LOOKING FOR ANSWER

Would it be right to try to talk with the spirits of dead loved ones?
This desire is understandable, but contacting the dead is not permitted by God according to the Bible.

LOOKING FOR ANSWER

My loved one died. How can I deal with my loneliness?
It is always hard for us to be separated from those we love. Do not apologize for your grief or try to conceal your loneliness.

MY ANSWER

How long does it take to get over the death of a loved one?
Billy Graham writes, "It won't happen all at once, but little by little comfort will come—with God's help." Read his answer now!

MY ANSWER

My brother and sister-in-law blame God for the death of their son. How can I help them?
Billy Graham writes, "Assure them that you care, and that you understand their hurt, but then gently encourage them to turn to Christ."

MY ANSWER

I'm the only one left in my family. Sometimes I feel so lonely I even think about taking my own life.
Billy Graham writes, "No matter how hard life has gotten, I know that with God there is hope."

MY ANSWER

My wife and I were married for 53 years before her death last spring. I don't think I'll ever get over it because we were so close.
Billy Graham writes, "Almost nothing in life is harder than the death of a dearly loved spouse—and I want you to know that God understands your hurt and wants to help you."

MY ANSWER

A couple of weeks ago, two of my high school classmates were in a bad car wreck. Why did God let one die and the other escape?
Billy Graham writes, "My heart goes out to you and your classmates, and especially to the parents of the student who was killed."

MY ANSWER

I lost my spouse to cancer three years ago, and I'm still grieving. Do you think we ever really get over the death of a loved one?
Billy Graham writes, "I doubt if we ever truly get over the death of someone we loved very deeply—and the longer or more closely we knew them, the harder it will be."

MY ANSWER

Our 6-year-old boy died of leukemia last year, and I can't believe in a God who would do that to us.
Billy Graham writes, "I do know this: God didn't cause your son's leukemia, nor did He take delight in His death. We live in a world that has been touched by evil and sin, and life is often hurtful."

MY ANSWER

I lost my wife about a year ago to cancer, and I just can't get over it.
Billy Graham writes, "Almost nothing in life is as painful as the loss of a loved one (whether their death was anticipated, or sudden and unexpected). Nor does the shock and sadness go away easily or quickly."

MY ANSWER

Is it silly to grieve over the loss of a pet? Does God care about things like this?
Billy Graham writes, "God knows our feelings, and He cares when life's hurts come upon us (as they will). Thank Him for the memories you have of this pet."

MY ANSWER

I've lost two husbands, and now the man I hoped to marry has backed out. Why can't I find happiness?
Billy Graham writes, "I wish I could give you a logical reason for what has happened to you—but to be honest, I can't. I can tell you this: God knows what you're going through, and He understands your disappointment and hurt."

MY ANSWER

Our neighbor's husband died a few months ago, and I feel so awkward because I don't know what to say.
Billy Graham writes, "I urge you to reach out to your neighbor. Yes, I know it can feel awkward but what she really needs is your presence, not just your words."

MY ANSWER

My uncle is a Christian and believes my aunt (who died last year) is in heaven—but if that's the case, why is he so grief-stricken?
Billy Graham writes, "The more we loved someone, the more we will miss them—and the more we will look forward to seeing them again in heaven."

MY ANSWER

Our last child went away to college several months ago, and I can't believe how hard it's been adjusting to an empty house.
Billy Graham writes, "Yes, it's a time of great adjustment—even of stress for some couples. But with God's help it can become one of the most fulfilling times of your life."

MY ANSWER

My husband and I both lost our first spouses when we were in our 60s. Our children from our first marriages have had a very hard time accepting our remarriage.
Billy Graham writes, "I urge you to sit down privately with each of them and listen to their worries. Rightly or wrongly, they are probably thinking more about how your remarriage impacts them than what it means to you."

MY ANSWER

My husband unexpectedly died in his sleep six months ago, and I don't think I'll ever get over it. Can you help me?
Billy Graham writes, "You will always remember your husband, and your grief over his death won't go away quickly. But in time, your pain will lessen—and God wants to help you in this process."

MY ANSWER

Do you think we can communicate with those who’ve died? I lost my husband last year, and I long to hear his voice again. Why shouldn’t I try this?
Billy Graham writes, "I understand your heartache (and so does God), but I urge you not to pursue this path. The Bible warns us against having anything to do with someone 'who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead' (Deuteronomy 18:11)."

MY ANSWER

My wife died a year ago, and at first everyone was very concerned and helpful. But now it's as if they don't know I exist. Why is this?
Billy Graham writes, "I'm sorry people have drawn back; one reason I wanted to reprint your letter is because I hope it will make us more sensitive to those who grieve. The Bible says, 'Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn' (Romans 12:15)."

MY ANSWER

My wife died two years ago, and the hardest part has been the loneliness. Am I doomed to be lonely the rest of my life?
Billy Graham writes, "God knows your situation, and the most important thing I can tell you is to seek His will for your future. He loves you, and He alone knows what is best for you."