Dec. 19, 2025

What To Do When Grief Shows Up

What To Do When Grief Shows Up

Grief doesn't follow a schedule. It shows up in the grocery store aisle, while looking through recipes, when you hear a certain song. And during the holidays, grief can feel even more intense.

In this final episode of the Be Still series, I'm sharing what I've learned about welcoming grief instead of trying to fix it—and how Immanuel (God WITH us) meets us right in the middle of our pain.

You'll discover:

• Why "small" griefs matter just as much as "big" ones

• The REST framework for processing grief when it catches you off guard
• How to hold both grief and joy at the same time

• Why your tears are holy and collected by God (Psalm 56:8)

• A powerful journaling exercise to acknowledge what you're carrying

Whether you're missing someone who's gone, grieving traditions that have changed, or facing an empty chair this season, this episode offers permission to feel what you're feeling—and practical tools to help you through it.

How to Hold Grief and Joy at the Same Time

This isn't about toxic positivity or "looking on the bright side." It's about the deep truth that:

  • You can miss someone AND be grateful for the time you had
  • You can grieve what's changing AND appreciate what's growing
  • You can cry over pepperoni bread AND laugh with your family
  • You can feel the ache of the empty chair AND celebrate those who are present

Grief and joy aren't opposites. They're companions. Where there's been great love, both will show up.

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