How we learn to live with the death of a loved one differs with each one of us. We must all find a way to grieve. As the theologian, Tom Wright said, “Not to grieve, not to lament is to slam the door on the very same place in the innermost heart from which love itself comes. We may not know the power of that love until the moment of loss.”

To speak of fear is not to deny the fear and the anguish that death brings. God’s presence is here in the midst of the world’s pain and your pain.

Luke 1: 29-32

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

–from prayer service upon the death of England’s Queen Elizabeth II