The pain and grief of losing a child is one of the most excruciating tragedies a person can ever experience.
In an emotionally raw and vulnerable conversation, Christian artist TobyMac shared his heart about how the loss of his son plunged him into a deep and dark valley – but how God was right there.
Once you hear his story about knowing real “grief” – you’re bound to be touched in the deepest way.
Two-years ago, TobyMac lost his 21-year-old son Truett to an accidental overdose.
And since that day, TobyMac shares his emotional journey of grief – coming in waves – hitting him harder some days than others.
In his interview published by 99.1 JOY FM – TobyMac admits he doesn’t know if he’ll “smile as big” or “ever laugh as deeply” – but states he can still smile, and still laugh.
He continues, claiming he never really knew what grief was, or what it felt like, until he lost his son.
The death of Truett forced TobyMac to think about eternity – and truly know that God’s promises hold true – even in the deepest and darkest valleys.
Despite his unspeakable pain – TobyMac states he was reminded that God is faithful – and He really is who He says He is.
Faithwire reported:
“God doesn’t always take away the cold. He promises that He’ll be right there in it with us. That’s what I held on to. And I found Him there, or He found me there,” he said. “I didn’t know God stayed close in those times, but I’ve learned that He does. I really have.”
TobyMac shared that he felt love from all who listened to his music and all who prayed for him and his family, and all who took the time to post a kind word on social media to encourage him.
He stressed the importance of him having a solid Biblical and Christian community to walk through this season with – and that he’s in favor of counseling.
The interview was candid and real – TobyMac didn’t put on a “show” or “say the right things” in order to appear to be doing better than he was.
All too often, those who are grieving are simply expected to “suck it up” – especially if the person they lost is a Christian.
Well-meaning family and friends insist the loved one is now in a “better place” – and while that may be technically true – it doesn’t take the sting of the loss away.
If you are experiencing heartache or grief – please know you aren’t alone.
It’s crucial you do not isolate yourself or shrink away from community.
Even if you don’t feel like it, now more than ever surrounding yourself with the body of Christ is critical, so they can love you (and grieve with you) through this dark season.
Our hearts go out to Toby Mac and his entire family as they continue to mourn the loss of their son.
May God continue to grant them a peace that surpasses all understanding, and show the world that He really is who He says He is and that His promises always reign true.
If you’d like to listen to TobyMac’s heartfelt message on grief and the goodness of God you can do so here.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” – John 3:16-17
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