Resources by Topic: Grief and Loss

On March 13, I lost a dear friend in John Perkins; on March 19, I lost a very close friend, Carlos “Chuck” Norris (I will eventually write my thoughts about him, now is just too soon); and tomorrow, Saturday, March 28 is the fourth anniversary of Nanci's death.

Our grief has an expiration date. The world as it is now is under the curse, but God will lift it once and for all: “No longer will there be any curse” (Revelation 22:3).

God intends us to love our animals—of course, not more than we love people—but still, that love is God-given. The pain of letting our pets go is great because God made them to be precious to us.

Almost three years ago, I did a blog on Robert Wolgemuth’s insightful book Finish Line: Dispelling Fear, Finding Peace, and Preparing for the End of Your Life. Now Robert has lived out what he wrote about, having entered the presence of Jesus on January 10.

Our ministry is often contacted by those who are grieving, looking for guidance after a loved one’s death. One reader shared that a family member had given her a modified version of the poem “Immortality.” Unfortunately, the poem dismisses not only the full reality of death, but also the God-given human emotions associated with it. 

In his conversation with Sean McDowell, Randy  shares about his booklet Grieving with Hope. They discuss how a belief in Heaven shapes grief. Randy gets personal as he shares what he has learned through the experience of losing his wife Nanci that can help Christians better grieve through loss, heartbreak, and pain.    

If you also find yourself grieving this holiday season, I pray that God’s constant presence will comfort you. Whatever we face, we can always embrace gratitude for what Christ has done for us. That’s a choice we can consciously make, and one which I seek to do continuously.

In this clip from the Do Hard Things podcast with The Rebelution in 2022, Randy explains that the hope of Heaven is not simply wishful thinking. He shares that we know more from the Bible about the future, post-resurrection Heaven, which will be on the New Earth, than we do about the present Heaven.

In this clip from the Do Hard Things podcast with The Rebelution in 2022, Randy shares how God worked in his wife Nanci’s life to draw her deeper into the Word. He talks about how her study of God impacted her cancer journey.

You have two choices: you can trust His written Word that promises He will never leave you (and is, therefore, right where He always is…next to you, listening and loving). Or you can choose to turn your back on those promises and lean on your feelings instead.

If your mom loved Jesus, she is with Him right now and if you love Jesus, the two (three counting your Father) will be together again when all His followers are united once and for all on the New Earth. Be patient; spend time thanking God for the years you had with your mom, and for the opportunities to serve Him by serving her. 

When my mom died, I mourned my loss, my wife’s, and above all my children’s. I felt like part of me had been taken away. That’s not an uncommon experience for those who’ve lost a parent.

It’s hard to totally know what to make of your experience, and my first recommendation would be, if you haven’t already done so, to talk to your pastor or another trusted leader at your church to get wise counsel and pastoral care.

This Friday, March 28, is the anniversary of Nanci’s homegoing. It’s hard to believe it’s been three years since she went to be with Jesus. I miss her every day, and am so thankful the great reunion awaits.