To the Young Ones: What I Wish I Knew When I Was You (Finding Hope After Childhood Loss)
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1
💌 A Letter to My Younger Self
If I could whisper to the hurting child I was, I’d tell her: You are not broken. You are brave.
Dear Brave Soul,
You grew up in such a great time, living on the farm, playing outside, and enjoying four siblings to share life with. Your mom took such good care of you, loving you with everything she had, even sacrificing what she could have done for herself. And your daddy made life so much fun, even though he worked so hard.
What a shock it was when you learned that Daddy had died in a farm accident! Life felt scary and uncertain. Your grandparents and relatives stepped in to help, but you didn’t know if you should talk about Daddy, because it hurt too much, and you didn’t want to make others feel sad.
Now you know that talking about loved ones who pass away keeps their memory alive. You also know the greatest hope: that Jesus took our sin, died on the cross, and rose again so we can live with Him in heaven. Daddy had accepted Jesus into his heart, and that gave you the hope you needed, that one day you would see him again.
It was okay to feel afraid, lost, and sad after Daddy died. Through it all, God was with you. He loves you, cares deeply for you, and holds your heart in His hands. Don’t ever forget that.
Signed,
The Much Older You
🎧 Words Kids Need to Hear
🌟 Affirmations and Scripture for Kids in Tough Times 🌟
I am loved, no matter what. 💖
“Nothing can separate us from God’s love.” — Romans 8:39I can take things one step at a time. 🐾
“Do not worry about tomorrow.” — Matthew 6:34My feelings are real, and it’s okay to feel them. 🌈
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” — Psalm 34:18I am never alone—God is always with me. ✨
“I will never leave you or forsake you.” — Hebrews 13:5Hard days won’t last forever. 🌅
“Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” — Psalm 30:5I can be brave, even when I feel scared. 🦁
“Be strong and courageous… the Lord your God is with you.” — Joshua 1:9I can find hope in small things. 🐞
“May your hope overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 15:13I am stronger than I think. 💪
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13I can ask for help when I need it. 🤝
“Ask, and it will be given to you.” — Matthew 7:7I can be a light in this world. 🕯️
“You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others.” — Matthew 5:14–16
📖 What I Know Now
As the days, months, and years went by, the grief from losing my daddy never fully disappeared. At unexpected times, it rose again in a sharp and painful way. But grief wasn’t the end of my story. God used my loss to grow empathy, compassion, and strength within me. While I don’t always feel strong, I know His strength carries me.
God has blessed me beyond measure with a loving mother who put Jesus first, four siblings, extended family, dear friends, a husband of 41+ years, two grown children, a son-in-law, and two precious grandchildren who bring me joy daily. Life hasn’t been free from pain, but through every hardship, God’s faithfulness has been there.
In 2019, when my daughter and son-in-law lost their sister-in-law in a car accident, my heart broke for her six children—especially the youngest two, who were close in age to my siblings and me when we lost Daddy. God placed on my heart the calling to write for children walking through grief. Though I hadn’t planned to write a picture book, I realized I had a story to share.
That book, And the Sun Came Up: A True Story of Grief and Hope, will be published this fall. My prayer is that it brings comfort and helps children know the hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ.
👉 If you’d like updates on my book release and more resources for children walking through grief, I invite you to sign up at https://marygracejohnsonauthor.com where you can also receive my FREE “Seven Affirmations of Hope in Christ.”
