Omer 10: Grieving in a Gracious World

During the past several years, many people have reconnected to grief: personal, communal, worldwide. Among the painful things happening to people, populations, and the planet, a grace has permeated many spaces that recognize newfound difficulties. Grief surrounds people as they deal with losses: through death, severed relationships, loss of health, insecure shelter, hunger, job and career letdowns, failing infrastructure, an environment gasping after ages of subjugation. These methods of grieving sometimes bring shared support and other times cause people to lash out against each other.

As difficult and dreary as grief becomes, the multitude of feelings associated with grieving connect people to their humanity, each other, and the generations before and after them. During this period of history that often feels weighed down, hopeless, inescapable, I and many others have found solace in the grace offered to us by others: friends, family, acquaintances, strangers. I am grateful for the graciousness offered by listening ears, embracing arms, open hands, loving hosting, encouragement and feedback.