Life After Loss: What Growth Really Looks Like
A Special Invitation: Join My Book Launch Team
🌷 ...and Be Part of Something Hope-Filled
This May, as And the Sun Came Up: A True Story of Grief and Hope is released into the world, I am inviting a special group of readers to be part of the Launch Team.
If you have a heart for children walking through grief…
If you believe in helping families grow stronger through faith…
If you would love behind-the-scenes updates, early access to the book, special giveaways, and encouragement along the way…
✨ I would be honored to have you join us.
Launch team members will:
✨ Receive early updates and exclusive content
✨ Help share hope with families who need it most
✨ Be entered into special giveaways
✨ Play a meaningful role in bringing this message to children
Children walking through grief need hope, and you can help place it in their hands.
🌿 I would love for you to be part of this hope-filled journey.
👉 To be part of the team and join our Facebook page, please sign up here : https://forms.gle/DoW7ovse2ggGk7h68
🌸 APRIL Mini-Series: Growing Forward
Life After Loss: What Growth Really Looks Like
As we continue this journey of hope together…sometimes we don’t notice our growth until we look back.
🌼 When the Garden Begins to Bloom
Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. – Psalm 126:5 (NIV)
When you lose someone who has been a huge part of your life, no matter what your age OR their age, moving forward may be very, very slow. There’s no dramatic transformation—just small, faithful steps. It may take looking back after some time to recognize how far healing has come.
🌿 Recognizing Growth in Small Steps
So how do we notice these baby steps we have taken over time? There are several ways to see your growth.
When you think about your loved one or a memory and don’t feel that deep, penetrating pain, you have taken a small step. While I don’t remember a specific time that I realized anything had changed after losing my daddy, I do remember talking about him and specific memories I had without crying. It wasn’t that it didn’t still hurt, but there was comfort in talking about him. Maybe you’ve experienced something similar…
🌷 Healing Through Connection and Community
Sometimes new relationships form in the midst of pain and loss. Most people have someone they can talk to about a loss and commonalities exist. There are grief groups where new friendships are made. Children can make friends or may find someone who has also gone through grief. You may even feel called to help others through their grief during a time of loss.
✨ Faith That Grows Through Loss
Most importantly, however, faith can deepen through loss. When you feel like you’re at the end of your rope, God can work His way in your heart. A softened heart can become open to Scripture, prayer, and love given through others. I know that support from a church, community, counselor, or family and friends can go a long way in helping to heal the hurt from the loss. During the time after we lost my daddy, people didn’t talk about going through counseling or get help in that way. Now, grief groups, Biblical counseling, and so many other resources are available. I invite you to take advantage of these resources.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
💛 Breath Prayer
Inhale: Lord, help me grow...
Exhale: Even in the waiting.
🎨 Children’s Activity
Draw a garden of memories and hopes.
Draw flowers for happy memories of your loved one
Draw seeds for hopes you still have in your heart
Add sunshine to remind you that God is always with you
If you’d like, share your picture with someone you trust and tell them about it
Reminder for children: Just like a garden grows slowly, your heart is growing too.
💬 Discussion Questions
(Great for parents, teachers, counselors)
What is one small way you’ve seen growth in your life after loss?
When you think about your loved one, what feelings come to your heart now?
Who is someone you can talk to when you feel sad or overwhelmed?
How can we help children recognize their “small steps” of healing?
What does hope look like for you today?
✝️ Growth may be quiet, but it is always happening. May we glorify Jesus this Easter and every day as we remember how He gave His life for each of us on the cross and rose again so we could have eternal life!
