November 30, 2025

On Grief & Gratitude

Summary:

In this poignant sermon, Nicola Cook explores the complexities of grief by weaving together personal memories of her late father with practical advice for the living. She characterizes loss as a permanent, non-linear experience that encompasses everything from the death of a loved one to major life transitions. Rather than seeking a definitive cure, the speaker advocates for accepting grief as a constant companion and managing it through creative engagement and physical activity. By sharing the story of her father’s struggle with addiction and his eventual passing, she illustrates how gratitude and suffering coexist to deepen our shared humanity. Ultimately, the sermon serves as a testament to the idea that love abides, persisting through time and connecting generations despite the pain of separation.