Walking With Grief

I featured this poem in the “Grief and Grace” video series. I found it particularly helpful when I was experiencing life in slow motion in the aftermath of losing my wife.

Walking with grief
Written by Andy Raine of the Northumbria Community.

Do not hurry
As you walk with grief,
it does not help the journey.
Walk slowly, processing often:
do not hurry
as you walk with grief.

Be not disturbed
by memories that come unbidden
Swiftly forgive, and let Christ speak for you
unspoken words.
Unfinished conversations
will be resolved in him.
Be not disturbed.

Be gentle with the one who walks with grief,
if it is you
be gentle with yourself.
Swiftly forgive;
walk slowly,
pausing often.

Take time, be gentle
as you walk with grief.
Most other griefs are external.
This is internal.
A part of me has died.
The person I was, has died.
The person I was becoming is no more.
Another one lives.