I'm sharing today's "Grief email." It cracks me up that my emails are numbered. I'm on day 19. "Day 19 of my grief." It sounds so official. (For those mathematicians out there...yes, it has been longer than 19 days...but I started the emails a month after Chuck's death...humor me.)

Today's post has to do with the hope a believer in Christ has...in the midst of the sadness associated with losing someone to death. While it does not take away the pain and sorrow...it brings the promise of something beautiful!

It is biblical to grieve. It is necessary to grieve. You must not suppress your heartache and sorrow.

"Weep freely; share your anguish, your deep concern, but always with the joyful assurance that Jesus is with you. The Prince of Peace is with you, " said Dr. Bill Bright.

"There is nothing wrong with tears. You miss loved ones who have gone away. But you are not to weep as one who has no hope. Christians can still have joy even in the midst of sorrow. Everyone experiences tragedy, believers and nonbelievers alike. The difference is the believer has Christ with him."

At the graveside of his friend Lazarus, the Bible says that "Jesus wept" (John 11:35). He understands your tears.

Lord Jesus, You are my only hope. Teach me how to grieve. Amen