Grief is always associated with trauma in some way that can be triggered at any time. Recently I was on a call with a couple of ladies and we were discussing a senseless act of violence that just occurred. One of the ladies revealed that this event triggered her to relive a traumatic experience she had 30 years ago, due to senseless violence, in that same town. She explained how she felt the same feelings of trauma and grief she felt all those years ago. Through our conversation, she realized she had the tools of wisdom and knowledge now to navigate this difficult time. She knows where her strength comes from: the Lord (Isaiah 41:10). She has learned that she is not a prisoner of her trauma, the feelings of fear that accompany her experiences. It is only through walking the valley of grief (Psalms 23:4) does she now have the tools to overcome this trauma, this grief. She is stronger, even in moments like this one, where the feelings come back like a tidal wave of emotions. Hearing her story reminded me of my own journey with grief, which has taught me similar lessons about God’s presence and strength.