1 Thessalonians 4:13 – “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.”
Grief That Changed Everything
The first time I read this verse after losing my mom, it felt different. Not distant. Not theoretical. Personal.
Paul doesn’t say don’t grieve. He says don’t grieve without hope.
That distinction matters—especially when loss becomes real.
Since my mom passed, I understand something I didn’t fully grasp before. Grief has a way of reshaping ordinary moments.
Christmas will never be the same. Her birthday will never be the same. Mother’s Day will never be the same.
There are “firsts” now—first holidays, first milestones, first quiet reminders—that carry an ache I didn’t anticipate. And if you’re reading this during a season that once brought joy but now brings sorrow, you’re not alone.
Living in the Tension
As followers of Jesus, we live in a holy tension. One that is only explainable because of the Grace of God.
We grieve…and we hope.
We miss deeply…and we trust deeply.
We feel the absence…and we cling to the promise.
Christian hope doesn’t erase grief—it reframes it. Our sorrow is real, but it is not final.
Paul writes to people who were hurting, confused, and asking real questions about death. His words don’t minimize their pain. They anchor it in something stronger than emotion—the resurrection of Jesus.
A Hope That Reaches Beyond the Grave
Because Jesus conquered death, death does not have the final word. Because Jesus lives, those who belong to Him will live also.That means the goodbye is not permanent.
That means separation is not the end of the story. That means the grave is not a closed door—but a temporary one.
I miss my mom every day. But I carry this unshakable hope: I will see her again.
Not because she was perfect. Not because I am strong. But because Jesus is faithful.
For Those Walking This Season
If you’re grieving—especially during the holidays or approaching a date that feels heavy—here are a few gentle reminders:
- It’s okay to feel joy and sadness at the same time. Holding hope does not require suppressing pain.
- Grief has no timeline. Don’t rush yourself or compare your journey to anyone else’s.
- You are not weak for missing them. Love doesn’t disappear when someone does.
- Lean into God’s promises when your emotions feel unstable. Hope is not a feeling—it’s a foundation.
If all you can do right now is whisper the name of Jesus, that is enough.
He is close to the brokenhearted. He understands loss. He wept at a tomb—even knowing resurrection was coming.
We Grieve, But Not Without Hope
There will always be an empty chair. There will be moments that catch us off guard.There will be memories that still bring tears. But there will also be reunion.
There will be restoration. There will be a day when death is undone.
Until then, we grieve honestly. We remember faithfully. And we hope confidently.
If you’re in this season, know this: your grief is seen, your tears matter, and your hope is secure.
One day, we will see them again. And that changes everything.
Life In the Middle 
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