Navigating The Waves of Unexpected Loss
This week on Gina’s Table, I delved into one of the most raw and vulnerable episodes yet. The unexpected loss of a loved one is always a profound challenge, but when it happens too early or under circumstances that are hard to understand, the pain can feel even more acute.
I wasn’t prepared for the depth of grief that came with losing my brother-in-law. The Colburn family has been a significant part of my life since I was 12 years old. They’ve been woven into the fabric of my story, and countless memories over the years. This loss has shaken me to my core, bringing a wave of emotions that I didn’t anticipate.
In this episode, I share my journey through this difficult time. I talk about the shock and disbelief that accompanied the news, the sorrow that has settled in my heart, and the moments of reflection that have brought both tears and a sense of peace. Grief is a complex and personal experience, and it’s something that we all navigate in our way.
Despite the heartache, I find myself clinging to the hope that God can bring new life and healing, even in the darkest seasons. This summer has been one of loss, but it’s also been a time of leaning into faith and finding strength in unexpected places. I hope that by sharing my story, I can offer a sense of solidarity and hope to those who are also walking through their own valleys of grief.
Recently, as I was seeking ways to celebrate this year—since “celebrate” is my word for the year—I was prompted to grab my Bible. I found myself in the book of Ezekiel, chapter 37. In this passage, the Lord speaks to the Prophet Ezekiel in the valley of dry bones, a place filled with death and decay. The Lord tells Ezekiel that these bones will come back to life. As Ezekiel speaks to the bones, they begin to rattle, shake, and form life. He then speaks breath into them, and they come alive.
This scripture has been incredibly powerful for me during this time. It reminds me that there is still hope, even in a season that seems full of grief and loss. I believe that this time will be redeemed, and that there will be life again—abundant life, filled with hope and joy.
Losing Benj was not just sorrow for my brother-in-law, and my husband losing his first best friend, but it was also the regret and doubt that plagued me. I questioned whether I had done everything I could have done, whether I had given up hope, and whether I had not done my part. I wondered if praying more or saying something might have changed the outcome. But in these moments, I remind myself of my humanity. I am not the Messiah; Jesus is. I am grateful for the hope that Jesus pursues each of us until our last breath. He knows our beginnings, our endings, and everything in between.
Join me on this episode of Gina’s Table as we explore the depths of loss and the glimmers of hope that can emerge from it. Let’s navigate these waves together, finding comfort in shared experiences and the promise of new beginnings.