From Grief to Joy

-Loss, Grief, Love

I don’t know your journey. I don’t know your pains. I don’t know your load, neither do I know your cross. However, I have known pain, I have known despair, I have known cries and I have known disappointment. But through it all, I have moved from grief to joy. Jesus said ‘You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn into wonderful joy’ (John 16.20b, NLT).
On the 9th of April 2018, my wife of 11 years passed away after a short illness just 2 days after our wedding anniversary. My whole world came crashing down. She left so suddenly, leaving me behind with our 4 children and dreams unfulfilled. I entered into a deep fog that I am only just beginning to exit after 6 months. My heart was broken. I lost all sense of personhood and I wondered who I was.
Why? Why me? Why her? Why us? Is there any God? Does he care? Is he able to rescue? Despite the questions, my eyes never left the author and finisher of our faith. And through study of God’s words, I have gradually regained my site- albeit partially. Though I haven’t arrived yet, I can see the sun shining in the horizon.
I have often wondered where all the 11 years of our marriage went and how was I supposed to carry on? And so far, two things have stood out for me. One, love the people God has placed in your life, because he will need them back one day that may catch you by surprise. Two, in moving forward, you don’t have to have it all figured out. Keep moving.
Here, I hope my story and my journey will inspire you to not give up on life and your dreams despite the setbacks and the pains. My prayer is that on these pages you will draw inspiration to move in your personal journey from a place of pain and sorrow to a joyful place.