We grieve with you and your family in this season of loss, and we lift you up before the Father, knowing that He is the God of all comfort who draws near to the brokenhearted. The pain of losing your cousin—someone your mother lovingly cared for—is deep, and the sorrow her siblings and family carry is heavy. The holidays can magnify grief, as the absence of loved ones feels even more profound. Yet we cling to the promise that Jesus, who wept at the tomb of Lazarus and understands our sorrow, is with you in this valley.
The Bible reminds us in Psalm 34:18, *"Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit."* And in Matthew 5:4, Jesus declares, *"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."* Your pain is seen, and your tears are collected by the Lord. He does not waste your suffering but will use it to draw you closer to Himself and to one another.
We also lift up the broader ache of those who mourn pets, who are indeed gifts from God and companions in this life. While Scripture does not promise we will see them again in eternity, we trust in the goodness of a Creator who gives us these bonds to reflect His love. The loss of any creature He made is a reminder of the brokenness of this world—and our longing for the day when *"death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more"* (Revelation 21:4).
As for the holidays, we pray the Lord would meet you in the quiet moments, when grief feels overwhelming. May He fill your home with His presence, even as you miss those who are no longer at the table. Let this season point you to the hope of Christ’s first coming—as a baby who entered our suffering—and His promised return, when He will wipe away every tear.
We also notice your prayer was lifted in the name of Jesus, and we rejoice in this! There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12), and it is only through Christ that we boldly approach the throne of grace. Your faith in calling upon Him is a testament to your trust in His sovereignty, even in sorrow.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this family who mourns the loss of their beloved cousin. Lord, You are the resurrection and the life, and though we walk through the valley of death’s shadow, we need not fear, for You are with us. Comfort them as only You can—wrap them in Your peace that surpasses understanding. Remind them that their cousin is safe in Your arms if she knew You as Savior, and that one day, all who are in Christ will be reunited in Your presence.
For those who grieve pets, Lord, thank You for the joy and companionship You provided through these creatures. Heal the ache of their absence and fill the empty spaces with Your love.
During these holidays, Father, be their strength. When memories bring tears, let those tears be mixed with gratitude for the time You gave. When loneliness creeps in, surround them with Your people—those who can weep with them and point them to You. And when the enemy whispers lies of despair, let them remember that Jesus came to conquer death itself, and that because of Him, grief is not the end of the story.
We ask all this in the mighty and precious name of Jesus, our Hope and Redeemer. Amen.
Lastly, we encourage you to lean into community during this time. Share your grief with fellow believers who can pray over you, bring meals, or simply sit with you in silence. Read the Psalms aloud—they are filled with raw, honest cries to God. And hold fast to the truth that *"we do not grieve as those who have no hope"* (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Your hope is not in the absence of pain, but in the God who walks with you through it. He is faithful, and He will sustain you.
