Two-ish weeks into a “quarantine” lifestyle because of this global pandemic, many are wrestling with what we are feeling.

So much has happened and so much has changed. 

Right now, we are feeling:

• The loss of security
• The loss of normalcy
• The loss of economic and financial stability
• The loss of physical social connections with others
• The list continues…

Collectively, this is grief.  This has become an active feeling for many at this time.

There is a type of grief called: anticipatory grief.  This happens because there is a complete uncertainty of what is going to happen.  Anticipatory grief is a grief that generally happens when a loss is going to ensue.  Usually this happens before someone we love passes.  But this is a grief that many are facing today because we have no idea how long this virus will last, when we will see our families again, when our kids will go back to school, or when we can grocery shop without the fear of being exposed.  

This grief is mostly new for many.  So, how can we deal with this? 

Understanding grief is huge.  It is OK to grieve! It is important to face reality!

Mental health is important and it is vital to how we function here on earth.

Here are a couple of points to note:

• Anticipatory grief can cause anxiety and depression to be heightened.  In fact, many who have not entered into this realm might feel bouts of it.  It is OK!  It is important to remember to be present.  Life has completely changed for the majority of us.  How do we navigate this newness?  Being present requires us to focus on what is in front of us – our spouses.  Our kids.  Our jobs.

• Anticipatory grief can cause fear to rise and will impact the way we relate with one another.  It is important to remember to be transparent and vulnerable, because (1) you are not alone and (2) you never know who is learning by observing you.  Yes, we are not physically next to one another, but social media presence has risen and people are reading, singing along, watching, and engaging with one another. 

As believers in an amazing God, we can do the following:

• Pray
• Rest in His promises
• Read His Word
• Build that love with our great God and also with those around us. 

Really, it is OK to cry!  It is OK to grieve.  Our physical bodies process things at different paces… so when you feel the grief, feel it!  It is not worth fighting it.  However, let me encourage you that in this process, please continue to have hope!  Biblically, we have hope because we have Christ.  He promises to be our refuge! 

Psalm 9:9-10 states, “The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.  And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.”