Stifled by Grief?

We're never too old to be creative. What stifles creativity is being overloaded with expectations and self-imposed limitations. Managing daily routines like a career, family and home diminish the desire to be creative. Creativity requires a positive challenge to fire up the flow of new ideas.

One deterrent to creativity is grief, especially when several losses are experienced simultaneously without an opportunity to focus on each one individually. A middle-aged man related how he went through divorce, job loss and a move from his home, all within one month. It's difficult to be creative if the heart and mind are burdened down with emotional issues.

Jesus makes it clear that grieving is to be encouraged. Listen to Matthew 5:4. "Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.” Jesus not only gives us permission to grieve but promises comfort when we do. To be comforted implies allowing healing and hope for the future as well as the blessing of creativity being restored.

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How happy are those who know what sorrow means, for they will be given courage and comfort!

~Matthew 5:4 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope.

My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.

~Psalm 119:49-50 New International Version