There are all kinds of doubts that creep in and take up residence in a mind after child loss.
Most of them have to do with the child that ran ahead to heaven.
But many are also about me: “What should I be doing? Where should I go from here?”
For those of us active in church ministries, we wonder, “When do I return to service?”
Read the rest here: The Danger of Rushing to Serve After Loss
Like this:
Like Loading...
Related
Author: Melanie
I am a shepherd, wife and mother of four amazing children, three that walk the earth with me and one who lives with Jesus. This is a record of my grief journey and a look into the life I didn't choose. If you are interested in joining a community of bereaved parents leaning on the promises of God in Christ, please like the public Facebook page, "Heartache and Hope: Life After Losing a Child" and join the conversation.
View all posts by Melanie
thelifeididntchoose 
We ended up leaving the ministry. My husband pastored for 30 years ,we could no longer be what people needed us to be.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You were brave to make that choice. I know it was another sad thing to bear in addition to loss. Ministry is exhausting under the best circumstances! May the Lord give you both what you need to greet each day and may you hear Him whisper courage to your hearts. ❤
LikeLike
I hardly make to church these days, even after 3 years. But I know one thing for sure, you serve many of us bereaved parents right here with your words of wisdom. You’ve been a wonderful blessing, not only for me but for many here read them. Thank you. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I understand why it’s hard to be in church. There are lots of Sundays when I have to talk myself into it. Thank you for reminding me that this is a ministry. Sometimes I forget when cornered by another well-meaning friend who suggests I need to do this or that inside the walls of the church for it to “count”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I take great comfort from this post Melanie ❤
Yesterday was the 3rd anniversary of Luke rushing on ahead and of course Father’s….both my husband and myself are Eucharistic Ministers and I am in the choir at our church. It was my husband’s turn to distribute the host alongside the Priest which was just impossible for him, an understanding friend arranged to take his place. Then to top it off, after Communion the hymn was the very one that I find impossible to sing. There had been no practice during the week so I wasn’t even able to request that we sang another one.
Very careful plans that had been made to safeguard our hearts very soon turned to two very shaken, exhausted parents trying just to get the day done. The day got progressively worse but we survived to tell the tale. I have to say it was the worst anniversary day so far even though the rn uo had been a whole lot better this year.
We just have to accept that we serve when we can don’t we Melanie?
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Carol! What a trial! I’ve had things like that happen to-substitute teaching and find out the lesson is a scripture I find difficult these days, called on to pray out loud just at the moment something has triggered my grief-somehow we muddle through. Yes, we have to accept that things are different now and we serve when we can and when we can’t we let God be our Defender (if necessary if/when we are misunderstood). Praying that today was a bit restorative for you and your husband. It sometimes takes me a couple of days to come off a bad experience like that. ❤
LikeLike
Knowing you and others have the same struggles with this, helps me feel less of a failure.
Yes, I bimbled around at home yesterday and have called a meeting off for today ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person