From Charlie Gray

Had a dear friend reach out to me last week. We met nearly fifty years ago while students at East Carolina. Our friendship has deepened over the years predominantly based on our faith. We both were raised in rural, eastern small towns and share a similar worldview as a result. We have laughed together and we have cried. He has been a "first to call" kinda friend in both the good and bad times. He is top shelf and I so treasure our connection.

He was touching base with some antidotal words regarding grief that I felt worthy to share. Grief can feel like an empty wilderness. Why we might not realize in the moment, but God uses seasons of loss to refine us, deepen our faith and draw us closer to Him. God will never waste our tears but gathers them as seeds for growth and healing. "God will never waste our tears" really stuck with me the entire week.

God’s promises become more real when all else is shaken. Our pain becomes a testimony to others that share our path. Grief teaches us just how fragile life is and how faithful God remains. Grief softens our hearts, opens our eyes and draws us into a deeper surrender. Things are formed in grief that would never be such in ease.

God never wastes a sorrowed heart. Our pain is often the ground where spiritual growth takes root and our faith becomes unshakable. Take the high road and accept God’s love and power to bring you healing and strength. Psalm 56:8 "You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?".

Trust in God’s awareness and care during times of grief. He is not distant or unconcerned, but intimately involved in our pain, Keeping a record and preserving our tears. We are not alone. Thanks to my friend for the words.