Surrender, Again

A Tiny Poetic Capture Amidst the Grief of Loss

Door at the Cathedral of Barcelona

Author Note:

It’s a grey day here, appropriate for my fifth loss this year, this one the hardest yet.

Grief has a way of slowing time, stretching moments into a holy kind of waiting. When someone we love steps into hospice care, we are invited into a tender space—one filled with ache, beauty, surrender, and unexpected glimpses of God’s presence.

I wrote this poem after losing a dear friend whose life radiated generosity, connection, and quiet strength. In the days of waiting, watching, and praying, the Lord whispered these words into my spirit. They became a reminder that even in loss, we are held. Even in heartbreak, we are invited to surrender—again and again—into the hands of the One who never lets us go.

Here is my tiny, unpolished attempt to (once again) process my emotions during these last difficult days . . . I’m thinking the pictures may be better than my words this time, but in my grief, I feel like that’s ok.

Precious in the sight of the LORD
is the death of his saints.

(Psalm 116:15, ESV)

The Surrender

Unprepared when those words came through:
Of “hospice”--heaven's doorway for you.
This loss, now? Incredibly tough,
Knowing your friendship held just the right stuff
       For us.   ;)

You saw us best, so good in that art, 
Nourishing relationships, near and far;
I rejoice over the years shared with you,
A generous friendship over too soon,
    My heart bleeds. . .

When you lifted your hands, surrendering life
I now do the same for you, in spite
Of heartbreak and pain;
I know we both remain
     In His heart.

So, dear friend:

Go singing and dancing through heavenly gates, 
While dancing below remains my fate. . .
His Will be done over one and all--
Through this loss I will answer His call,
    And surrender, again.
 
*In honor of another dear writing friend crossing into Glory.

("'Linda Lou', I love you!")

Heavenly gardens, monastary, and stairs to heaven

For Worship:

Just a beautiful worship song I’ve been listening to this week. (Linda and I both loved CeCe Winans songs!)

More Than This by CeCe Winans