{{item.title | uppercase}}

Preparing the Heart for Healing

Grief can feel like unbroken, hardened ground—difficult to penetrate, seemingly barren, and resistant to new life. Yet, just as a field must be tilled before it can grow anything, our hearts must be prepared for healing.

The process of tilling the soil is not a gentle task. It involves breaking, turning, and unsettling what was once firm. In grief, we experience a similar process as we confront pain, process emotions, and wrestle with the reality of our loss. Avoiding grief may feel easier, but just as a farmer cannot skip plowing and expect a harvest, we cannot bypass the work of mourning and expect healing.

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (NIV)

Planting the Seed of Hope

Once the soil is prepared, the next step is planting the seeds. When a seed is buried, it disappears beneath the surface, hidden in darkness. It may seem lifeless, but deep within, transformation is taking place. Grief often feels like this—dark, isolating, and uncertain.

Jesus taught that unless a seed falls into the ground and dies, it cannot bear fruit (John 12:24). In our pain, we may feel like something in us has died. But as we submit our grief to God, we can trust that He is at work, nurturing our sorrow and bringing forth something new.

Nurturing the Seed: Growing in Grace

Growth requires nurturing. A plant needs sunlight, water, and nutrients to thrive. In the same way, we need God’s presence, prayer, and His Word.

Sunlight is a vital part in the growth of a seed. Jesus said,

“I am the light of the world”
John 8:12

Just as sunflowers turn toward the sun, we must turn our hearts toward God, allowing His presence to guide and warm us.

Water is essential for seeds to grow, just as soaking in God’s presence sustains our spirit. When grief leaves us parched, prayer refreshes our souls. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to present our burdens to God, who provides peace beyond understanding.

As roots emerge, they seek stability in the soil. Likewise, rooting ourselves in God’s promises nourishes and sustains us, giving us strength for each new day. Psalm 34:18 (NIV) declares,

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Our faith roots us in hope, allowing us to push onward toward healing.

Bloom Where You Are Planted: Embracing God’s Purpose

A plant that has been nurtured will flower and bear fruit, fulfilling its purpose. Likewise, as we allow God to work in us, we move from survival to purpose.

My deepest longing as I processed my grief was that my pain would not be in vain. I wanted it to have purpose—to be used to help others walking this difficult path. I had no widow beside me to offer encouragement and guidance, and that absence stirred a desire in my heart to walk alongside other widows. While I deeply appreciated those who supported me, I knew they couldn’t fully understand the weight of losing a husband. The Lord still used them to comfort me, but how I longed for a widow friend who could truly relate to my sorrow.

In His perfect timing, He led me to my first AWM Hope conference in 2019—a divine appointment! As someone who processes thoughts best through writing, I soon realized God’s purpose when I was invited to join the team. But He wasn’t finished yet. He guided me to a new church, where I found the support to start a widows’ ministry—one that now reaches and ministers to over 100 widows in local communities.

Healing is a journey, but God is faithful. He prepares the soil of our hearts, plants seeds of hope, nurtures our growth, and brings forth a harvest of joy. As we walk through grief, let us trust the One who makes all things new.

God Does Not Waste Our Pain

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 tells us that God comforts us so that we can comfort others. Sharing our story, offering encouragement, or simply being present for someone walking through loss can be a powerful ministry. Our testimony becomes a beacon of hope, showing others that healing is possible and that God is faithful.

Our 2025 AWM Hope Conference theme verse is no coincidence—Psalm 126:5 declares,

“Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.”

When we surrender our grief to Him, He transforms it into a testimony of His grace, allowing us to be Christ’s hands and feet, offering hope to others. I invite you to join us as we share our stories, sowing seeds of hope that God has planted in us and encouraging you on your own journey of healing.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being near to the brokenhearted and for the promise that those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. In our grief, we come before You, surrendering our sorrow and trusting in Your unfailing love. Break up the hardened ground of our hearts, Lord, and plant within us the seeds of hope, faith, and healing.