It hit me while we were jumping on the trampoline in the backyard of our broken house, and then out of the blue while I was making pizza in my friends kitchen, missing my own. We don’t like to give ourselves space to grieve. We like it to happen on a certain day in a certain way, so we can control it and look “strong”. But the truth is, the happiest moments are often when the sadness hits out of nowhere. Maybe you’re in a grieving season, and you feel the need to be strong and get through. Giving yourself permission to grieve IS strong.
So I'm giving myself and giving you permission to grieve in your own way, day to day, however it shows up. Like my friend Jenny said to me on the phone, “it takes energy to push it down and it takes energy to feel it, so either way it’s gonna suck! Thanks for your honest words friend. I needed to hear them. Maybe you do too.
P.S. - We wanted to share a quick update about our house. It’s been a hard two weeks of grieving and dealing with big decisions about our house. We have felt so supported by all of you and are blown away by your generosity. We’ve decided to elevate our house eight feet and make it flood proof. This is an expensive endeavor but it will allow us to move back in and sleep at night. The total cost will be approximately $60,000 (including new foundation, elevating, engineer, surveyor, contractor, etc). Any gift is appreciated, we literally couldn’t do this without you. You have been our lifeline. Thanks so much 😆💛🙏🏻
https://www.gofundme.com/f/chris-jodi-flood-relief
Sending love,
Chris, Jodi, Milo & Ziggy
PPS - if you’ve been looking for a way to participate in being light in the world during this COVID season, check out www.lovehealinghugs.com and sponsor a life-changing surgery for a child who desperately needs one! For one dollar a day for a year, you can send a Healing Hug to a little one whose family can’t afford to pay for the surgery. As God continues to provide for you, why not help provide for someone less fortunate than yourself. Love you all, thanks for being so generous!!
PPPS - If you are subscribed to our PATREON you will receive access to all our episodes a week early! Never heard of it? It's the ultimate L&TO insiders’ subscription, a chance to get unreleased songs, conversations, and devotionals delivered to you personally every month! We will even do a Worship Wednesday exclusive just for Patreon members and pray for you all individually. We are excited about going deeper with you, and we hope you’ll join us! Check out www.patreon.com/loveandtheoutcome