I'm an author, entrepreneur, and Christian therapist from the state of Texas. I love encouraging other moms in the everyday moments of motherhood and their walk with Christ.
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It’s Okay to Mourn, Mama
Published about 16 hours ago • 5 min read
Hey there, Mama 🤎
(Just a small disclaimer for this newsletter. The holidays are fast approaching and I wanted to share some words of comfort for those who may be grieving. If it's not for you, feel free pause and share it with someone else. If it's triggering for you, feel free to pause, and read when you feel ready.)
Our family recently experienced the loss of two family members, one on my husband’s side and one on my dad’s side. Losing a loved one is hard, no matter how close you were. Losing them right before the holiday season can make it feel even heavier. We grieve for the relationship we had, we grieve for the impact the loss has on the immediate family members. Grief has so many layers. But I always like to say, the most important part about grieving, is that we allow ourselves to actually grieve.
As moms, we are natural nurturers. We are often the first to come to the rescue and the first to comfort everyone else. But Mama, we need comfort too.
I am so grateful for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who promises to bless us with His comfort in times of mourning. And to you, Mama, if you are grieving a loss right now, whether it’s recent or from years ago, I pray that God comforts and encourages you this holiday season. May the memories of your loved one bring joy, laughter, and healing as you embrace the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
In Jesus’ name. 🙏🏾
Devotion: Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
Scripture
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4
“A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” — Ecclesiastes 3:4
The holidays have a way of turning up the volume on the people who are missing.
The empty chair at the table.
The recipe that doesn’t taste the same.
The song that suddenly brings tears.
And if you’re a mom, you probably feel the pressure to keep it all together. You still have to cook, shop, plan, smile, and make the season magical for everyone else. But hear this: it is okay to take time to mourn.
Jesus didn’t say, “Blessed are those who hurry past their grief.” He said, “Blessed are they that mourn.”
Mourning isn’t a lack of faith. It isn’t weakness. It’s love with nowhere to go. And there is a promise attached to it: they shall be comforted. God doesn’t ask you to grieve alone. He sends the Holy Spirit, our Comforter, to sit with us in the sadness, to steady us on the hard days, and to remind us we are not forgotten.
This grief isn’t only about death, either. Some of us are mourning relationships that broke, friendships that ended, or family that is no longer part of our lives. Those losses are real, and God sees them too.
So give yourself permission:
To cry when the memory comes.
To say their name out loud.
To step away for a quiet moment with the Lord.
To say, “This year is hard,” and let that be okay.
It is normal to miss the ones we’ve lost, especially at the holidays. Ecclesiastes reminds us that grief is a season, not a destination. There is a time to mourn, and there is also a time to dance. Mourning and rejoicing can sometimes even share the same table. You can laugh at a memory with tears in your eyes. You can be grateful and heartbroken in the same breath.
With the strength of the Holy Spirit, you will find your moment to rejoice again. You don’t have to force it or rush it. God will meet you there, in His time, and in His gentleness.
Until then, let Him carry you. 🤎
Take a Moment to Reflect
Take a few quiet moments with the Lord today.
Ask yourself:
Who am I missing most this season, and have I allowed myself to grieve them?
Have I been so busy comforting everyone else that I’ve neglected my own heart?
What is one small way I can honor my loved one this holiday season?
Is there a loss, whether through death or a broken relationship, that I’ve never truly given myself permission to mourn?
Remember this:
Your tears are not wasted. God collects every one (Psalm 56:8), and His comfort is on the way.
Pray: Father, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit who comforts me in my time of mourning. Although this doesn't feel good, thank you for the opportunity I had to love and share life with my loved one. Be my strength during this time. In Jesus name. Amen.
Giving Yourself Grace to Hold Both the Good and the Hard During the Holidays
The holidays have a way of stirring up emotions we try to suppress. As moms, we can carry joy, gratitude, memories, grief, and expectations—all at once. This blog is a gentle reminder that you don’t have to choose which feelings are allowed this season; there is grace to hold them all.
-Make room for your grief. Set aside 10 quiet minutes this week, with no phone and no to-do list, just you and the Lord.
-Say their name. Share a favorite memory with your family. Laughter and tears can happen at the same table.
-Start a new tradition. Light a candle, make their favorite dish, or hang an ornament in their honor.
-Lower the pressure. It’s okay to simplify the season. Not every tradition has to happen this year.
***Reach out. Call a trusted friend or mentor, or talk to a counselor if the weight feels too heavy to carry alone.
Faith-Filled Affirmation For the Week
"Today I give myself permission to mourn. I am seen, I am loved, and I am comforted by the Holy Spirit. God meets me in my sorrow and strengthens me for every season. There is room in my heart for both tears and joy, and in His time, I will dance again."
Closing Encouragement
Remember,
You don’t have to be strong all the time.
You don’t have to pretend the holidays aren’t hard.
And you don’t have to carry your grief alone.
The One who promised comfort is faithful, and He is already holding you. This season, I pray that God wraps you in His peace, that sweet memories bring you joy and laughter, and that healing finds you in the quiet moments.
You are deeply loved. You are not alone. And your tears are held in the hands of a faithful God.
And again, if things are just too heavy for you, feel free to reach out to a counselor for professional help.
With love and encouragement, Karen 🤎
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I'm an author, entrepreneur, and Christian therapist from the state of Texas. I love encouraging other moms in the everyday moments of motherhood and their walk with Christ.
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