Blog Post: Finding Purpose Through Grief – How Losing a Loved One Led Me Closer to God

 


April 19th will forever be etched in my heart—a date that marks the day we laid my beloved cousin to rest. Though we were cousins by blood, we were siblings in spirit. We grew up side by side, navigating childhood, laughing through awkward teenage years, and cheering each other on in adulthood. Losing him has created a void that words can barely express.

He passed away from stage 4 renal failure, and the grief hit me hard. I cried—loudly, openly, and without shame. That release became part of my healing. As a single mother, I knew I had to let the pain out so I could continue caring for my son. Bottling it up would have consumed me. So, I gave it over to God.

💭 What Grief Teaches Us as We Grow Older

As I reflect, I’ve come to accept some painful truths about life:

  1. We grow older, and if we’re blessed, we see old age.
  2. Our bodies change—we must take better care of them.
  3. We can’t do everything we used to.
  4. And perhaps the hardest truth: we will lose loved ones.

My cousin was a light to everyone he met. He was funny, charming, mischievous, and full of life. He was a father, a friend, a brother, and more. His laughter could fill a room, and his energy was contagious. Sure, he had his moments—but don't we all? What I choose to remember is his heart, his joy, and his deep love for people.

🕊️ Learning to Cope with Loss

Grieving doesn’t come with a roadmap. Everyone’s journey is different. Personally, I’ve found solace in prayer and reflection. I revisit old memories, laugh at our childhood adventures, and let the waves of joy and sorrow wash over me. These memories remind me that life is fleeting, but also beautiful.

Have you ever asked yourself: “What’s my purpose?”
It’s a question I struggled with for years. But through this loss, I’ve gained a deeper sense of clarity. I now believe part of my purpose is to help others heal by sharing my story. My pain has a purpose—it’s to bring light, empathy, and hope to someone else walking through darkness.

🙏 Purpose, Pain, and the Presence of God

Before my cousin’s passing, I was already on a spiritual journey. But now, my connection to God feels deeper, stronger, and more intentional. I’ve come to understand that my ultimate purpose is to glorify Him—to live a life that reflects His love and grace.

You might not believe in God. And that’s okay. For some, loss pushes them closer to faith, while others feel driven away. Wherever you are on your journey, I invite you to believe in something. Maybe it’s love. Maybe it’s hope. Maybe it’s the beauty of a new sunrise.

But if you are open to it, consider this: What if we used the Bible as our manual for life? What if we didn’t walk blindly but asked God to guide our steps?

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3

These scriptures have helped me through my darkest moments. They remind me that I’m not alone in my grief. That God sees every tear, hears every cry, and holds my heart in His hands.

💡 Turning Loss into Legacy

Losing my cousin has transformed my perspective. I no longer live only for today—I live with intention. I want my son to see a mother who trusts God, finds strength in her sorrow, and uses her story to uplift others.

So here I am, writing these words in hopes they touch someone who feels lost, broken, or unsure of what comes next. I want you to know: you are not alone. Your pain matters. Your story matters. And your purpose still exists—even in your grief.

💌 Final Thoughts

If you’ve lost someone recently or are navigating long-standing grief, please give yourself permission to mourn. Cry if you need to. Laugh when you remember the good times. Reflect. Pray. Write. Breathe. Heal.

Grief may shape you, but it doesn’t define you. You are more than the loss you’ve endured. And if you allow it, grief can lead you to a greater calling—one filled with love, light, and unshakable purpose.

 

Comments

Tomika Chance said…
Thank you for sharing your experience with grief. Death is a bitter experience but with God, we have hope for something better shortly.

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