Some people assume the strongest person in the room is doing just fine, but grief has a way of proving otherwise.
When Ebony lost her mother unexpectedly, everyone around her knew the loss would be devastating.
Her mother had raised Ebony as a single parent, and the two shared an incredibly close bond. Even so, Ebony felt pressure to keep going and to appear strong for everyone else.
What no one could see was the loneliness, exhaustion, and pain she was carrying inside.
In this short video, Ebony shares how GriefShare helped her move from carrying grief alone to finding practical support and a meaningful community, and eventually to serving others who were grieving.
Growing up, Ebony’s mother taught her to work hard, pursue her dreams, and become a strong, independent woman.
After her mother’s sudden death, those lessons stayed with her. So did the expectation that she had to be okay.
“Most people know me as this really strong person,” Ebony says. “But what I think most people should know is that the strongest person is still dealing with emotion on the inside.”
Many grieving people know this feeling only too well.
People may tell you how well you’re handling everything. You may even convince yourself that staying busy or holding back your tears counts as progress.
Meanwhile, grief continues to weigh on your heart. Ebony remembers feeling lonely, abandoned, and emotionally drained, even though she appeared strong on the outside.
Eventually, Ebony found GriefShare. “GriefShare was life-changing for me,” she says. More than simply giving her a place to talk, GriefShare helped her understand what she was experiencing.
She learned practical ways to navigate grief triggers, unexpected “grief ambushes,” loneliness, and overwhelming emotions that can surface without warning.
Just as importantly, she realized she wasn’t alone. For many people, that’s one of the greatest gifts of a GriefShare group: sitting with others who don’t need every detail explained because they understand what grief is like.
Ebony’s story didn’t end when her GriefShare cycle did. Today, she volunteers with her group, welcoming and encouraging people who are beginning the same journey she once started.
“I love volunteering because it is an opportunity to help and serve others at a time when people really, really need it.”
She describes GriefShare as a circle. People come looking for help. They receive support and practical tools. When they’re ready, many discover the joy of walking alongside someone else.
“But at the same time,” Ebony says, “that sharing is helping you.”
Near the end of her story, Ebony shares a simple truth that resonates with many grieving people. “We grieve because we love. And if you’re grieving hard, it’s because you loved hard.”
Those words don’t minimize the pain of loss.
Instead, they remind us that grief reflects the significance of the relationship. Deep grief is often evidence of deep love.
If you’re carrying that kind of loss today, you don’t have to carry it by yourself.
Whether your loss happened recently or years ago, it’s never too late to find support.
GriefShare groups provide practical guidance, compassionate encouragement, and a community of people who understand what you’re experiencing.
If, like Ebony, you’re grieving the loss of your mother, GriefShare also offers Living Without Mom. Living Without Mom was created to walk with you and meets you where you are—offering understanding, comfort, and practical support as you learn to live with loss and take the next steps forward.
Has GriefShare made a difference in your life? We’d love to hear your story. Share how God has worked through your grief and encourage someone else who needs hope today.
Visit GriefShare to find a GriefShare group near you, discover helpful tips and grief resources, and learn how you and your church can support others who are grieving.