I just wanted to offer my condolences to the families that are going through the tragic losses felt across North America.

My love, thoughts and prayers to everyone from Mowachaht/Muchalaht to Ahousaht. And to also to the people of Uclulathaht and the recent loss also in the past couple of days, to my dear friends Vi and Bob Mundy. Please know I am thinking of my extended family and the families of the four tragically taken away from us. And want to offer a few words if I may.

People experiencing tragedy often go through stages of emotional expressions of sobbing and hysteria. These may come and go when least expected. Even people who are normally quite unemotional may experience a great deal of emotion during times of loss, which I have felt and experienced also of late in the death of so many, but in particular with my nephew's passing. I even so much as went off the grid to try to sort through and deal with his passing and the passings of my sister and brother in early January. It became too much even for me.

In general, people are afraid of emotions, and an uncontrolled display of these emotions is even more fearful. I encourage you to fear not because it will pass. Good understanding and a lot of help from family and friends will bring you victory through this kind of situation.

Confusion, disorientation and fear are also common. Depression and waves of overwhelming feelings are experienced by many, as well as physical symptoms caused by the emotional stress. I believe the key word in these situations is balance.

The Bible talks of how King David was feeling depressed, but he resisted it. He didn't sink into it or get into the pit of despair. He described how he felt, but he made a decision not to live by his feelings (Psalm 42:5-11 and Psalm 143).

People have often confided in me how discouraging it is when others make them feel like their faith isn't good enough during these times. I believe it takes faith and courage to go through something victoriously than to be delivered from it. There are some who experience complete deliverance from grief after a huge loss, but that doesn't happen to everybody. There are others, and I might even say most of us, who go through very emotionally difficult times when tragic loss occurs. Those who are walking in courage come out of it, and they come out of it better than when they went in.

In closing, let me say, "Do not lose your hope!" If you are hurting right now due to a loss in your life, I want to tell you that a new beginning is in front of you. You may go through some things that you'll never understand, but trust God to work them out for your good. What is seemingly intent for your harm, God can turn around for your good!

Know you are all in my thoughts and prayers with love and affection always, xo