Toothache of the Soul

Grief has been described as the toothache of the soul– a deep ache of loss and bewilderment that can turn our world upside down. A deep love looking for a different home. In this edition of Care News, we venture into places many of us would rather avoid. Yet grief is one of life’s great levellers. Sooner or later, all of us experience loss.

For Christians, grief is no less intense than it is for anyone else. But we take comfort in knowing that God is Emmanuel – God with us. He is the one who wept at the loss of his friend Lazarus and who knew profound sorrow in the Garden of Gethsemane. He meets us in our suffering and walks with us through every season.

Grief has shaped me deeply. Over a short period of time, I lost several close family members. While I would never wish that experience on anyone, I can see how it refined me. In loss, we are often confronted with how little control we truly have. Yet when we surrender what we cannot carry, God gently meets us there.

One of my greatest fears was that I would remain stuck in grief, unable to move forward. Instead, I discovered that healing comes not by avoiding pain but by facing it. In the darkest nights, we can find ourselves held by God and by the care of others.

Like winter, grief can feel long and cold. Yet winter does not last forever. In time, spring emerges, bringing new life, warmth and hope.

As you read the stories in these pages, I hope you find comfort and encouragement. Thank you for sharing this journey with us.

With blessings,

Veronika Peters
Head of Philanthropy and Fundraising