Miscarriage and Stillbirth

The loss of a child is every parent’s worst nightmare. No matter how small, the child they lost was their child. Love doesn’t discriminate as to size.

We may search for explanations, but we can’t always understand why tragedy strikes. Why, Lord, why?

What we do know is that Jesus understands what it is to suffer. And he suffers with those who suffer. He, too, was a man of many sorrows. He shares their grief. He shares our grief.

In our despair, Jesus invites us to cling to him. Totally, desperately, with abandon. He says: 'Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11:28). He is our refuge and hiding place; only in him will we find peace for our souls.

Jesus calls us to hear his word, to speak to him, and to pour out that which causes us such great pain. And he promises to hear our prayers.

It may not always seem like God is listening. Even Jesus felt the Father had abandoned him when, on the cross, he cried out: 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' (Matthew 27:46). But Jesus had not been forgotten or forsaken by the Father. Neither are we.

We are not alone in our journey with suffering. Grief is mercifully communal. Are there people you can turn to? Who do you feel safe with? God gives us these people to be his hands and feet here on earth and to hold each other in these dark spaces.

Now may be your time of grief. But your grief will not last forever. All things will be made well in time. Cling to Jesus. Seek his face. He is with you.