Recently, I lost my mum. It was not unexpected, but it was and is nevertheless hard and painful. I write my story as I hope it encourages and inspires you!
Grief is different for everyone, but when losing someone you love, it is a painful parting for all of us. I remember sitting in church less than a week afterwards, feeling the loss and allowing myself to feel the deep sadness of no longer having her presence on earth.
Grief can sometimes make us feel like we lose our sense of purpose, which is understandable, as living for those we love is natural. But for me, in strong contrast to when I lost my dad almost 20 years ago, I felt a resolve rising in me regarding my purpose, even in that first week. As I connected with the Lord, I felt, I still have a job to do here before I join my mum, my dad, and my brother. It was a reason to be here on earth. It was a hope.
My sense of purpose felt stronger than ever. The vision that God has grown in me over the last 20 years felt more resonant in my heart.
This vision, (born out of knowing my purpose), —why I am here and what I am meant to impact—is so clear to me. It is deeply connected to my heart, my spirit, and my values. It is what I live for. It is what I struggle and fight for. It is highly compelling and something I feel deeply passionate about. This is what we all deserve to have. This is what we are all called to have.
What I now realise is that in times of grief, which are often the most difficult times, this purpose, this vision that God has so graciously led me into, becomes an anchor. It does not change despite everything.
Having clarity of purpose is totally attainable, but it does not mean it is easy. Clarity does not mean I always know what is going to happen or when. The way it happens, the timing, and the types of impact may change. My heavenly Father requires faith, and faith is tested in the not knowing of these parts. But the purpose, the vision, remains. It has been for me in this season—an anchor for my soul.
This type of purpose partnered with a vision, gives you a great sense of value and worth. This has been true for me and many others I know. It grounds me. It shows me what to pursue, what to let go of, what to say ‘yes’ to, and what to say ‘no’ to. It draws me to the Lord through every season, to seek His face, to follow Him, and to be faithful in stewarding this purpose and this vision. It keeps my hunger alive because this purpose resounds with my soul and my spirit, loudly.
I am shocked by how becoming one of those who walks confidently in their purpose, with clarity and boldness, has helped me so much during this recent loss. I am also encouraged that this is what God has for each and every one of us. It is available. It is our inheritance.
2 Peter 1:10 says, “Be even more diligent to make your call and election sure.” There is something powerful about setting your heart on fire with what God has called you to.
The amazing thing about growing and honouring a vision and a purpose with God is that it is never small. It is always bigger than us. It is exciting, scary, and it can at times feel overwhelming when we make the mistake of thinking we can do it in our own strength.
But it brings you fully alive.
Jesus said in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” There is something about living in step with our personal and unique purpose that brings that life into the deepest parts of who we are.
Having something to live for that seems almost too good to be true, or too unrealistic in the eyes of others, is what every child of God is made for.
Pursuing and knowing my purpose since 2006, and now helping thousands of others pursue and know theirs, has been and will continue to be one of the greatest privileges of my life. I love seeing lives turned around into incredible, extraordinary ones, where, once connected to a great vision and purpose, people come alive and find the energy, motivation, and courage to fully be who they were created to be.
Even in grief, purpose remains.
Even in loss, calling remains.
Even in sorrow, God is still faithful.
And when your purpose is clear, resonant and anchored in Him, it will hold you through every storm.