Laurie Geisz

How to Create the Perfect Funeral for Your Beloved Animal

Laurie Geisz — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 02:20:49 +0000

“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

The day my precious “Baby” Pebbles died—February 29th, 2024—was one of the saddest, most difficult days of my life. I have since wondered if God, in his sovereign will, allowed my little girl to die on the one day of the year that does not have a yearly anniversary. I can imagine that my loving heavenly Father, knowing the significance I give specific days, would want to help alleviate that potential annual pain.

But from the very next day, March 1st, I have a happy memory, and that is of Pebbles’ funeral. I am so thankful for the beautiful, tearful but joyful service that honored my adorable Pebbles’ almost sixteen years long life. All aspects of the service seemed to simply and naturally come together, but I would also believe my “Father of compassion and the God of all comfort” orchestrated every detail, working his love through the kindnesses of my family (2 Corinthians 1:3). I’m also grateful for the healing that the service began in me.

Because of the “beauty” that God brought out of my “ashes,” I want to share seven aspects of her service in hopes they might be helpful to other hurting hearts, also grieving the death of a beloved animal (Isaiah 61:3). If that describes you, friend, I hope and pray any or all of these ideas would provide comfort, inspiration, and even healing as you honor and celebrate your precious pet.

Decide on a location. The night Pebbles died, my eldest son offered to walk around our backyard with me the next day to choose a spot for Pebbles’ grave. After we did so, my son then dug the hole where we would later bury Pebbles. (Yes, I will forever appreciate my son’s thoughtfulness and true labor of love.)

Choose when your service will be. I wanted as many of my family members present as possible—for Pebby was their dog, too—so we held Pebbles’ funeral that afternoon, around 3 o’clock. I’m thankful it was a beautiful, mild day, as in Colorado it could have been blustery or freezing.
Have flowers for each person to hold. These flowers need not be anything glamorous or store-bought; my daughter, unbeknownst to me, had walked around our yard before the service and picked little dried “flowers” that somehow, I think with God’s miraculous touch, looked like a bouquet of dried wildflowers. (Being from Colorado, I happen to love wildflowers.) Remember, it was March 1st, so these “flowers” were leftovers from winter but they were lovely to me—partly because my daughter had so kindly picked them, and partly because they came from our yard in which Pebbles’ spent her whole life. The point is that each one of us held a flower during the service and, at the end, lovingly placed it on Pebbles’ body before she was buried.

Read aloud a liturgy. Again, this was my daughter’s idea, and I will always be grateful. From Douglas McKelvey’s Every Moment Holy, Volume I, I chose “A Liturgy for the Loss of a Living Thing.” I highly encourage reading a liturgy as it formed and guided us through most of Pebbles’ service, providing space for everyone to share his or her own special memories and words. This is where laughter and smiles entered the picture as every one of us remembered Pebbles’ hilarious and adorable ways. (If there are people unable to attend the service—like one of my sons who was in college in a different state—you can also get any memories or words they’d like to share beforehand so those may be voiced as well.)

Read Scripture and sing songs. My husband read Lamentations 3:19-24 (which we had chosen before the service), and then we all spontaneously sang “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” “He Is Good,” and “Jesus Loves Me”—three songs special to our family. Read and sing whatever is uniquely significant to you and yours. If you need ideas for Scriptures or songs, you can find many on my blog.

Pray. When singing is complete—which can be for as long or as short as you would like—open a time for anyone who desires to pray, knowing in advance who will close. In our case, after giving ample time for others, I said the closing prayer.

Final loving touches. For the whole service I had been holding Pebbles, wrapped in a soft and cozy baby towel I had used for my kids. I think only by God’s grace was I able to gently place my precious Pebbles in the hole in the ground. Everyone then put a little dirt around or on her body, along with the flowers we had been holding. Once we all felt finished, my eldest son did the majority of the burying, which I couldn’t have done and again deeply appreciated. I remember kneeling on the ground, loving Bolt, my beloved Beagle, who was so sweetly there and I’m sure grieving the loss of his constant companion of the last fifteen years as well. I don’t remember how I or we all left the service; I just remember being back up in my bedroom soon after and journaling about the events of the last two days. I was exhausted.

I didn’t expect this, but Pebbles’ funeral really became a celebration of her life. The service gave closure. There was laughter, there were tears, and most importantly, my adorable Pebby was honored. Her very full life and the wonderful love she gave and that we shared were dignified.

Pebbles was and always will be part of our family—for me, a dearly loved and deeply missed part of our family, like my son Ben, Bolt’s mom Bella, and now as I write a year and a half later, even Bolt. But for me, it’s comforting that Pebbles is buried right in our backyard, right beside Bella (and now Bolt), and just beyond our family room door, where I can see “where she is” every day.

Pebbles’ funeral felt perfect and gave me joy. As I still miss her precious and fun presence everyday, I hold that grief and the joy of her life the best I can this side of heaven. I am so thankful for all seven aspects of her service and hope, if ever needed, they might be a blessing to you, too.

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

14 Scriptures of HOPE for Your Darkness & Despair

Laurie Geisz — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 23:51:38 +0000

If you are reading this, I appreciate you may be in a very dark place. You may need hope to even hope. I’ve been there, friend. I know grief can be so bleak and isolating, so all-consuming. I know the pain of loss can feel unbearable. I understand if you feel right now there’s nothing that could help.

I’m extra-thankful you are here.

I don’t know how God may meet you today—how he might provide even a glimmer of light—but I’m grateful you are taking a chance on hope by seeing what he may be wanting you to hear…or be reminded of…or believe.

The following verses that speak to me of HOPE are some of my favorites in all of Scripture. If one stands out to you as especially meaningful, take some time to dwell on it. Speak it aloud. Write it on a Post-it note and stick it somewhere you’ll continually see and read it again.

Remember, friend, these Scriptures are truth.

They are part of God’s Love Letter to you. Oh, how Jesus loves you…more than you know. Even as I write these words and you read them, he is “interceding for us” at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34). He wants you to have hope.

And if Jesus wants you to have hope, he must have a very good reason.

After the following Scriptures, I’ve personalized some of the words in case reading, saying, or praying them would be helpful to you.

May the Holy Spirit go before you, beloved, and prepare your heart to receive God’s Word…

1. GENESIS 1:2-3… “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”

Spirit of God, you hover over emptiness and darkness; out of nothing, God, you speak forth light;

2. EXODUS 14:14… “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Thank you, LORD, for fighting for me; help me to be still;

3. 2 SAMUEL 22:17, 20… “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters…. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.”

LORD, you reach down from on high and take hold of me; you draw me out of deep waters. You rescue me because you delight in me;

4. 2 CHRONICLES 20:6, 12… “LORD, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven?… We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

God in heaven, I do not know what to do, but my eyes are on you;

5. PSALM 130:5… “I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.”

I wait for you, LORD, my whole being waits, and in your word I put my hope;

6. ISAIAH 43:19… “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

LORD, thank you for doing a new thing; help me perceive it. Thank you for making a way for me;

7. ISAIAH 54:11-12… “Afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted, I will rebuild you with stones of turquoise, your foundations with lapis lazuli. I will make your battlements of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones.”

God, you turn brokenness into something beautiful; would you please rebuild me?

8. LAMENTATIONS 3:19-23… “I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

LORD, because of your great love I am not consumed, for your compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope;

9. HOSEA 2:14-15… “Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope.”

Thank you, LORD, for leading me and speaking tenderly to me. Thank you for making a door of hope for me;

10. ROMANS 4:18… “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed….”

Against all hope, God, help me in hope to believe;

11. ROMANS 15:4… “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”

Thank you, God, that everything written in the past was written to teach me, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, I might have hope;

12. 2 CORINTHIANS 1:8-10… “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope….”

Dear God, help me not rely on myself but on you, for you raise the dead. On you I set my hope;

13. EPHESIANS 1:17-18… “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you….”

Glorious Father God, please give me the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so I may know you better. Please enlighten the eyes of my heart so I may know the hope to which you have called me;

14. REVELATION 5:4-6… “I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or even look inside. Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.’ Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne….”

Jesus, YOU are the LionLamb who was slain and who has triumphed. You are currently on your throne and THAT gives me hope. It’s in your Name I pray, amen.

Friend, if helpful, go back and read (silently or out loud) all the personalized prayers as one big prayer. Or focus on one Scripture that felt especially meaningful. You might even imagine what a Scripture would “look like” if it were a picture, and draw or color it however you want. No art skills required—just another way for you to dwell on and hide God’s Word in your heart.

20 Songs to Listen to When You’re Grieving

Laurie Geisz — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 19:19:36 +0000

Friend, I know that sometimes in grief there are no words to say, no words to pray. It can feel like there’s nothing to do, or that you’d even want to do. We feel lost and alone. But in this sorrow and wilderness I have found music to be such a gift: we don’t need to say or pray or do anything—we can simply receive.

If and when the time feels right, these songs of loss, lament, and love—which I have prayerfully curated—will be here for you. You may also find them as a playlist on Spotify under Songs of Loss, Lament, and Love by Laurie Geisz. Total listening time is one hour and seventeen minutes.

I pray that even one may soothe and encourage your heart, mind, and soul.

God bless you, friend, as you simply receive.

“Sorrow” ~ Sleeping At Last (5:10)
“Healing Is In Your Hands” ~ Christy Nockels (4:25)
“Fantine’s Death” ~ Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman (2:51)
“One Day (When We All Get To Heaven)” ~ Matt Redman (5:41)
“I Am Not Alone” ~ Kari Jobe (3:57)
“‘Til the Blue” ~ Steven Curtis Chapman (feat. Gary LeVox) (4:16)
“Castle On A Cloud” ~ Isabelle Allen (1:11)
“Beautiful Things” ~ Gungor (5:10)
“Open Up Let the Light In” ~ Steffany Gretzinger (3:25)
“Empty Chairs At Empty Tables” ~ Eddie Redmayne (3:11)
“Jesus Loves Me” ~ Christy Nockels (3:47)
“Lion/Lamb” ~ Joshua Leventhal (3:57)
“All Who Are Thirsty” ~ Maggie Amini (4:27)
“Love Song” ~ Third Day (3:54)
“In My Arms” ~ Plumb (4:03)
“Mommy Paints the Sky” ~ Danny Oertli (4:16)
“Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song)” ~ Amy Grant (5:30)
“Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus)” ~ Chris Rice (3:31)
“Come To The Quiet” ~ Maggie Amini (1:57)
“Be Still My Soul (In You I Rest)” ~ Kari Jobe (5:11)

14 Scriptures of STRENGTH for Your Frailty & Fears

Laurie Geisz — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 22:57:51 +0000

Friend, has your broken, grieving heart left you feeling fragile and fearful?

If it has, that would make perfect sense to me. When our heart has been broken, our whole being is affected—mind, body, and soul. Our hopes and dreams may feel shattered…our life in pieces. It’s only natural, in our unique grief and loss, to feel uniquely weak and fearful. In addition to needing comfort and hope, we need strength.

At least I did.

In the months waiting for my baby to die, I felt incredibly sad, scared, and in need of God’s help basically all the time. And yet I remember people saying to me on multiple occasions, “You seem so strong.” I would be completely taken aback: how could I possibly appear strong when I felt so weak?

It made no sense.

But if you know Jesus, you know he’s not really about making sense; he’s more about making a way.

At some point I realized God’s strength was shining through my brokenness: Christ’s power, as the Bible says, was resting on me (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). I had become living proof of Jesus’s words: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Those who had seen strength in me had actually seen the grace of God, the power of Christ.

My part had truly and only been my weakness.

Experiencing Jesus’s grace helped me understand an encouraging truth I would cling to the rest of my grief—and the rest of my life: “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (verse 10). More words that without Jesus wouldn’t make sense.

But Jesus changes everything. And his grace would continue to be sufficient for my every need.

Friend, I pray this is encouraging news for you: Jesus’s grace really is enough to get you through this hour, this day, this year.

Your weakness and his power are a perfect match.

And if and when the time feels right, the following fortifying Scriptures will be here for you, too. Of course there are countless more verses in the Bible to provide you strength, but these are fourteen of my favorites. Underneath every Scripture, I have personalized a prayer for you to read or say aloud if you find that helpful.

Grieving heart, may you find strength in God’s unfailing love and Word…

1. JOSHUA 1:5-6… “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous….”

Dear God, thank you for being with me like you were with Moses; thank you for your promise to never leave me. Please help me be strong and courageous;

2. PSALM 28:6-7… “Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.”

LORD, thank you for hearing my cry. You are my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in you, and you help me;

3. PSALM 29:10-11… “The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever. The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.”

You, LORD, are King forever; you give strength to your people and bless your people with peace. Please give strength to me;

4. PSALM 46:1-3… “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”

God, you are my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore I will not fear;

5. PSALM 59:9… “You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.”

You are my strength, God, I watch for you; on you, God, I can rely;

6. PSALM 73:23-26… “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory…. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Thank you, God, for always being with me. Thank you for holding my hand and guiding me with your counsel. You are the strength of my heart and my blessing forever;

7. PSALM 84:5-7… “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage…. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.”

God, blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. Help me go from strength to strength, till I appear before you;

8. ISAIAH 12:2… “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.”

Surely, God, you are my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. You, LORD, are my strength and my song; you have become my salvation;

9. ISAIAH 41:10… “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Thank you, LORD, for being with me and being my God. Thank you for strengthening me and helping me—for upholding me with your righteous right hand;

10. ISAIAH 58:11… “The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”

LORD, thank you for guiding me always…for satisfying my needs…and for strengthening my frame. I will be like a well-watered garden;

11. 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9-10… “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Jesus, your grace is sufficient for me, for your power is made perfect in weakness. Would you please rest your power on me? Thank you that because of you, when I am weak, I am actually strong;

12. 2 TIMOTHY 1:7… “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

God, you do not make me timid; rather, Holy Spirit, thank you for giving me power, love, and self-discipline;

13. 2 TIMOTHY 4:16-17… “At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength….”

Lord Jesus, thank you that even when others desert me, you stand at my side and give me strength;

14. REVELATION 19:11… “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True.”

Jesus, YOU are Faithful and True. You are already victorious…you are the ultimate strength…and you are my strength. Help me trust more and more in you. It’s in your Name I pray, amen.

If you would like to ponder a little more…

If one of the Scriptures stands out to you as especially meaningful, write it out and place it somewhere you will see it often. Then say or sing it out loud—in whatever tune you want—as many times as you need or desire. Pretty soon, without even trying, you may realize you have memorized it.
Read or say aloud or even write down all the personalized prayers under every Scripture as one big prayer. Then say or pray the whole prayer again whenever you need or want.

If focusing on these Scriptures is helpful to you…

…and you want more, you can find them in specific blog posts on hope, comfort, and God’s promises, too.

May God bless and strengthen you, friend, with the study of his Word.

How to Offer Loving Support to Someone Who Is Grieving

Laurie Geisz — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 22:35:02 +0000

When I think of the most thoughtful, most comforting ways people expressed their loving support to me throughout my grief, specific kindnesses come to mind. I share these ideas because I know from both the receiving and giving ends how difficult it can be to know what to do for someone who is grieving.

Of course I appreciate that every person is different, so I know the following ideas may not be right or appropriate all the time, but I think generally they would be considered kind and caring expressions of loving support. I have personally been on the receiving end of all of them, and they have been for me.

Therefore, in no particular order…

1. With their permission, give a tree or bush.

And possibly even plant it in their yard or location of their choice.

It has been eighteen years since a white lilac tree, Rose of Sharon bush, and Baby Blue Spruce were given to our family and planted in our yard, and they still bring me such joy! What beautiful reminders they are of ongoing life, year after year, as they bloom and grow—especially as they have survived many Colorado storms of wind, hail, and snow.

2. Give a book.

You may already know of a wonderful one to share, but if you need ideas you can find them on my Resources page. Reading others’ grief and faith stories provided me great solace, perhaps letting me know I wasn’t alone. Plus, the grieving one can read on their own time and in their own way.

3. Give a gift.

This could be a cozy blanket or stuffed animal, a framed picture or piece of jewelry, or a gift certificate for a massage, facial, or pedicure—basically just something you think would be meaningful to the grieving one.

And just drop the gift off or have it delivered. Give in such a way that nothing is required of the grieving one—not even for them to answer the door or have a conversation unless they want to.

4. Offer to give a puppy.

And possibly even offer to take the grieving one to see, be with, and choose from the litter of puppies.

Obviously becoming the owner and caretaker of a puppy is a nontrivial commitment, but a puppy could be a godsend to the grieving one, as my puppy Bella was for me. At the very least, seeing and holding puppies would most likely bring a smile to the grieving one’s face.

5. Send a sympathy card in the mail.

For the person sad and grieving, it is so nice to take even a short walk to the mailbox—getting some fresh air and exercise—and find a special, personalized envelope with a thoughtful sympathy card and handwritten note inside.

6. Take a dinner or meal.

And just drop it off at the front door, having prearranged when you are going to do so.

Again, ideally give the meal (or groceries or gift card) in such a way that nothing is required of the grieving one—not answering the door and having a conversation (unless they want to), washing dishes, or getting various items back to you.

7. Contribute financially to the cause in their loved one’s obituary.

I cannot overemphasize how meaningful and exciting it was for me every single time I learned of a new contribution—no matter the dollar amount—to “Baby Ben’s Bungalow,” the playground built at our church in honor of my son. You can know the grieving one will appreciate your gift because they have suggested it.

8. Love the grieving one with an act of service.

With their permission, sweep and spruce up their front porch, do some weeding, gardening, or snow shoveling, run some errands or help in some way with their kids—basically do something meaningful to them;

9. Offer to be with the grieving one.

This could be in their home, on a walk, or at a movie or church or anywhere of their choosing. And offer to listen if they want to talk about their loved one.

To clarify, let this offer be something that may or may not involve talking, but simply whatever, whenever, and wherever the grieving one prefers.

10. Remember the anniversary of the loved one’s death.

This could be with a card, text, flowers, or gift—it doesn’t so much matter what the form of remembrance is; what matters and will mean the world to the grieving one is that you have remembered their loved one, ideally for years to come.

If you have other ideas you would like to share, please feel free to do so on the Connect page of my website.

May God bless you as you prayerfully offer loving support to your grieving family member or friend.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” ~ Romans 12:15

14 Scriptures of COMFORT for Your Sorrow & Suffering

Laurie Geisz — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 20:07:21 +0000

In possibly the most famous sermon in all religious literature, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). But you may be mourning right now, hurting tremendously, and wondering where the comfort is—and how you could possibly be blessed—because all you feel is pain. I am so sorry for the pain, friend, and wish I could tell you when and how an iota of comfort will come, but of course I can’t.

Yet it’s infinitely more important Jesus said the above words.

Because you can trust he will comfort you in his way and time. And when he does, your heart may just understand why you would be called “blessed.”

I remember—fresh into my grief after my infant son died—cresting a hill and beholding a field of daisies; or sitting high atop a mountain and learning of the five stamens inside a wildflower; or, later that year, grieving deeply while putting up Christmas decorations and hearing the song “Breath of Heaven” by Amy Grant.

All of those instances could have occurred with another person and not meant anything special, but in my life—in my mourning—the God of the universe was reaching out to me, showing me his powerful and personal love for me.

Jesus was comforting me. Only I knew, but I knew.

And to be the recipient of God’s infinite, intimate love? Well, yes, that made me feel blessed.

Friend, I don’t know how Jesus will comfort you in your mourning, but I trust he will because we can trust his Word.

God’s love is unfailing.

And if and when the time feels right, the following Scriptures will be here for you, too. I pray they all, or just some, or even one, will provide you comfort. I have also included a personalized prayer under every verse for you to read or pray out loud, in case you find that helpful.

Grieving heart, your tears are seen, your cries are heard, and you are dearly loved.

May “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort” bless you in a personal and powerful way with his Word (2 Corinthians 1:3)….

1. DEUTERONOMY 33:26-27… “There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides across the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”

Dear God, there is no one like you; you ride across the heavens to help me. You hold me in everlasting arms;

2. PSALM 23:1, 4… “The LORD is my shepherd…. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

LORD, you are my shepherd. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; you comfort me;

3. PSALM 34:18… “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Thank you, LORD, for being close to me and my broken heart; please save me, for I am crushed in spirit;

4. PSALM 63:6-8… “On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.”

God, I remember you through the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you, and your right hand upholds me;

5. PSALM 91:4… “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

Thank you, LORD, for your comforting, protective love; thank you for your faithfulness to me;

6. PSALM 119:52… “I remember, LORD, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them.”

I remember your ancient words of life and love, LORD, and I find comfort in them;

7. ISAIAH 9:6… “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Thank you, God, for the gift of Jesus. Thank you for being my Wonderful Counselor, my Mighty God, my Everlasting Father, and my Prince of Peace;

8. ISAIAH 40:11… “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.”

Thank you for tending to me, God; thank you for carrying me close to your heart and gently leading me;

9. ISAIAH 51:3… “The LORD will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing.”

LORD, you will surely comfort me; you will make my deserts like your garden. Joy and gladness will be found in me, thanksgiving and the sound of singing;

10. MATTHEW 11:29-30… “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Thank you, Jesus, for being gentle and humble in heart, and for letting me find rest for my soul. Please help me take your yoke of love upon me and learn from you;

11. MARK 6:31… “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

Thank you, Lord, for inviting me to be with you in a quiet place and get some rest;

12. JOHN 14:27… “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Jesus, thank you for the gift of your peace. Thank you for caring about my heart; because of you I will not be afraid;

13. 2 CORINTHIANS 1:5… “For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.”

Father of compassion, thank you that my comfort abounds through Christ;

14. REVELATION 22:1-2… “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”

Thank you, God, for this vision of the river of the water of life and of your throne. Thank you for the tree of life and its leaves of healing for me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.

A few more ideas, if you would like…

1.) Say or write out all the personalized prayers together, one after the next, or say or write your own prayer;

2.) Take time to ponder or even memorize one of the Scriptures you find especially meaningful;

3.) Listen to a playlist of songs I created and/or learn about God’s promises for you in the Bible.

Remember, friend, God carries you close to his heart…. Jesus gives you his peace…. Joy and gladness will be found in you, thanksgiving and the sound of singing.

Grieving the Death of a Dear Friend: What Would Jesus Say?

Laurie Geisz — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 20:15:46 +0000

Do you ever have conversations with God, using Scripture as his words? Recently this just sort of happened to me, as I was processing a dear friend’s death. What started as a personal journal entry for me became a healing conversation with God. I share it in hopes that processing some of your own hurts, too, could become part of a conversation with our living, loving, listening God who I know has healing words for you….

Less than eighteen hours ago, I learned one of the dearest, most wonderful friends of my life had died the night before. I didn’t get to have final words with her. (I hope she read the last text I sent just a couple days ago, but I don’t know.) I didn’t get to have a last hug. (Or actually I did; I just didn’t realize at the time it would be our last.) I am so sad. My heart feels truly broken. I miss her so much and will for the rest of my life. My world will never be the same.

“Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices.”

Probably more times than necessary I’d told my family I wanted her to speak at my funeral. I think that’s because I always felt she really knew me. And that’s a special thing in this world: to be truly known and still be loved by another. She appreciated me—she genuinely cared about the unique sorrows and joys of my heart. I felt and knew her love through our same love languages. And even if we hadn’t seen each other or talked for a long time, she felt like my kindred spirit because we thought the same way: our hearts and minds “saw” symbolic meanings that we believed God gave. Together we saw and embraced our heavenly Father’s gracious, lavish love.

“You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.”

I think what I’m describing is a true friend. And that’s a very special gift in this world because, at least in my life, it’s very rare.

“Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”

As I cried myself to sleep last night, I realized this is a new kind of grief for me. I’ve grieved the losses of my infant son, four beloved dogs, all my grandparents, and other dear human beings and precious animals, but this is the first time I’ve experienced the death of a deeply cherished friend.

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.”

But in my tears I’ve also realized something else: in this new grief, I also have a new joy. Because the love that my friend and I have always shared has been interwoven with our faith in Jesus—our friendship truly a gift wrapped in God’s love for us—I know we’ll be together again someday WITH JESUS.

And that is such unspeakably glorious news.

I don’t know what God has prepared for us—what our laughing and tiramisu cake and heartfelt conversation will look like—but because Jesus has conquered death and forever lives, we will, too, in paradise. He has said he’ll make all things new, so he will. Yes, this current separation stings, but I will see my dear friend again. And I will, for an eternity of other reasons also, rejoice.

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

As I grieve this very painful loss of my precious, beautiful friend, I am so thankful Jesus said, “…your grief will turn to joy.” I imagine in the moment he was referring to how others would feel surrounding his crucifixion and resurrection, but I also believe he and his words—for Jesus is the Word—are eternal and timeless and can touch our lives and heartbreaks in any moment.

My grief will turn to joy.

I am so thankful for the promise…for the hope it brings. Thankful for the encouragement to “take heart” in this world, which means “have courage.” Thankful that my grief hurts so much because the love my friend and I share is so great. Thankful for my Father God, the Giver of every good and perfect gift, like my friend. And so, so grateful that as I grieve, I can rest my weary head on the perfect “gentle and humble in heart” pillow of Jesus and have peace.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Friend—whoever you are reading this—Jesus’ words are entirely for you, too.

(Scriptures quoted and referred to include: John 1:1; 16:20, 22, 33; Hebrews 11:1, 13-16; 1 Corinthians 2:9; 13:12; Luke 23:43; Revelation 21:5; James 1:17; and Matthew 11:28.)

God’s Promises for Grieving Hearts: 14 Scriptures to Empower Your Faith

Laurie Geisz — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 17:15:55 +0000

You may have heard of “promises of God,” but do you know what they are?

During a sorrowful season in which I spent a great deal of time in Scripture, I began to notice one specific word in many verses I found comforting. As I kept being drawn to this one little word—“will”—I realized it carried with it a certain strength, a confidence, an assurance of the bigger phrase or sentence in which it lay.

As I started focusing on these “will-filled” Scriptures, I recognized they were more than words from God to me: they were promises.

If God says he will do something, it’s not a “maybe”—it’s a certainty. In my sad and despairing state, I found this revelation more than encouraging: it was empowering.

And years later, I still do.

God’s promises empower our faith.

Grieving friend, please take this to heart: even in our suffering—especially in our suffering—we don’t have to wonder if God’s promises will come true. They will. We may not know how or when, but we can trust in his timing and way.

Of course there are many, many more promises in the Bible, but for now, I will share fourteen of my favorites. I hope as you read them, you will feel a new assurance of God’s LOVE, a new strength in your FAITH, and a new confidence as you HOPE.

And after each Scripture, feel free to speak aloud the promise I have personalized for you:

1. PSALM 126:5-6… “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”

I will reap with songs of joy;

1. ISAIAH 40:30-31… “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

LORD, as I hope in you, my strength will be renewed;

1. ISAIAH 41:13… “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

You, LORD, are my God who takes hold of my right hand and tells me not to fear; you will help me;

1. ISAIAH 46:4… “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

You, God, have made me and will carry me; you will sustain me and will rescue me;

1. ISAIAH 55:12-13… “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands…. This will be for the LORD’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.”

I will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before me, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. LORD, this will be for your renown;

1. ISAIAH 58:8-9… “Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.”

My healing will quickly appear, and your glory, LORD, will be my rear guard. I will cry for help, LORD, and you will answer;

1. ISAIAH 60:19-20… “The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory…. Your days of sorrow will end.”

You, LORD, will be my everlasting light; my God will be my glory, and my days of sorrow will end;

1. HOSEA 6:3… “Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”

LORD, you will appear; you will come to us;

1. LUKE 6:21… “Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.”

Jesus, I am blessed and will be satisfied; I will laugh;

1. ROMANS 8:18… “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

A glory of incomparable worth will be revealed in me;

1. PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7… “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I need not be anxious about anything; as I present my requests to you, God, your peace will guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus;

1. 1 PETER 5:10… “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

God of all grace, you yourself will restore me and make me strong, firm, and steadfast;

1. REVELATION 7:17… “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”

Jesus, you will be my shepherd and will lead me to springs of living water. You, God, will wipe away every tear from my eyes;

1. REVELATION 21:3… “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.’”

God, you will dwell among your people. You yourself will be with me and be my God.

If you want to ponder these promises more…

Pick one of the Scriptures you especially like and memorize it.
Speak aloud or write out for yourself the individual prayers to make one big prayer of promises…

I will reap with songs of joy;

LORD, as I hope in you, my strength will be renewed;

You, LORD, are my God who takes hold of my right hand and tells me not to fear; you will help me;

You, God, have made me and will carry me; you will sustain me and will rescue me;

I will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before me, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. LORD, this will be for your renown;

My healing will quickly appear, and your glory, LORD, will be my rear guard. I will cry for help, LORD, and you will answer;

You, LORD, will be my everlasting light; my God will be my glory, and my days of sorrow will end;

LORD, you will appear; you will come to us;

Jesus, I am blessed and will be satisfied; I will laugh;

A glory of incomparable worth will be revealed in me;

I need not be anxious about anything; as I present my requests to you, God, your peace will guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus;

God of all grace, you yourself will restore me and make me strong, firm, and steadfast;

Jesus, you will be my shepherd and will lead me to springs of living water. You, God, will wipe away every tear from my eyes;

God, you will dwell among your people. You yourself will be with me and be my God.

In Jesus’ Name we pray, amen.

Finding Meaning in Your Mourning: A Vital Stage of Healing

Laurie Geisz — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 16:50:29 +0000

You may have heard of the commonly accepted five stages of grief—Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance—but did you know there is also a sixth stage crucial to the healing process, called Meaning? World-renowned grief expert David Kessler wrote a book about it, called Finding Meaning.

As I read every word—sixteen years after my infant son Ben died—I felt so wonderfully affirmed but also enlightened as to why a certain yellow butterfly still today brings me such joy…and, I didn’t even realize, has played a vital role in my healing.

Kessler writes, “Ultimately, meaning comes through finding a way to sustain your love for the person after their death while you’re moving forward with your life. That doesn’t mean you’ll stop missing the one you loved, but it does mean that you will experience a heightened awareness of how precious life is….” (Finding Meaning, pages 6-7).

Just days after my Baby Ben died, a striking, yellow butterfly fluttered through my backyard. As I sat at my kitchen island crying, the small yet wonderful creature caught my eye.

It was almost as if he wanted to.

And then he kept returning, day after day, week after week, surprising me that summer with his sweet, light, joyful presence. In my devastation and sadness, this butterfly made me smile. I don’t know how to explain it, but I felt like he was a little messenger of Ben, or of God, or both, somehow communicating love to me.

Seeing the butterfly made me happy.

At some point—I think very soon—it felt completely natural calling him “Baby Ben Butterfly.”

And still to this day, almost nineteen years later, Baby Ben Butterfly continues to visit me—not only in my backyard, but in other cities and even countries, too. Last summer, while I was standing atop a sky-high cathedral in a remote city of Portugal, lo and behold, Baby Ben Butterfly found me. And he kept returning to me, again and again, giving me the impression he felt a connection, too!

Truly, every time I see this butterfly, it’s as if my beloved son in heaven is saying “Hi, Mom!” and telling me he loves me…that he’s doing just fine in heaven, but looks forward to our being together again someday.

Seeing Baby Ben Butterfly clearly means the world to me.

But I didn’t realize the full ramifications of that meaning until reading Kessler’s book. For me, seeing a yellow swallowtail butterfly is one of the primary ways my love for my son Ben is sustained.

In a butterfly I have found meaning: I have found JOY and LOVE, so my heart has found HEALING.

Some might think it odd that a simple butterfly could provide me healing, but Kessler gives seven “thoughts” that may guide you in understanding meaning:

Meaning is relative and personal.
Meaning takes time. You may not find it until months or even years after loss.
Meaning doesn’t require understanding. It’s not necessary to understand why someone died in order to find meaning.
Even when you do find meaning, you won’t feel it was worth the cost of what you lost.
Your loss is not a test, a lesson, something to handle, a gift, or a blessing. Loss is simply what happens to you in life. Meaning is what you make happen.
Only you can find your own meaning.
Meaningful connections will heal painful memories.

Of course there is so much more to say about finding meaning in your mourning, and I absolutely recommend Kessler’s book which you will find on my Resources page. But for now, is there a way you have found meaning in your mourning?

Is there a way that the love you feel for your beloved lives on?

If you have a story you would like to share, I invite you to do so here, as a potential guest on my podcast. I would be honored to witness your story—to dignify your loss and your love—and I thank you in advance for your courage in sharing.

I leave you with a quote from Finding Meaning, pp. 55-56:

“When people go to a hospice or a nursing home, many of them don’t know why there are butterflies painted on the walls. Shortly after the end of World War II, when Elisabeth Kubler-Ross visited different concentration camps, she saw pictures of butterflies etched into the walls everywhere she looked. She found it very strange that people who were dying would draw butterflies. She said it wasn’t until many years later, when she began working with dying children and noticed that they, too, would draw butterflies, that she finally understood why. She realized that for the dying butterflies were a symbol of transformation, not of death, but of life continuing, no matter what. Although your relationship with your loved one will change after death, it will also continue, no matter what. The challenge will be to make it a meaningful one.”

Where Is God When I Feel So Alone?

Laurie Geisz — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 23:09:51 +0000

Feeling alone, you may personally know, is all too common when we’re grieving. Whether we think no one understands our pain, or we don’t feel seen, or we feel seen but ignored because people don’t know what to say to us, personal experience has taught me how normal it is to feel isolated, alone, and lonely in our grief.

And even if we believe in an omnipresent God, he’s invisible, so how can we know he’s there? We are told over and over in Scripture God is with us, but in the midst of the pain, darkness, and aloneness, where is he? How can we know or feel his Presence?

How can we have eyes to see?

First, friend, let me declare from the mountaintops: he is there. Immanuel—“God with us”—is with you (Matthew 1:23). That’s his Name—that’s who he is.

Yes, he’s invisible, so it would help to have eyes of faith to see, but as I look back on some of the darkest, most “alone” times in my grief, I can see seven ways Immanuel proved his Name in my pain. The specifics will surely be different for you, but I believe the categories (listed in no particular order) may ring true….

To begin, God reveals himself through people.

Whether it was a friend’s caring voicemail, my own children’s precious words and smiles, a new friend who understood my pain because her baby had also died, or each and every person behind the thoughtful sympathy cards, e-mails, and dinners that arrived almost daily, God continually used PEOPLE to show me his compassion and tender loving care.

What people has God used with you?

Second, God reveals himself through his creation.

Whether it was a bird that uniquely fluttered at my window, the light of dawn that trickled into my hospital room, or the lilac trees that appeared in my backyard, God has countless times used the beauty and goodness of HIS CREATION to reveal his magnificent yet sweetly personal presence to me.

How has God used his creation with you?

Third, God reveals himself through his Word.

Yes, Scripture is filled with many versions of “the Lord is with you,” but also endless more words of encouragement and hope from “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3). The Bible can be a big book that sits on a shelf, collecting dust, barely opened. But for those who open it—who read and receive its grace and truth—the Divine Author’s love letter to each and every one of us unfolds. And because “the word of God is alive and active,” Immanuel continues to speak to us through it, reaching out to us in our pain (Hebrews 4:12). I am forever thankful for God’s gift of HIS WORD to reveal his all-knowing, faithful love and empowering presence with me.

How has God used his Word with you?

Fourth, God reveals himself through church.

Whether my eyes have seen “the light of the world,” Jesus, through a Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service, or I have “fallen into the loving arms of God” through a sermon, or I have realized I’m not crying tears of sadness or joy, but of worship of my Living God, Immanuel has innumerable times used CHURCH to reveal his impassioned yet gentle presence with me, ministering to me and renewing me (John 8:12).

How has Immanuel recently or even long ago used church to prove his Name to you?

Fifth, God reveals himself through his Spirit within us.

Whether a comforting Scripture has “appeared” in my thoughts, or I have been “given” an idea I would not have had on my own, or I have felt “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,” Immanuel has shown me he is not only with me, but within me (Philippians 4:7). Jesus said, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you” (John 14:16-17). Indeed, because decades ago I responded to an invitation, receiving Jesus’s forgiveness of my sins and accepting him into my heart as my Lord and Savior, and have been journeying with him ever since, I “know him.” I know God uses HIS SPIRIT to reveal his “Faithful and True” presence with me (Revelation 19:11).

Has God used his Spirit to reveal himself to you?

If you have never received “the Spirit of truth” and would like to, I’ve included a prayer at the end of this post you may choose to say. (And if you do, I’d be so honored if you’d share with me that wonderful news.)*

Sixth, God reveals himself through song.

Whether it was Matt Redman’s “Blessed Be Your Name,” or Graham Kendrick’s “Knowing You Jesus,” or Amy Grant’s “Breath of Heaven”—or the ethereal loveliness of birdsong—God has used oh-so-beautiful SONG, it seems as many times as there are stars in the sky, to let me know he is with me…that he sees me, will be enough for me, and even has blessing for me in the suffering. His Presence has made all the difference in my sadness, as SONG has lifted my head and my heart to him.

Is there a special song Immanuel has used with you?

Seventh, God reveals himself through visions and auditions.

These experiences—“seeing” and “hearing” with my heart—have definitely been more rare, but totally real and especially powerful. Whether it was the time I “saw” myself dancing with Jesus, “heard” God choose me for his reasons, or “saw” myself in a stream flowing through me, Immanuel has used VISIONS and AUDITIONS to communicate his divine Presence with me, also bringing purpose to my life or pain.

Has God used visions or auditions with you?

Of course our Almighty, Triune God can reveal himself any way he wants, but I hope this post has helped you see various ways “God with us” might prove his Name to you, in your life, in your pain.

Throughout my grief, I learned even the most wonderful friend or family member cannot “be there” all the time, but God can and will. So, friend, when you feel most alone, know God is with you.

Even though you can’t see him, believe he is there.

And trust that just as Moses “…persevered because he saw him who is invisible,” so will you (Heb 11:27). “…blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).

God bless you, friend.

* The following prayer of belief is simply one example of a prayer you could say to accept Jesus into your heart and life, thereby receiving his Spirit. I happened to see it at Christ Community Church in Franklin, Tennessee and especially liked it:

“Lord Jesus Christ, I acknowledge that I am weaker and more sinful than I ever dared to admit, but through you I am more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope. I thank you for paying my debt on the cross, taking what I deserve in order to offer me complete forgiveness. Knowing that you have been raised from the dead, I turn to you and receive you as my Savior and Lord. Amen.”