To Those Who Are Hurting This Holiday Season

Christmas can be the most wonderful time of the year for some; and for others, it can be incredibly painful.

This is always the case, but I think that may be even more true this year. We have faced so much in the past few months. Some are longing for normalcy to return. Some have gone months without seeing their family and friends. Some are grieving the annual traditions that will not take place this year. And sadly, some are experiencing the painful grief that comes from losing a loved one.

My heart goes out to those who are hurting this holiday season.

To the one who has lost a loved one.
To the one who is not able to see their family and friends.
To the one whose children are all grown and away from home, and not able to return.
To the one whose marriage has ended.
To the one who has a loved on in the hospital and is not able to see them.
To the one who is sick and is not able to have visitors.
To the one who is caring for the sick and is working extra long hours.
To the one who has a loved one in a nursing home, or rehab facility, and is not able to see them.
To the one who feels alone.
To the one who feels that the end of this holiday season cannot come fast enough.
To the one who is pregnant and waiting to give birth, wishing their family and friends could visit at the hospital.
To the one who is depressed.
To the one who is anxious.
To the one who has lost hope.

I am not in your shoes, and I don’t know what it is you are going through. We all have our own stories, and our own journeys. We all are experiencing this pandemic through the filter of our own lives. For some, these days and weeks are filled with joy and eager anticipation; and for others, there is a deep sorrow.

For some, this may be one of the most challenging times they have walked through.

For those who are hurting, I am sorry for the pain you are feeling. I pray God meets you in your pain. In your heartache. In your struggle. In your grief.

I pray you know that you are not alone, and whatever the magnitude of what you are facing may be – He is with you.

I pray for comfort to flood your soul. I pray for loved ones to reach out to you in ways that are safe. I pray for health and safety for your families. I pray you are able to find time and space for your heart to grieve. And I pray that you may find glimmers of joy. I pray if hope has been lost, that it may be restored.

I pray for healing for your heart, my friend. I am sorry for what you are going through.

May God bless you and keep you. And may you feel the peace that surpasses understanding. The peace that comes from God. I pray He gives you the strength you need to face whatever challenges come your way.

And I pray that whatever you may be facing today, that you can hold on to the hope that joy will come in the morning.

I am sorry for the pain you are feeling. I know I can’t take it away, but I want to acknowledge it. I want you to know that you are loved. I want you to know that others want to come alongside you. I want you to know that even in your darkest moment, when you feel the most alone, you are not. God is with you. He is for you. And He loves you.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27