Dealing with Loss: Finding Strength and Faith in God

Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things you’ll ever face. It feels like a piece of your heart is gone, leaving behind an ache that doesn’t ever fully fade. I know this because I lost my mom to cancer last September. She was the cornerstone of our family—the one who guided us through life’s storms, from my struggles with alcoholism to the loss of my dad, and everything in between. She was the most faithful person I’ve ever known, always putting God at the center of her life. Losing her left a void, but it also gave me a mission: to carry on her legacy and values.

My mom handled her illness with remarkable grace and dignity. She rarely complained and she found joy in her time with me, my siblings, and her seven grandchildren. Even in her final months, she stayed faithful—praying, attending church and Bible study when physically able, and being there for us in every way she could. She taught me that faith in God isn’t just about believing; it’s about living with purpose, gratitude, and love for others.

Leaning on Faith in Hard Times

When you lose someone you love, grief can feel overwhelming. Memories can flood your mind through a song, a scent, or even a random moment. And in those moments, the devil might whisper lies about how to cope, urging you toward unhealthy habits. But here’s the truth: you can get through it. You just do. By leaning on God, talking to loved ones, and finding ways to decompress, you’ll take one step at a time toward healing.

For me, prayer has been a lifeline. I talk to God about my mom, my grief, and my hopes for living a life that honors her. I also spend time doing things that bring me peace—reading her gratitude journal, journaling my own thoughts, and remembering her legacy through the people I talk to and the way I spend my time. She believed in finding the good in people, being a good listener, and taking time to smile and laugh, even on hard days. Those values guide me now.

Keeping a Legacy Alive

One of the most powerful ways I’ve found to deal with my mom’s loss is by focusing on her legacy. She left behind a gratitude journal filled with her thoughts, memories, and everyday blessings—even colors and soap operas! Reading it brings me closer to her and reminds me to live with a thankful heart. Inspired by her, I started my own gratitude journal to capture the things I value most. It’s a way to reflect, honor her, and ensure my loved ones will have something to hold onto if they ever need it. There are gratitude journals and notebooks available on the Grace and Grit store—get yours today!

Talking about my mom often helps too. Whether I’m sharing a story with family or posting something online, it keeps her memory alive and honors the incredible woman she was. If you’ve lost someone, I encourage you to do the same. Reflect on what made them special and find ways to live out their values.

Staying Strong and Supporting Others

During my journey through grief, I’ve also realized how important it is to stay strong and support others. My mom was my biggest cheerleader when I got sober, and her encouragement helped me turn my life around. She even attended Al-Anon meetings to gain insight into how to support alcoholics in her life. In her honor, I’ve created items like the Recover Loudly Tee on my store, Grit and Grace, to inspire people to live openly and courageously in their recovery journeys.

Grief isn’t a straight line, and it’s not something you “get over.” But by leaning on your faith, surrounding yourself with those you care about, and finding ways to carry on your loved one’s legacy, you can move forward with purpose and hope. My mom’s life was a testament to the power of faith and resilience, and her memory continues to inspire me every day.

If you’re struggling with loss, know that you’re not alone. Lean on God, find gratitude in the little things, and take time to reflect on the love and lessons your loved one left behind. As my mom’s life taught me, even in the hardest times, faith and love can see you through.