Lessons on Grief with Wilfredo
Grief is not a straight path—it’s a winding journey that challenges us to navigate through loss, love, and healing. During a recent Testimony Thursday on Living Manna Online Church, I had the privilege of speaking with my good friend Wilfredo, an artist and fellow believer, about his experiences with grief and the lessons he's learned. Our conversation was filled with insights and practical steps for coping with loss, especially during the holiday season. Here’s what stood out:
Understanding Grief: It’s a Process, Not a Checklist
Grief is deeply personal and rarely follows a predictable timeline. For some, it feels like waves—sometimes calm, other times overwhelming. Wilfredo shared how losing his mom to cancer left a lasting impact, describing the experience as “phantom pain,” like learning to live without a limb.
One key takeaway? Give yourself grace. There’s no “right” way to grieve, and it’s okay to feel unbalanced as you navigate this new reality.
Practical Steps for Grieving
Feel What You Feel: Allow yourself to experience the full range of emotions. Cry if you need to. Rest if you’re tired. Healing begins when you acknowledge your feelings instead of avoiding them.
Turn to God: Even when it’s hard to pray, trust that God understands your pain. A verse that brought comfort to Wilfredo was 1 Peter 4:1: “Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him.” Knowing that Jesus shares our struggles can be a source of strength.
Lean Into Community: Isolation can make grief feel heavier. Find a safe space—whether it’s family, friends, or a church group—where you can share your journey and receive support.
Consider Therapy: Seeking professional help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a step toward healing. Therapy provides tools to process emotions and cope with the challenges of grief.
Serve Others: When you’re ready, helping others can shift your focus and remind you of your strength. Acts of service bring purpose to your pain.
Lessons from Wilfredo’s Journey
Wilfredo turned his grief into purpose through his music. His song “Phantom Pain” captures the reality of loss while offering hope. Music became a bridge for conversations about faith and healing, showing that even in our darkest moments, God can use us to bless others.
A pivotal moment in Wilfredo’s journey was realizing that his grief mirrored God’s longing for us. In a moment of grief God asked Wilfredo, “What would I give to see my mom again? To laugh with her? To hear her voice?” Then it hit him—that’s how God feels about us when we’re far from Him. This understanding helped him focus on God’s heart and find strength in his faith.
Why Community Matters
One of the most powerful tools in navigating grief is community. Wero and I both emphasized the importance of having people who can sit with you in your pain and remind you that you’re not alone. Whether it’s a support group, a trusted friend, or a church family, community provides the connection we need to heal.
Moving Forward with Hope
If you’re in the thick of grief, here are some words of encouragement:
You’re Not Alone: Your grief is valid, and it’s okay to take your time to heal.
God Is With You: Even when you can’t feel Him, trust that He’s walking with you.
Healing Takes Time: Be patient with yourself as you navigate the ups and downs.
Creating Space for Healing
Grief is hard, but you don’t have to face it alone. Lean into your faith, your community, and the lessons learned from those who’ve walked this path before you. Together, we’ll find hope and healing.
LR
