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:
- We
grow older, and if we’re blessed, we see old age.
- Our
bodies change—we must take better care of them.
- We
can’t do everything we used to.
- 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.
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