MY ANSWER

Our baby died when she was only a month old. Why did God let this happen?
Billy Graham writes, "Almost nothing in life is harder for any parent to bear than the death of a child."

MY ANSWER

I'm really dreading Easter this year because it will be the first big holiday since my husband died.
Billy Graham writes, "I can understand how you feel, and I know many people reading this understand also, because they too are grieving the loss of a loved one."

MY ANSWER

My father just died, and I feel so guilty because I never really thanked him for all he did for me.
Billy Graham writes, "We can't change the past—but we can learn from it! ... The Bible tells us to 'give thanks in all circumstances' (1 Thessalonians 5:18)."

MY ANSWER

My sister and her husband had a very stormy marriage, but since he passed away, she's been paralyzed with grief. Why is she reacting this way?
Billy Graham writes, "I can only speculate as to why your sister feels the way she does; she might not even know herself. But we often forget how absolutely final death is, and how it closes the door to any further contact on earth with someone we loved."

MY ANSWER

I was very sorry to read about the death of your wife, Ruth. I know you'll miss her very much.
Billy Graham writes, "Thank you for your concern and your prayers. Yes, I will miss her very much (as will all our family), but we rejoice that she is now safely home in heaven."

MY ANSWER

My brother died recently, and his wife didn't even notify any of us until after the funeral. Is it wrong for us to feel angry about this?
Billy Graham writes, "From what you say, your sister-in-law was thoughtless (or even worse) by failing to notify you, even if your families weren't particularly close and seldom had contact ... [but] what good will your anger do?"

MY ANSWER

I'm very tempted to try and communicate with my deceased husband.
Billy Graham writes, "Your loneliness and your desire to re-establish a relationship with your late husband are understandable, but I strongly urge you not to give in to this temptation."

MY ANSWER

My wife died earlier this year, and although I'll be with my children and grandchildren on Thanksgiving, it won't be the same. How can I explain this to them?
Billy Graham writes, "No doubt this holiday will bring a flood of memories to you, and it would be natural for you to feel a special sense of sadness and loss."

MY ANSWER

The fact that I'll never see my husband again hit me so hard that I can't get over it. I didn't think Christians were supposed to react this way.
Billy Graham writes, "It isn't true that Christians aren't supposed to grieve, or that it's wrong for us to experience sorrow when a loved one dies. Yes, we know they are in heaven if they knew Christ—but we still miss them terribly."

MY ANSWER

After my wife died a year ago, I just quit going to church because it was too painful. Was it wrong for me to drop out?
Billy Graham writes, "Recovering from grief is like recovering from surgery in another way: Eventually we need to take steps to overcome our grief."

MY ANSWER

Is there anything I can do to make up for all my lost years? I wish I hadn't lived the way I did. It wasn't worth it.
Billy Graham writes, "The past can't be changed, much as you might wish it could. But listen: The past can be forgiven, and God can give you hope for the future!"

MY ANSWER

This Christmas will be hard for me. Most of my relatives are gone now (including my husband), and the few I do have are either too old or live too far away. I am completely alone. Please tell people to reach out to lonely people during holidays, because it's hard for them.
You're right: Holidays are especially hard when we've lost our loved ones or they aren't near us, and the friendship of another person is especially welcome then.

MY ANSWER

Is it wrong to get angry at God? I've been through some very hard times recently and I feel like God has let me down. I'd like to get past this, I guess, but right now I can't help feeling angry at God.
Even when we're angry at Him, He still loves us and yearns for us to turn to Him for the comfort and encouragement we need. And that's what I pray you will do.

MY ANSWER

Why are people so thoughtless? I lost my husband a few months ago, and at first everyone was very concerned and sympathetic. But now no one calls or even asks how I'm doing. I don't understand this.
I'm afraid this happens far more often than it should.

MY ANSWER

Why doesn't God stop all the evil in the world? I know we're supposed to believe that God is kind and loving, but I just lost my 6-year-old nephew to leukemia, and it's hard to keep believing in a loving God.
I have pondered questions like this most of my life - and to be honest, I still don't have a full answer to this difficult problem.

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