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. 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.
1 Thessalonians4:13-14 (NIV)
When we lose a loved one…especially unexpectedly, WE’RE DEVASTATED, WE’RE HEARTBROKEN,WE’RE IN SHOCK! How will we live without them? Whom can we turn to for comfort? What is God’s plan in this?
Immediately, we find lots of comfort…especially when we have a big family who also knew and loved our loved one. There is such comfort in sharing grief and sorrow with others! They know exactly how we’re feeling.
I lost my baby sister recently. She was no longer a baby, but a very young 56 years old. This was not supposed to happen! I was prepared to go first. What will life be without our little Julie?
Julie was a real life force in our family. We are ALL close and enjoy each others’ company; but family gatherings will not be the same without her quick, sharp wit.
I comfort myself by knowing she’s in heaven praying for me right now. She’s praying for comfort for all of us! I figure that Julie’s prayers carry more weight now, because she’s already in God’s presence on the other side.
Grief can feel overwhelming…like a heavy weight pressing down on our heart. In those moments, God’s Word reminds us that we are not alone. He does not turn away from tears, but collects them.
Record my misery;
list my tears on your scroll
are they not in your record?
Psalm 56:8 (NIV)
Jesus wept at the tomb of his friend, Lazarus…showing us that sorrow is NOT weakness…but love in motion.
For those who believe, death is not the end…but a doorway to eternal life with Him. That’s why we call it a celebration of life. We don’t just celebrate the life that was lost. We celebrate their new life in eternity. That’s the life we’ve been preparing for since we were born.
Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.
John 5:24 (NIV)
On days when the grief sneaks in and sucker-punches us, we need to hold tight to the belief that our loved one is in a better place now…and we WILL see them again!
We have this truth to hold onto in the midst of our sorrow:
Grief is REAL, but so is God’s comfort. Loss is deep, but so is His love. One day, He will wipe away every tear.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
Revelations 21:4 (NIV)
Dear Lord,
Thank You for being close to the broken-hearted. My heart aches with the loss of my loved one. Wrap me in Your peace that surpasses understanding.
Remind me that death is merely the gateway to eternal life with You. Help me to hold onto that hope and the realization that we will someday join our loved one in Your heavenly kingdom.
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Mary, this is so comforting and compassionate and moving. I’m sorry for the loss of your sister. I’m from a big family as well and can only imagine the pain and grief. I’m praying for the Varga family and healing for your broken hearts. This is a beautiful tribute that I will always remember. Thank you for sharing. 🫶🏻🙏🏻❤️
What a beautiful piece of writing. Thank you Mary for doing this
So beautiful Mary. Made me cry and smile widely at the same time. She’ was a beautiful soul full of life taken too soon but also in a place that we all we be so blessed to be welcomed one day with God and Jesus.
This touched my soul in a million ways .. not a day goes by that I don’t think of the Varga and Hale family ..Julie is a special angel for all of us 💕💕💕
Mary, that was so beautiful and eloquent and very comforting ❤ Think of you all daily 🙏
Mary that was very moving, love you and your family so much
Julie would love this and there’s no better comment that I can make.
Julie would love this and there’s no better comment I can make.
I lost my baby sister 8/4/25 to ALS, a truly horrific disease for her and her family. She fought so hard for so many milestones…her eldest son’s wedding and her first grandchild. Never complained. She is forever my hero and my 57 year old gift taken too soon. I’m truly sorry for the loss of your sister, our forever angels 😇
So much love to the Varga family – you have a beautiful way of pointing everything to Jesus, the joyful as well as the sorrowful times.
So much love to the Varga family – you have a beautiful way of pointing everything to Jesus, the joyful as well as the sorrowful times.
Mary, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sure your strong faith is helping you. Praying for you and your family.
Your readers have set it all. Your tribute was one of the loveliest you have written, warmed by a heart of love because of the loss of a sister. At the same, finding peace in relationship to the Lord and covered by His Word; a testimony to us all when we must confront a family loss. Thank you, sweet friend.
Mary, what a beautiful testimony about your gorgeous sister!
As you have said SO BEAUTIFULLY,
FAITH, FAMILY AND FRIENDS will
see you through the grief!!