In recent weeks, several friends have experienced a profound loss of one kind or another. In the midst of a celebration of light, their worlds hold a great portion of darkness. The contrast can make this a difficult season. This post is a prayer for those who grieve, especially during this season, and for the friends and loved ones who long to comfort them.
Through this dark valley I would ease your way,
reassure you of the goodness of life,
even of your life.
But I have not traveled this path you tread,
nor learned the reach of these shadows.
All I can do is walk with you,
both of us stumbling,
certain only that we will be sustained
by powers beyond our imagining—
by life and love, light and hope.
May the Spirit of Life lend its strength,
enfold and uplift us with warm embrace.
May the Spirit of Love tend wounded hearts,
that healing and tenderness may abide.
May the Spirit of Light show us the way—
one step at a time is enough.
And may the Spirit of Hope sow its seeds,
to open in the mysterious dark
and emerge as new life
in the spring that will surely come.
Susan Christerson Brown
Susan, this is truly lovely. I hope it will comfort the ones who grieve and encourage the rest of us to respond appropriately to that grief.
Thank you, Mary. I hope so, too.
Susan, this is so beautiful. I will share it with my sister. Her 20 year old son passed away 2 years ago but the wound still seems so fresh. Thank you so much for these posts. They help me much more than you will ever know.
Thanks so much, Marilyn. Your words mean a lot to me, and if mine can help in some way then I’m glad. I hope this season holds many blessings for you and your family.