Grief comes to all of us at some time in our lives. How we deal with it, how we see our way through it, is, for many, a difficult journey. We need shoulders to cry on and listening ears to hear our laments. In the book, "Tuesdays with Morrie," we meet a man, Morrie Schwartz, who has ALS and is dealing with his own mortality. As we read the book, we see how Morrie teaches Mitch, who visits every Tuesday, to let go of anger and regret. The relationship develops and Mitch listens and learns and connects deeply with him. Morrie's presence even while dying becomes a vessel of love, wisdom and presence—much like God's love for us. He emphasizes that love and relationships give life its purpose and even in loss the memories and bonds we create endure. Grief is not something to overcome but a natural, transformative process that helps us to appreciate the people we love and the beauty of life.
If you are dealing with the grieving process or helping someone through it, I would highly recommend reading this book. I found it very helpful in understanding the “letting go” process of loved ones who have passed.
- Book review by Lois Scott
Tuesdays with Morrie is available for loan through the Fraser Valley Regional Library.
As we enter the dark season of late autumn and winter, we see death and decay all around us. Leaves on trees give one last hurrah of beautiful colour and then drop to the ground to wither and decay, leaving our gardens and surroundings looking bare and lifeless. The days are short, dark, and gloomy. Rains fall, winds blow, and the sun is unable to pierce the dark and heavy clouds around us. This season often reflects the emotional, mental, and spiritual season we find ourselves in: seemingly dark and lifeless.
And yet, nature teaches us otherwise. A friend recently shared with me the story and photo of a Christmas cactus that she had thought was beyond life and repair. It was wilted, faded, droopy, and appeared to be dying. In desperation, she moved it outdoors for the summer, not giving it any special notice there but treating it as one of the other garden plants. Then, as the cooler days arrived, she brought it back inside to its original spot in her home. She soon noticed buds appearing all over the plant and it wasn't long before the Christmas cactus was in a glorious display of beauty and life!
God is so good! Just when we think that everything is falling apart all around us, we see a wonderful show of his provision and power to bring life, even in our darkest times!
Often God uses others in our community to show us his care and desire to bring life and healing, even in the darkness of our winter. Here at SDBC, our Stephen Ministers love like Jesus by walking alongside those who are hurting, with compassion, empathy, and skill. They provide one-to-one Christian care to hurting people in our congregation and community.
If you, or someone you know, would like to know more about having the free, confidential support of a Stephen Minister, click here. You can also click the button below to learn more about Stephen Ministry at SDBC, or visit the Spotlight Table on Sunday.
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