Yesterday, I read an announcement from the church that I go to that there’s going to be a service about calling to mind happy memories of dead loved ones. This is a fine sentiment until I noticed that the announcement had a note at the bottom.
Note: this is designed as an upbeat service. If you are grieving from a recent loss, please consider sharing a memory of someone you remember fondly from long ago or simply listening to other happy memories.
It’s bad form for a church to silence the grieving.
Remember:
It’s okay to grieve.
It’s okay to mourn.
On the day my mother died, the presence of Amitabha and the embrace of my wife allowed me to mourn and eventually heal. In times of pain, an other power, in whatever form, can be a lifeline.
Likewise, when Shakyamuni met those who mourned, the Buddha allowed them to do so. The Blessed One listened and so should we.
Namo Amida Bu
Image from Pixabay
