After months of trying to outrun the ache and sprint toward some imaginary silver lining, I realized that running from the pain can leave you crushed, lonely, and confused. In that desperate season, the Lord gently revealed something I’d never known: The only lasting way to the other side of shattering heartbreak is right through the dark valley, one step at a time.

I wish someone had told me the deep sorrow, confusion, and grief-related anxiety would not last forever!

Wherever you are on your journey, will you imagine a few possible scenarios with me?

  • What if the pain won’t always be this intense?

  • What if you could be confident that your loved one won’t be forgotten?

  • What if you’re stronger than you think you are?

  • What if God really can turn your mourning into dancing?

How about you?

What if you could take one step at a time toward healing your grief and restoring your joy-filled life? Do you feel the Lord’s closeness right now? Do you believe He’s able to bring healing to your heart?

I invite you to write in your journal whatever’s coming to mind.

Excerpted from Beth Marshall’s book, Uncrushed. Purchase it here.

Read more from Beth on Open to Hope: Communicating Your Needs When Grieving – Open to Hope

Beth Marshall

Beth Marshall is a freelance journalist, speaker and author of two grief-related books. Grief Survivor, 28 Steps toward Hope and Healing; and A Time to Heal, a grief journal. After losing three close people in her life, Beth felt crushed and overwhelmed by the intense emotions of grief. As she began to write about her "uniquely awesome" family members, Marshall eventually began to smile again- and even laugh. Her hope is to help others discover joy-filled life after loss.

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