[Season 1] Episode 2: Losing
We think of loss as related to significant moments - losing a loved one, a job, a home. However, the experience of loss can happen in the ordinary, when something - either tangible (a set of car keys) to intangible (a sense of control) - is no longer ours. While some losses are more difficult than others, the experience of loss results in grief when something we value is gone. What is distinct about the Christian experience of loss? Listen as guests Megan Low and Grace Tang break down this down for us as we reconcile our experience of loss in light of a Savior who ultimately lost His life so that we may live.
Guests
Megan Low is a homeschooling mom of 4 and pastor’s wife originally from San Fernando Valley in Southern California, but now residing in San Francisco. She enjoys crafting when she has the time, drawing/doodling with her kids, and talking shoes with her husband, Theo. Megan shares with us on this episode the loss of her mom to cancer and her reflections as she processed this while in her Masters of Biblical Counseling program.
Grace Tang was born in Malaysia and came to the US at 16 years old. She worked as a certified public accountant before serving as a missionary in Central Asia for 10 years and in northwest China for 8 years. From these years of being on the missions field and having experienced many different types of losses, Grace shares with us her wisdom on how loss is experienced as a believer in Jesus Christ.
INTRODUCTION
Interview: Megan Low
[03:58] To help me see that yes, even this really good thing that God gave me is fragile...is temporary...and to remember that my hope lies beyond this world.
[06:55] For the longest time I thought that if I showed too much emotion or if I allowed myself to cry that meant that I didn’t believe that God was sovereign or good or that I was somehow angry or upset or not happy with his plan by crying and that was me not complaining
[07:30] I was able to see that emotion is not a bad thing...God gave human emotions, so it’s a matter of what we do with them...they can be sinful. but in many ways they are a good thing…
[09:20] I think a lot of times we just try to stuff it and not talk about it or just...everyone else is moving on, so I just need to charge ahead and move on, too.
[13:54] Having had a loss of a person it just opens a door to talk to other people who are going through similar things or just a loss in general. I feel like it makes them a little more open or even receptive and just willing to dialogue with me about it.
Interview: Grace Tang
[18:56] I define loss as anything valuable that is lost. Sometimes you don’t know that thing is valuable to you until you have lost it, then you have a reaction about that loss, and then you realize that...oh, I think I’ve lost something important here. It’s just something tangible or intangible that is lost.
[21:16] Losses affect the way you see yourself...whether you are a success or a failure, a victim or a victor, blessed or cursed...it affects your identity...it may affect what you believe about God - His goodness, love, justice...so loss can be very confusing. That’s what makes it so hard.
[23:18] I encourage people to reflect on the value of what’s lost and compare it to the value of knowing Christ. Is belonging to Jesus enough for joy in your life? If not, then why?
[28:12] After Adam and Eve sinned in Genesis 3, the rest of the Bible is about restoring what was lost.
[28:34] Jesus Christ himself ministers to us when experience loss today through His presence...Psalm 23...the Lord is my good Shepherd. His presence means I”m not alone. I’m safe.
[29:36] Losses are normal occurrences in this fallen world, and from Jesus I learn not to hold on to anything too tightly in this world.
Scripture
Application
Recognize, engage, and lament our losses.
Practice hopeful, thankful, learning postures in loss.
Look to Jesus in our loss
Get over our own awkwardness to engage others in their loss.