psychological relief.