Dear friends,

So many people at the moment are grieving. Some grieve the loss of a loved one or an unwelcome diagnosis. Some are still shielding and grieving the lack of human contact. Others grieve the lack of holidays and family outings. There is grief about the loss of a sense of a normal life and the absence of a feeling of safety. We have also moved from summer into colder, darker times and that can make us sad.

We are moving towards All Souls where we remember all who have died and it is a time of year for remembrance, reflection and for many a time of grief.

I have become rather obsessed by “the Repair Shop” on the BBC ever since visiting the Wield and Downland Museum, where it is filmed. If you have never watched it, the premise is simple. People bring items that have great sentimental value and are in need of repair and the experts get to work. Somebody brought in a handmade toy Spitfire which was the only item left that connected a family with an uncle who died at the Battle of Britain. There are a myriad of things brought in. I am always telling Nathaniel that the most important things in life aren’t things, but sometimes they are important. At the moment it may be a photo of you being hugged, a family holiday itinerary, a love letter or something you have been given. It may be a bear that is great to hug when things seem hard. At this time when we remember people who have died, talking about them, sharing stories is so important.

<span style="font-size: 1rem;">I read a lovely quote from Jamie Anderson “Grief I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.”</span>

When each of us are feeling some degree of sadness we need to be kind to ourselves and need to show compassion to others. Jesus experienced grief and loss and we can be assured that however we are feeling, he is with us.

Remember it is ok not to be ok and everyone’s grief journey is different. No one can tell you how you should be feeling. So take time out for yourself but also reach out to someone who may just want to talk. The Ministry Team are always available if you want someone to listen or want prayer.

It’s good to talk.

Love Christina