GRIEVING GRACEFULLY

L I V I N G   W I T H L O S S

A 5 - D A Y D E V O T I O N A L F O R T H O S E

T H E G I L M O R E F A M I L Y

Grief is unique. Even among our family members, we have

dealt with our losses differently. More importantly, we have

allowed each other to grieve in the manner that worked for

them. We have respected each other's efforts to work

through their individual sorrow. We continue to support

one another.

We want to support you too! Our daily guides allow us to

share scripture and encouragement to help you along your

journey. Feel free to share this guide with anyone who can

benefit from the words contained within these pages.

This IsFor You!

Angela, Andrew

Bria, Traneita

Especially for You

In the Day of Trouble

Day One

Scripture: Psalm 27:5

Many details of those initial moments following the loss of

each of my parents escaped me. Those that remained were

difficult even on my best days. Not being able to remember

certain things was troublesome to me. It was terribly

frustrating to have forgotten the faces of visitors who paid their

respects or missing certain details of the memorial service.

However, as time progressed, more and more about those

earliest minutes, hours and days resurfaced. A bit at a time.

Eventually, I realized I had been sheltered from some of the

most harrowing details. Some may call it "initial shock". I

choose to believe that God knew what I could handle and He

hid me safely from all that I could not.

Dear God,

Thank you for protecting me from all that might cause harm.

Your concern for me at all times comforts me. On those days

when the sadness of missing my loved one tries to bring me

down, remind me that you are faithful to your word. You will

keep me safe in the day of trouble. Amen.

Angela Gilmore

Why am I so Angry?

Day Two

Scripture: Proverbs 14:29

Upon hearing for the third time in such a short while that I had

lost someone special to me, I was completely outdone.

"Seriously, are we done yet?" I asked that question out of anger.

It was extremely confusing because I was looking for someone

to blame. If the doctors had done more or the ambulance had

arrived sooner, my family would not be dealing with this loss.

Unfortunately, I allowed the anger and confusion toward what

was happening on the outside to cloud my view of what God was

trying to show me on the inside.

Clarity comes when we seek the voice of the Lord. Anger would

have kept me focused on the loss and not the love. God wanted

my loved ones with Him. And, there is no reason to be upset

about that!

Lord,

Thank you for being slow to anger and rich in love. In every

situation, help us to be more like you. Help us to be patient and

at peace, even in the midst of chaos. We know, from there, we

will be able to gain the great understanding you have for us.

Traneita Gilmore

If Only I had just ...

Day Three

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:8

What if I could have been there to stop it? What if I could have

given one more hug or kiss? What if I could turn back the

hands of time and change the situation? Do we really want

God to alter His plans for us and our loved ones? We must

remember that death is as much a part of God's plan for our

lives as everything else. The "what ifs" will come but we must

trust God.

Allow God to move you in the direction He wants you to go.

Loss hurts but your troubles give you the opportunity to grow

and mature. He may be preparing you to help someone else.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I give thanks not only for the gift of life but also the reality of

death. Help me to deal with my emotions so that I can mature

into the person you have called me to be. Allow me to glorify

you in my grief. I know to be absent from the body is to be

present with the Lord. Amen

Andrew Gilmore, Jr

I'm sad and its OK!

Day Four

Scripture: Psalms 34:18

I remember driving along one day, listening to the music in my

car. Absolutely unexpectedly, my mind fell on my recently

deceased mother. The tears came so fast, it was difficult to

drive because I could not see clearly. I was closest to my

grandmother's house so I detoured in that direction. I had

barely crossed her threshold before collapsing in the closest

chair. I cried as if my life depended on shedding those tears.

As much as it hurt her to see me in such a state, she allowed

me to honor my sadness without interruption.

I have concluded sadness is symbolic of my love for the

departed. I do not apologize for the tears when they

come. They come in waves. Waves ebb and flow. During the

ebb, the waves recede. So do the tears!

Dear God,

Thank you for the tears which help us honor our loved ones.

Thank you for those same tears which bring us closer to you.

Please remain close to the brokenhearted and bring us joy in

the midst of our sadness. Amen.

Angela Gilmore

This is my Season!

Day Five

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

Some things are just hard to accept, like 3D printing or driverless

cars. Even more difficult is the fact that my older brother,

grandfather, and great grandmother will never be at another

holiday dinner, Sunday dinner discussion, or on a road trip to the

next family event. That is a hard pill to swallow. There is a

laundry list of big moments they will miss. This was extremely

challenging for me to wrap my head around.

After praying and seeking comfort through God's Word, I realized

that there is a season for everything. Our lives are but a season

in the grand scheme of eternity. I know that while it was not what

I would have chosen, it was exactly what God wanted. While I

might not be able to fully understand the “why”, I know that God

is truly faithful. I see that in the lives of my loved ones who are no

longer with me physically. Their season is over, but mine is not.

Therefore, I will continue to finish the work that God has given me

as they did in their own lives.

Lord,

I am grateful that you created each of us with a specific purpose

and plan. I thank you for the special purpose you had for my

loved ones to lead and inspire me to follow you. Now, I pray that

you would help me to fix my eyes on the work you have created

me to do so that when my season comes to an end, you will be

pleased. Thank you for your goodness and your faithfulness.

Amen.

Bria Gilmore

BE ENCOURAGED .

GOD CAN HEAL A

BROKEN HEART .

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