The month of February is associated with love. Hearts abound: decorations, in advertising, and on clothing. The bakery section of grocery stores is filled with heart-shaped cookies and cakes, and florists garner some of their biggest sales in February. But while many celebrate with great joy during this month, others are dealing with hurting hearts.
The Grieving Heart
Grief comes in many forms. You may be grieving the loss of a loved one, a treasured friend, or struggling with a different kind of loss. No matter the source, grief is a process without structure or a defined time frame. You may feel you have gained forward motion only to have a memory, comment, object, or location snatch you back into deep sadness. The journey of grief is unique for each grieving heart and cannot be rushed or circumvented. Give yourself permission to grieve without trying to tailor your journey to someone else’s expectations.
The Injured Heart
Sometimes, the physical heart malfunctions. Although it is a pump, the heart is also a muscle, which may weaken or harden over time. Electrical issues can occur. A valve may stop working properly. Arteries to and from the heart may become clogged. Any of these decrease functionality.
While we most often think of the physical aspects of the heart, what it does and how it functions, many of us know from experience that there is also an emotional component associated with the heart. Often, the heart is wounded by betrayal, abandonment, injustice, caustic relationships, or other types of heartache.
Just as a “broken” physical heart needs medication or surgery to improve, so an injured emotional heart requires time and help to recover. As you encounter others, remember, they may be viewing life from an injured heart perspective.
The Hard Heart
A heart damaged by trauma, tragedy, abuse, or verbal wounding can result in an emotionally hard heart. But a heart can also be hardened by unforgiveness. Pride and an unwillingness to forgive may be squeezing your heart in a vise-grip and affecting not only you, but others.
Just as you visit a doctor for a physical heart problem, take your hurts and heartaches to the Great Physician. God has the perfect prescription to aid healing. By the power of His spirit, you can soften your attitude toward those who have hurt you, forgive as God has forgiven you, and continue to move forward through the grief process. Ask God to strengthen you and heal your broken heart.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow].” Psalm 147:3 AMP
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is a writer, blogger, speaker, and freelance editor. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving beyond difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotionals published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include While You Wait: 7 Simple Truths for Seasons of Waiting (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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