Church Grief: A letter opened
Ryan offered this letter to our church at the end of 2021. I am sharing it with you because he is better at words these days than I am.
grief
When Faith Becomes De Longest River
I am relieved to find, in the middle of my grief, that this wound is cleaner because I didn’t insist that he save me out of it.
Requiem for my friend
How those who loved you waited! Curled themselves into knots of childish longing – and then went home alone.
OtherSpeak: To the Adult Child of a Remarrying Parent
Danette Martin writes: “You’ve been on my mind ever since I heard the news of your dad’s engagement. Twenty-four years ago, I was in your shoes.”
OtherSpeak: Infertility Support
Rachel Zimmerman writes, “I am a mother, after all. When the ‘secondary infertility’ phrase rolls off my tongue, I often feel like a fraud.”
OtherSpeak: Fifth Year Lament
Evelyn Hershberger shares a piece of poetry celebrating her daughter and grieving her mother. If only the two could meet, full circle!
OtherSpeak: How to bless a young widow
Martha Hess, from southern Illinois, shares practical ways to offer support and care if you find yourself living in community with a widow.
(Dis)orienting experiences
I went to a Supper to taste the Christ, I was so hungry for him. So very hungry after months of vacuity, and when I received the bread he was suddenly there, in me.
Rejuvenate PA 2019
With friends and needy and grieving and isolated and savoring, I went creative: the paintbrush and the hammer and the string making patterns I could follow.
How you survive
I imagine that, like me, you want an answer: something to eat or do or break or understand that will make the difference, make this bearable.