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When It’s Time to Let Go of What They Left Behind

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When Collective Loss Touches Personal Grief:

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When Collective Loss Touches Personal Grief...

In the wake of national tragedies or deeply divisive events, there is a collective sense of loss that sweeps across our communities. We mourn the loss of lives, the loss of peace, and often, the loss of unity. When the news is filled with violence, anger, and bitter division, it can press against the tender wounds of those already grieving personal loss. For someone who has lost a spouse, child, or loved one, the heaviness of national sorrow often reawakens private grief.

I’ve found that collective loss can feel like a mirror—reminding me of what is broken in my own life. It makes the world feel unstable, unsafe, and lonely all over again. Yet, in these moments, I believe God calls us to acknowledge the depth of our hurt and the pain of others, while leaning into His truth and presence.

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Grieving Together, Gently...

Scripture tells us, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133:1). Unity does not mean we always agree, but it does mean we bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). When we see our communities hurting, one of the most Christlike things we can do is to respond with compassion.

This begins with being gentle—with ourselves and with others. For those grieving deeply personal loss, it may mean turning off the constant stream of news and giving yourself permission to breathe. It may also mean offering a kind word to a neighbor, checking in on a friend, or simply refusing to add fuel to angry conversations. Each small act of kindness is a seed of healing.

A Righteous Foundation...

The Psalms also remind us, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn” (Proverbs 29:2, often paired with the lament Psalms). Scripture acknowledges that leadership and justice affect the wellbeing of the people. It is not political to say that righteousness, justice, and truth matter—they are foundations of God’s kingdom.

In times when leadership feels shaky or discourse turns violent, we can be reminded that God Himself is our ultimate authority. His throne is established forever (Psalm 45:6). Placing our trust in Him does not remove our grief, but it anchors us in something greater than the turmoil of the moment.

Free Resource: Letting Go Doesn’t Mean Forgetting

This gentle guided journal offers scripture, reflection prompts, and encouragement to help you release what you cannot hold while treasuring the love that endures forever. A safe space to process grief, remember with hope, and take small steps toward healing.

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Healing Principles of Christ in Action...

How do we live out the principles of Christ in such seasons? Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God and to love others (Matthew 22:37–39). Love becomes our anchor and our guide.

• Love means listening without quick judgment.

• Love means extending grace to the brokenhearted.

• Love means stepping away from divisive speech and instead sowing words that heal.

• Love also means caring for our own hearts so that we can extend care to others.

Collective loss calls us higher—not into political arguments, but into Christlike compassion. By practicing gentleness, bearing one another’s burdens, and seeking peace, we embody the very heart of the gospel.

Holding Both Griefs

Perhaps the most important reminder is this: it is okay to hold both collective and personal grief at once. You can acknowledge the weight of the nation’s sorrow and still honor the particular loss you carry in your heart. One does not diminish the other. In fact, both become places where God’s presence can meet you and where His Spirit can work through you to comfort others.

Psalm 34:18 assures us, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” That promise is not limited by scope. It is for the brokenness in your home, and for the brokenness in the world.

Closing Prayer

Lord, in seasons of national mourning and division, help us to remember that You are our refuge and strength. Heal our land, comfort our hearts, and teach us how to extend Your love in ways that bring peace. May Your people be known not by their anger, but by their unity, compassion, and hope in You.

The Question That Matters Most

📖 Scriptures for Reflection

• Psalm 133:1 – “How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity.”

• Proverbs 29:2 – “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”

• Galatians 6:2 – “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

• Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

• Matthew 22:37–39 – The greatest commandments: love God and love others.

Letting Go Doesn't Mean Forgetting

Looking for More Encouragement?

If this post encouraged you, you'll find more in my book, Unshakeable in Christ—a 30-day devotional centered on healing through our identity in Christ. Each day features a powerful "I AM" statement rooted in Scripture. It’s written for women who, while navigating life’s hardest seasons, yet cling to their identity in Christ as their firm, unshakeable foundation.

Share Your Story

Have you found comfort in any daily routines? What’s helping you heal? Share in the comments below—I’d love to hear what habits are helping you in this season, and your experience might give hope to someone else.