Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” - John 11:25-26

Dear Jesus, Yes, I believe what you told Martha that day at the grave of Lazarus. I believe that my dearest loved ones who have fallen asleep in the faith are still living with you, but sometimes I miss them so much that I cannot stop grieving for them. I need your help by your Holy Spirit to let your words be the thing that makes me happy that they are now happy with you. They are already living past the sad events surrounding their earthly end but I get stuck reliving them. They are exploring new heights in heaven while I am running on the treadmill of loss and loneliness without them. I sometimes think that I am worried that we will forget them here. Maybe I am also afraid that they would forget me too. Oh, Jesus, your promise of a final and long lasting reunion is my only hope. Thanks for the silver lining of redemption and heaven. Give me freedom from my grief so I can live well in my remaining days here before we are reunited in heaven. AMEN

"Grief shows the deep value of our personal relationships. Faith shows the deeper value of a Savior who really made all things new."