Hi Kayla, My name is Cheryl. I wanted to write you to offer some words of encouragement during this time. When death separates family members, such great loss can result in deep sorrow. The perfect man Jesus “gave way to tears” when his friend Lazarus died. (John 11:35) So it is natural to experience sadness when death claims someone you love.When a loved one dies, we may experience nearly overwhelming sorrow, but faith in the promises in God’s Word can help us to endure such grief.

Grieving people need genuine comfort—not platitudes and clichés. All of us have heard that ‘time will heal wounds,’ but in the early stages of bereavement, what grief-stricken person is comforted by that thought? Christians know that God has promised a resurrection, but that does not prevent the deep hurt and trauma of a sudden loss. Grief is not limited to some set time period immediately after the death of the loved one. Some people carry the burden of their grief all through their lives.
The Bible offers solid comfort, during times of loss of a loved one. ‘I have hope toward God,’ said Paul, ‘that there is going to be a resurrection of the righteous and the unrighteous.’ (Acts 24:15) We need to have faith in God’s provision for multitudes to be raised to life. (John 5:28, 29)In the meantime, faith will not remove all sorrow, but it will keep us close to God, who helps us to endure bereavement.—Psalm 121:1-3; 2 Corinthians 1:3. When you get a chance please read the scriptures in your copy of the Bible. I hope this letter and the scriptures will bring you some comfort.