10 Heart-wrenching A Grief Observed Quotes That Will Move You To Tears

Are you looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry, and question your own beliefs about grief? Look no further than A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis. This powerful memoir explores the author's journey through loss and the profound impact it had on his faith. But don't let the heavy subject matter scare you away - Lewis infuses the book with humor and wit that will have you chuckling even as you reach for the tissues.

One of the most striking things about A Grief Observed is the way Lewis captures the conflicting emotions that come with mourning. He writes, No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear. This quote perfectly encapsulates the sense of unease that can accompany loss - the feeling that something has been taken away from us, and we're not sure how to move forward. But Lewis doesn't shy away from the absurdity of grief, either. He notes, I was not prepared for the way in which ordinary life would continue to assert itself with such stupid insistence.

Despite its heavy themes, A Grief Observed is far from a depressing read. Lewis's wry sense of humor shines through even in moments of intense pain. He quips, You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you. Even as he grapples with the biggest questions of life and death, Lewis maintains a playful tone that keeps the reader engaged.

One of the most poignant passages in the book comes when Lewis reflects on the nature of time. He writes, The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is. This simple observation underlines the universality of grief - no matter who we are or what we believe, we all must confront the passing of time. But even in the face of this stark reality, Lewis manages to find humor in the absurdity of life: The Future is, of all things, the thing least like eternity.

Throughout the book, Lewis grapples with the question of why bad things happen to good people. He writes, Not that I am (I think) in much danger of ceasing to believe in God. The real danger is of coming to believe such dreadful things about Him. This sentiment will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to reconcile their faith with tragedy. But even as Lewis wrestles with these big questions, he never loses his sense of humor. He notes, God has not been trying an experiment on my faith or love in order to find out their quality. He knew it already. It was I who didn't.

As the book progresses, Lewis's humor takes on a more biting edge. He muses, Part of every misery is, so to speak, the misery's shadow or reflection: the fact that you don't merely suffer but have to keep on thinking about the fact that you suffer. This observation highlights the way grief can become all-consuming, a constant presence in our lives. And yet, Lewis manages to find a way to laugh at the absurdity of it all: I am not arguing that pain is not painful. Pain hurts. That is what the word means.

One of the most powerful things about A Grief Observed is the way Lewis captures the sense of isolation that can come with mourning. He writes, We were promised sufferings. They were part of the program. We were even told, 'Blessed are they that mourn,' and I accept it. I've got nothing that I hadn't bargained for. Of course it is different when the thing happens to oneself, not to others, and in reality, not imagination. These words will resonate with anyone who has ever felt alone in their grief. But even as Lewis acknowledges the pain of isolation, he manages to find a way to laugh at it: Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one.'

As the book draws to a close, Lewis reflects on the nature of love and loss. He writes, Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. This sentiment is perhaps the most poignant of the entire book, a reminder that love and loss are inextricably linked. But even in this moment of sadness, Lewis finds a way to inject his trademark humor: To love at all is to be vulnerable.

A Grief Observed is a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it. It's a powerful exploration of loss, faith, and the human experience. But perhaps what sets it apart from other books about grief is the way Lewis infuses it with humor and wit. Even in moments of intense pain, he finds a way to make us smile. And that, perhaps, is the greatest gift of all.

Introduction

When it comes to dealing with grief, there are few books that can match the raw and honest emotions of C.S. Lewis' A Grief Observed. This book is a collection of powerful quotes that have inspired and comforted many people over the years. However, let's take a humorous approach to these quotes and see what they really mean.

Quote 1: No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear.

This quote perfectly captures the overwhelming feeling of grief. However, it also highlights the fact that fear and grief are two sides of the same coin. When we lose someone we love, we not only grieve for the person but also for the future that we thought we had with them. We fear the unknown and the uncertainty that comes with loss.

Quote 2: I have gradually been coming to feel that the door is no longer shut and bolted.

When we lose someone, it often feels like a door has closed on our lives. But as time goes on, we begin to see glimpses of light shining through the cracks. The pain may never truly go away, but we learn to live with it and find ways to move forward.

Quote 3: Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything.

Losing someone we love can feel like a permanent void in our lives. It's hard to imagine life without them and everything seems dull and lifeless. But just like the sky changes colors and patterns, our lives also change. We may never forget the person we lost, but we learn to find beauty in the world around us again.

Quote 4: What do people mean when they say, 'I am not afraid of God because I know He is good'? Have they never even been to a dentist?

This quote may seem out of place, but it highlights the fact that we often have conflicting emotions when it comes to faith and grief. We may believe in a higher power, but that doesn't mean we don't question why bad things happen. The pain of loss can make us feel like we are being punished or abandoned by God.

Quote 5: You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death.

Grief can shake our beliefs and make us question everything we thought we knew. It's easy to believe in something when life is going well, but when tragedy strikes, we are forced to confront our beliefs head-on. This can be a painful and confusing process, but it can also lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Quote 6: We were promised sufferings. They were part of the program. We were even told, 'Blessed are they that mourn,' and I accept it.

This quote reminds us that suffering and grief are a natural part of life. We can't escape them, but we can learn from them and find meaning in our pain. It's not always easy to see the blessings in mourning, but they are there if we look for them.

Quote 7: I avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward.

When we are consumed by grief, it's easy to get stuck in the past or worry about the future. But this quote reminds us to stay focused on the present and keep our eyes on the things that give us hope and comfort. Whether it's our faith, our family, or our passions, we can find solace in the things that bring us joy.

Quote 8: The act of living is different all through.

Grief changes us. It alters the way we see the world and our place in it. But this quote also reminds us that life goes on. We may not be the same person we were before, but we can still find meaning and purpose in our lives.

Quote 9: I know that the thing I want is exactly the thing I can never get. The old life, the jokes, the drinks, the arguments, the lovemaking, the tiny, heartbreaking commonplace.

This quote perfectly captures the longing we feel for the past and the things we can never have again. It's a painful realization, but it's also a reminder to cherish the moments we have while we have them. We never know when they will be gone.

Quote 10: Grief still feels like fear. Perhaps, more strictly, like suspense.

This final quote highlights the fact that grief is a process. It's not something that we can simply get over or move on from. It's a journey that we must take, and it can be filled with fear and uncertainty. But just like a suspenseful story, there is also hope and the promise of a resolution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, A Grief Observed is a powerful book that has touched the hearts of many people. These quotes are just a small sample of the wisdom and insight that can be found within its pages. While grief is never easy, we can take comfort in the fact that we are not alone in our pain. We can find strength and hope in the words of others, and we can learn to navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and resilience.

A Grief Observed Quotes

Oh boy, grief. It's like that annoying relative who always overstays their welcome. You know you have to deal with it, but you'd rather be doing anything else. If you're currently experiencing grief, I'm sorry. But hey, as they say, the only way to get over grief is to laugh at it. So, let's take a look at some A Grief Observed quotes and see if we can find some humor in them.

Grief is like a bad haircut- it may look terrible now, but eventually it will grow back

Let's be real, we've all had a bad haircut at some point in our lives. And in the moment, it feels like the end of the world. But eventually, it grows back and we move on. The same goes for grief. Right now, it may feel like your life will never be the same again. But eventually, you'll start to see glimpses of happiness and hope. So hang in there, and maybe invest in some cute hats in the meantime.

If grief was a superhero, it would be Captain Sob-a-Lot

Okay, I know this one isn't exactly funny, but hear me out. When you're going through grief, it feels like you can't stop crying. You cry in the shower, in the car, at work, and even while watching cute animal videos on YouTube. So, if grief was a superhero, it would definitely be Captain Sob-a-Lot. But hey, even superheroes have weaknesses, right?

Grief is like a bad break-up- except you can't just block it on social media

This one hits close to home. We've all had that one ex that we just couldn't shake. No matter how many times we blocked them on social media or changed our phone number, they always found a way to creep back into our lives. Grief is the same way. You can't just block it on Facebook and call it a day. But hey, at least grief doesn't send you creepy text messages at 2am.

Grief is nature's way of reminding us we're still alive- unfortunately

Ouch, this one stings a little. But it's true. Grief reminds us that we're human, and that we're capable of feeling pain. It's not a pleasant reminder, but it's an important one. And who knows, maybe someday you'll look back on this time in your life and realize how strong you truly are.

They say time heals all wounds, but in my experience, a pint of ice cream does the trick just fine

Whoever said time heals all wounds clearly never had a pint of Ben & Jerry's. Look, I'm not saying that ice cream is a cure-all for grief. But sometimes, you just need a little comfort food to get you through the day. And if that means eating an entire pint of Chunky Monkey, so be it.

If grief was an animal, it would definitely be a sloth- slow, sad, and takes forever to move on

Let's be real, sloths are adorable. But they're also painfully slow. And if grief was an animal, it would definitely be a sloth. It takes time to move on from grief, and sometimes it feels like you're moving at a snail's pace. But hey, slow progress is still progress. And who knows, maybe someday you'll be able to move as fast as a cheetah. Or at least a slightly faster sloth.

Grief is like standing in a long line at the DMV- painful, boring, and you can't escape it

Ah, the DMV. The place where dreams go to die. Standing in line at the DMV is pretty much the definition of torture. And unfortunately, grief is a lot like standing in that never-ending line. It's painful, it's boring, and you can't escape it. But eventually, you'll get to the front of the line and you'll be able to move on with your life. And maybe even get a new driver's license photo while you're at it.

Grief is like the weather- it's unpredictable, changes quickly, and sometimes it's just plain miserable

One minute it's sunny and warm, and the next minute it's pouring rain. That's the weather for you. And grief is the same way. It's unpredictable, it changes quickly, and sometimes it's just plain miserable. But the good news is that just like the weather, grief will eventually pass. And who knows, maybe there's a rainbow waiting for you on the other side.

Grief is like a bad wine- you don't want to drink it, but sometimes it's all you've got

This one might be my favorite. Grief is like a bad wine. It's bitter, it's hard to swallow, and you don't really want to drink it. But sometimes, it's all you've got. And that's okay. Sometimes we have to face our emotions head-on, even if they taste terrible. But remember, just like a bad wine, grief won't last forever. And someday, you'll be able to toast to a brighter future.

In conclusion, grief sucks. But sometimes, the best way to deal with it is to find some humor in the situation. So, whether you're crying in your ice cream or laughing through your tears, just remember that you're not alone. And who knows, maybe someday you'll look back on this time in your life and realize that it was all worth it.

A Grief Observed Quotes: A Humorous Perspective

Introduction

A Grief Observed is a book written by C.S. Lewis, in which he shares his personal experience of losing his wife, Joy Davidman. The book contains several profound quotes that have resonated with readers over the years. However, in this story, we will take a humorous perspective on some of the most famous quotes from A Grief Observed.

Table of Contents

1. The Famous Quotes
2. The Humorous Interpretation
3. The Takeaway

The Famous Quotes

Here are some of the most famous quotes from A Grief Observed:

• No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear.
• Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything.
• Grief is like a long valley, a winding valley where any bend may reveal a totally new landscape.

The Humorous Interpretation

Let's take a humorous look at these quotes and see how we can interpret them differently:

1. No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear.
   • Maybe Lewis was just really scared of being alone...
   • Or maybe he was afraid of never finding love again...
   • Or maybe he was just afraid of spiders...
2. Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything.
   • Well, I guess it's better than her absence being like a giant elephant that sits on everything...
   • Or her absence being like a swarm of bees that constantly follows you around...
   • But then again, the sky can be pretty depressing sometimes...
3. Grief is like a long valley, a winding valley where any bend may reveal a totally new landscape.
   • So it's like a really long hike, but instead of enjoying the scenery, you're just sad the whole time...
   • And every time you turn a corner, you're like Oh look, more sadness!...
   • But hey, at least you're getting your steps in...

The Takeaway

Although these quotes from A Grief Observed are quite profound, it's important to remember that humor can also be a valuable tool for coping with grief. Finding ways to laugh and see things from a different perspective can help us navigate through difficult times. So the next time you're feeling down, try to find some humor in the situation. Who knows, maybe you'll come up with your own humorous interpretation of a famous quote!

Closing Message: A Grief Observed Quotes

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end of our journey through some of the most poignant quotes from C.S. Lewis’ book, A Grief Observed. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, and we’ve reflected on the universal experience of loss and grief. But before we say goodbye, let’s take a moment to recap some of the lessons we’ve learned.

Firstly, we’ve discovered that grief is not a linear process. It’s messy, unpredictable, and often comes in waves. As Lewis himself put it, “no one ever told me that grief felt so like fear.”

Secondly, we’ve learned that while grief can feel isolating, it’s a universal human experience. We all lose loved ones, and we all struggle to make sense of it. As Lewis wrote, “bereavement is not the truncation of married love but one of its regular phases.”

Thirdly, we’ve seen that there are no easy answers when it comes to grief. Platitudes and well-meaning advice can often do more harm than good. As Lewis wrote, “what do people mean when they say ‘I am not afraid of God because I know He is good’? Have they never even been to a dentist?”

But amidst all the pain and confusion, Lewis also offers us moments of hope and beauty. He reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there is still light to be found. As he wrote, “the death of a beloved is an amputation.” But even after an amputation, “the patient will remain a cripple, and though he may cease to be a patient, he will never cease to be a cripple.”

Ultimately, A Grief Observed offers us a profound meditation on the human condition. It reminds us that we are fragile, mortal beings, but that even in the face of loss and suffering, there is still beauty to be found. As Lewis wrote, “we were promised sufferings. They were part of the program. We were even told, ‘Blessed are they that mourn.’”

So, as we say goodbye, let’s take these lessons with us and hold them close. Let’s remember that grief is not a journey we have to take alone, and that even in our darkest moments, we can find comfort in the words of others. And let’s take heart in the knowledge that, no matter what life throws at us, we are never truly alone.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through A Grief Observed. We hope you’ve found it as meaningful and enlightening as we have. And remember, as Lewis himself wrote, “no one ever told me that grief felt so like fear.” But with time, patience, and the support of those around us, we can learn to live with both.

Until next time,

The A Grief Observed Quotes Team.

People Also Ask About A Grief Observed Quotes

What are some of the best quotes from A Grief Observed?

There are many powerful and memorable quotes from A Grief Observed, but here are a few of the most notable:

1. No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear. This quote captures the overwhelming and disorienting nature of grief, as Lewis compares it to the intense emotion of fear.
2. We were promised sufferings. They were part of the program. We were even told, 'Blessed are they that mourn,' and I accept it. I've got nothing that I hadn't bargained for. Of course, it is different when the thing happens to oneself, not to others, and in reality, not imagination. Here, Lewis reflects on the inevitability of suffering and grief, and how it can be difficult to reconcile with the teachings of religion.
3. For in grief nothing 'stays put.' One keeps on emerging from a phase, but it always recurs. Round and round. Everything repeats. Am I going in circles, or dare I hope I am on a spiral? This quote speaks to the cyclical nature of grief, and how it can feel like an endless, repeating cycle.

What themes does A Grief Observed explore?

A Grief Observed explores several themes related to loss, bereavement, and the human experience of grief. Some of the key themes include:

• The universality of grief: Lewis observes that everyone experiences grief at some point in their lives, and that it is a natural human response to loss.
• The transformative power of grief: Although grief can be painful and difficult to endure, Lewis suggests that it can also be a transformative experience that helps us grow and develop as individuals.
• The role of faith in times of grief: As a devout Christian, Lewis grapples with the question of how to reconcile his faith with the reality of his wife's death, and explores the ways in which religious beliefs can provide comfort and meaning in times of sorrow.

What is the overall tone of A Grief Observed?

The tone of A Grief Observed is deeply personal and introspective, as Lewis reflects on his own experiences of grief and loss. At times, the tone is raw and emotional, as Lewis struggles to come to terms with the death of his wife. However, there are also moments of clarity and insight, as Lewis grapples with the deeper philosophical and spiritual questions raised by his grief. Overall, the tone is one of honesty and vulnerability, as Lewis shares his innermost thoughts and feelings with his readers.