Giving Up? What To Do When You Feel Like Giving Up by Yvonne Ortega
Giving up? What can you do when you feel like giving up?
“I’ve had it,” Judy said at a small gathering of women in my home. “I can’t take one more thing going wrong. I’m tired of the struggle.”
She stopped to catch her breath and continued, “I’m fed up with other people’s rage, stubbornness, and lack of conscience.”
The widow squeezed her small pack of tissue and looked down at the floor. “I don’t know what to do. I feel like giving up.”
Since Judy seemed distressed, my friend, Meredith, asked what she could do to help her. Judy said, “My husband died recently. I feel alone and lost.”
At those words, Meredith nodded in agreement. She said, “I’m a widow too. I lost my dear husband a year ago, and I feel like it was yesterday. Initially, I felt like giving up too.”
Judy sighed and said, “You understand. Some of my friends want me to hurry up and get over my grief, but I can’t. I’m doing the best I can.”
Meredith hugged Judy and said, “Let’s go for an iced tea.” The two left for a quiet neighborhood café.
Judy cried as she said, “I miss having him sit across the breakfast table from me. I miss his companionship. The house is quiet now.” She laughed and said, “I even miss arguing with him about religion and politics.”
“I know what you mean,” Meredith said and giggled.
Perhaps you feel like Judy and Meredith. You’ve lost a beloved husband or relationship and feel alone and lost. You may feel like giving up the way Judy does, but you have other options.
First, you can claim one of God’s promises in the Bible. In Isaiah 54:5, the Bible says, “Your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is his name.” Write that Bible verse on sticky notes and place them on your bathroom mirror, a kitchen cupboard, and your desk.
Every time you see that promise, thank God that he is your husband.
Next, ask God to provide a trustworthy friend or two who will give you the time you need to grieve the loss of your loved one.
If your church has a Stephen’s Ministry, reach out for help from that group. If you don’t want to call, have a friend call for you. According to stephensministry.org “Stephen Ministry congregations equip and empower lay caregivers—called Stephen Ministers—to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting.”
GriefShare offers you another option if you feel like giving up. On the website at https://www.griefshare.org, it says, “GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone.”
I found GriefShare a perfect fit after multiple family losses including the loss of my only child. The workbook, devotional, videos, and small discussion groups made a difference in my recovery. I pray it does the same for you.
Isaiah 54:5: “Your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is his name.”
Prayer: God, it’s me again. I feel alone and lonely. I feel like giving up. The Bible says you’re my husband. If that’s true, please show me what to do and help me through my loss. Amen.
Application: What one positive thing will you do this week to deal with your grief?
Related posts:
https://www.YvonneOrtega.com/alone-and-lonely-what-can-you-do-with-those-feelings/
https://www.YvonneOrtega.com/when-you-wake-up-without-strength/
https://www.YvonneOrtega.com/3-steps-to-take-on-those-gloomy-days/
Copyright © by Yvonne Ortega VIII.XVIII.MMXVIII
