“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
A Day of Grief, Yet Joy
Written November 27, 2024
On November 22, 2024, my beautiful grandmother’s body was laid to rest. Just days before, she stepped into eternity—the very place she had lived for her entire life.
She lived for Jesus in ways many never have, and sadly, many never will.
I’ve had the honor of being one of many grandchildren of the legacy of Elmer & Ida Maust—who, between them, now have a lineage of over 100 people. Nine children will do that.
The stories we could share…
My grandmother hadn’t seen her husband in over 20 years. I can only imagine the reunion—after embracing her Savior, perhaps the next face she saw was his.
One little cousin said something at the celebration of life I’ll never forget:
“I bet the first thing she did was get on her knees and worship Jesus.”
My Grandmother hadn’t physically been able to do that in years due to injuries and pain. The thought made me tear up and smile all at once.
A Life Remembered
We had five viewing times—five—because that’s how many people she touched in her 90 years of living in the same town.
We sifted through boxes of memories, toys, photos—things that seemed ordinary, but each told a story. I was reminded how precious the small things become when they carry love.
I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for all four of my grandparents—the stories, the grace, the mercy. I’m honored to carry both the Maust and Ruggiero names.
We tend to long for more time when we get snapped back to the reality that time is not something we can ever tame or control.
Time is a beautiful thing. It brings joy… and sorrow. It reminds us that we can’t tame it.
But if I could live a life worthy of being remembered for one thing… let it be Jesus.
May my children’s children speak of that name when they speak of me.
Much more could be written, but much too still sit in the silence of the snow and receive and breathe through. Grandma, I love you. Squeeze Grandpa for me!
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”
Present-Day Thoughts on Grief
I’ve lost many family and friends, many who have fallen asleep in the Lord. Each time grief arrives, it doesn’t get easier, but it deepens.
When grief hits, I tend to rush past it, distract myself, or try to ignore it. Maybe you do too.
But grief isn’t hideous. It’s beautiful.
“I hope this grief stays with me because it’s all the unexpressed love…” – Andrew Garfield
That quote unlocked something in me because love doesn’t vanish when someone is gone.
We never get “enough time” with people. Whether they live to 15, 60, or 99—it’s never quite enough.
As believers, here’s the difference:
We grieve—but not like the world grieves.
Grieving Differently
We do not have an empty hope.
We have a living hope—that when a believer falls asleep in Christ, we will see them again.
Grief will come. It’s not if—it’s when.
I didn’t expect to walk through a miscarriage. But grief came crashing in.
You can’t fake your way through grief. And grief isn’t just about death. It can come through broken friendships, career losses, or deep disappointments.
But as followers of Jesus, we must approach it differently:
- You may be crying uncontrollably, but there is peace inside.
- You may be using towels instead of tissues, but God is catching every tear. (Psalm 56:8)
You can have grief, but grief doesn’t have to have you.
The Trap of Grief
Grief becomes a prison if we build a home in it.
Grief becomes a crutch if we never let the Healer touch our wounds.
Grief becomes a habit if it’s easier to be angry than to be honest.
But we are not called to grieve like the world.
Moments of deep grief reveal just how desperately we need Someone greater.
That Someone is Jesus.
That Someone is Yahweh.
Grief Is Not the End
Let us walk through grief—not settle down in it.
Let us become followers of Jesus who learn to depend more on Him, not ourselves.
If I can’t do life without Jesus… how can I walk through death without Him?
When grief comes—depend desperately on your true Hope.
He will catch every tear.
He will embrace you.
He will light the next step.
It is often our own stubbornness that keeps us locked in grief longer than necessary.
🕯️ Passing Through Grief
Yes—I am in pain.
Yes—I am broken.
Yes—I am grieving.
But faith cuts through darkness like a candle on a moonless night.
Oh, what a fierce, piercing small flame can bring to the dark.
Oh, what a fierce-piercing hope can bring when saints fall asleep.
This is not the end. Time is running out, but eternity—eternity has just begun.
In grief, I am merely passing through.
Because He lives, hope is still alive.
– iii
💬 Reflective Question:
How can you let God meet you in your grief instead of letting grief define you?
📖 Scripture References:
Psalm 56:8 – “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle.”
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 – “We do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope…”
Desperately Dependent 