Grief & Loss

Our family experienced both grief and loss this past Sunday. Our pet dog, Angel was attacked by a Pit Bull Sunday evening. After a rush to the emergency vet, it was decided the wounds to Angel were too severe to repair. Thus we had to make the decision to "put her down." I could not believe how difficult it was to make that decision. After all she was a only a pet; a pet that had spent 9 years in the Tison family. But what I soon learned is that anytime someone or something spends long time with you, there becomes an attachment that when removed brings a great deal of grief and loss. Today we are beginning the process of living without our Angel. Many of our friends have called us to say how sorry they were to hear about our loss. We even had a couple of people stop by the house to express concern. Out of our grief and loss I have learned a few lessons that are applicable to all of us.

• Grief and Loss are common to all of us. No one will go through this life without experiencing some type of grief and loss. Job 5:7, reminds us, man is born to trouble as surly as sparks fly upward. Because grief and loss are common to all of us we must realize we are not except from troubles in this life, but know that the grief and loss of this world is only temporary and we serve one who is the great overcomer of every type of grief and loss. Jesus reminded his disciples, In this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world. John 16:33.


• Because grief and loss are common to all of us, the second lesson we can learn is we are to use our grief and loss to help others. 2 Cor. 1:3-4, Praise be to our God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Father of Compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our troubles, so we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. When we we receive comfort in our time of grief and loss we are to use our experiences to help others when they face their time of grief and loss. This is God's great exchange program we receive comfort in our time of grief, so we can help others in their time of grief.


• Grief and loss are not final nor fatal, While our family is saddened by the loss of our pet, we know time will heal the wounds and hurt we are experiencing. God has given us the ability to move away from our grief and he replaces our grief with dancing. Psalm 30:11 Knowing this we can rejoice with the blessings God gives us everyday.

On a personal note I am so very thankful for all who have called about our loss, we have truly appreciated your kindness.