The phone rings.
The words drop like stones.
They’re gone.
And in that split second, the ground shifts.
Everything blurs. The air feels heavier. You forget how to breathe.
You’re not thinking about staying strong or holding it together. You’re just trying to survive the next few minutes.
And in those first moments—right after the news hits—temptation doesn’t feel evil. It feels like escape.
When the Numbness Cracks
Some people go silent. Some collapse in tears. Others go straight into planning mode.
But for many of us, the pain doesn’t fully register right away.
What does register?
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That bottle in the cabinet
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The number you shouldn’t call
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The app you swore you deleted
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The old patterns you fought hard to break
Grief, especially in its first wave, can crack open every defense we thought was solid. And suddenly, the old ways of coping don’t just call to us—they scream.
You Are Not Weak—You Are Wounded
At Freedom Point Pathways, we’ve seen how deep sorrow can stir up past struggles.
People who were grounded suddenly find themselves tempted by old escape routes.
Not because they’re weak—but because they’re human.
Temptation is often loudest in the first moments after loss—not because you’ve failed, but because your heart is in shock.
Angry at God? That’s Okay Too.
Maybe you’re not just hurting. Maybe you’re mad.
At the world.
At the situation.
Even at God.
That’s okay.
God isn’t intimidated by your anger. He doesn’t flinch when you scream or weep or question. Scripture gives us permission to bring our raw, unfiltered pain to Him.
“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?”
— Psalm 13:1
He’s heard it before.
And He stays. Even in the silence. Even in your rage.
Anchor Down, Right Now
This is the moment to pause.
To breathe.
To do the opposite of what your instincts might suggest.
You don’t have to fix everything right now.
You don’t even have to be okay.
Just try not to trade today’s grief for tomorrow’s regret.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18
You are seen. You are held. Even in this.
Avoiding the First Fall
Right after the news, your choices matter—not because perfection is expected,
but because the early moments can shape your path forward.
It’s okay to fall to the floor in tears.
It’s okay to scream into the pillow.
It’s okay to not be okay.
Just don’t fall back into what once tried to destroy you.
Don’t let your pain sell you a counterfeit peace.
You were made for more. Even now. Especially now.
This Moment Does Not Define You
If no one’s said this yet today, let us be the first:
You’re doing better than you think.
You’re not alone.
You’re not a lost cause.
This storm hurts—but it does not have the final word.
💬 Have You Been Here?
What helped you resist temptation in your worst moments?
If you’ve ever broken and had to find your way back, we’d love to hear from you.
Leave a comment below—or share this post with someone in grief today. You never know who needs it.
📬 Stay Connected
We send out reflections like this through our Freedom Point newsletter—short, honest messages for those walking through hard seasons.
📖 Looking for a Devotional?
Our devotional, Breaking Chains, offers encouragement for moments just like this.
You can get it on Amazon, or email us if cost is a concern—we’d be honored to get a copy into your hands.
We’re not here for profit.
We’re here to walk alongside anyone trying to hold on in the storm.
You are not alone.
You are not too far gone.
And you are not finished.
Take the next breath.
Say the next prayer.
Let yourself grieve.
Let’s rise again—together.
— Freedom Point Pathways Team