When we grieve the loss of something dear to us our faith is often tested.  We are told in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13) of four areas where seeds fell and subsequently grew.  Three areas could not sustain the plants that sprung up—only one could.  Going through grief can reveal our spiritual soil type.  God made soil to be a natural medium for the growth of plants and we are the God-designed medium through which faith is cultivated.