Losing a parent is one of the deepest and most disorienting losses we experience in this life. Whether the death was sudden or expected, peaceful or painful, early in life or later on — the absence leaves a void that feels impossible to fill.
Parents shape our story. They are our first teachers, protectors, encouragers, or sometimes, the source of complicated memories. That’s why grief over a parent’s death is never simple. It is layered with love, history, regret, longing, and questions about how to move forward.
But God meets us in that complexity. Grief is not something to rush through; it is something to walk through — with God’s presence, His promises, and the support of others.
Why Losing a Parent Hurts So Deeply
The death of a parent affects your life on multiple levels:
- Identity shifts — You lose part of the story that shaped who you are.
- Emotional weight — Sadness, guilt, anger, or relief (if the relationship was difficult).
- Practical changes — Family responsibilities, estate matters, caregiving transitions.
- Spiritual questions — Where was God? Why now? What happens next?
- A sense of disconnection — Feeling “untethered,” especially if both parents are gone.
Grief after losing a parent also tends to resurface unexpectedly — birthdays, holidays, music, smells, or simple moments that remind you of them. This is normal. Grief is not a sign that something is wrong; it’s a sign that something mattered.
What Scripture Says About Loss
The Bible is filled with stories of people grieving deeply — and a God who sees, listens, and comforts.
- Psalm 34:18 — “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.”
- Matthew 5:4 — “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
- John 14:18 — “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
- Revelation 21:4 — One day God will wipe every tear from our eyes.
You do not grieve alone. Jesus Himself wept at the tomb of Lazarus. He enters sorrow with compassion — not correction.
Practical Ways to Walk Through the Grief of Losing a Parent
1. Give Yourself Permission to Feel
Grief is not weakness. Cry, journal, pray, talk to someone you trust. Let your heart be honest before God.
2. Remember in Healthy Ways
Keep photos close, write letters, share stories, or create a small memorial space. Memory is part of healing.
3. Let Others Help Shoulder the Load
Grief can make you withdraw, but healing often happens in the presence of others.
Whether you need prayer, someone to listen, or a companion on the journey, you don’t have to face this alone.
If you’re overwhelmed or unsure how to process this loss, a BrewPastor can be a compassionate guide.
Talk to a BrewPastor today.
4. Take Care of Your Body and Soul
Grief is exhausting. Rest more than usual, drink water, spend time outside, and engage in small habits that ground you.
5. Hold Space for Complicated Emotions
Not every parent-child relationship is easy. If your relationship had wounds, mixed emotions are normal. God can bring healing even when closure wasn’t possible.
When You Feel Like You’re Losing Your Foundation
Many people say, “I feel like I lost a part of myself.”
When a parent dies, it can trigger:
- A sense of being “orphaned” — even as an adult
- Fear of the future
- Spiritual numbness or anger
- Questions about your purpose
God meets you in all of it. He calls Himself Father to the fatherless (Psalm 68:5). He becomes what you feel you have lost — stability, guidance, comfort, and presence.
If your faith feels shaken, that doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means your heart is hurting.
🙏 A BrewPastor can walk with you in your grief, help you make sense of the spiritual questions, and pray with you through the hardest days.
Connect with a BrewPastor here.
Helpful Resources for Grieving the Death of a Parent
- Books
- A Grace Disguised by Jerry Sittser — a powerful Christian reflection on loss.
- Permission to Mourn by Tom Zuba — compassionate guidance for the grieving heart.
- Losing a Parent by Fiona Marshall — practical help for emotional and relational transitions.
- Christian & Emotional Support
- GriefShare — biblical, community-based grief recovery groups.
- Focus on the Family – Coping With Grief — Christian articles for navigating grief.
- Crisis Support
- Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential).
Hope for the Road Ahead
The grief of losing a parent may never fully disappear, but it does soften. As you walk with Christ, you will discover moments of peace, strength, meaning, and even joy again.
God does not rush your healing — He stays beside you through every wave of sorrow.
He promises comfort now and restoration forever.c
If you need someone to pray with you, listen, or walk with you through this season, reach out to a BrewPastor today. You do not have to carry this grief alone.