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There is no Timetable for Grief Deuteronomy 34:8, “The Israelites grieve for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning was over.” It would be nice, you know; if grieving had a neat time length that was clear-cut and precise. The Israelites mourned the loss of Moses forContinue reading “Devotional: There is No Timetable for Grief”

Secondary Losses Deuteronomy 34:8, “The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab….” Recently, we’ve watched the United Kingdom experience the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, one of the most highly watched funerals of all time. Many of us looked on as the family grieved their loss, as well as the multitude of others.Continue reading “Devotional: Secondary Losses”

The Grieving Heart of God Genesis 6:6, “The Lord was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.” It may be surprising, but the first usage of the word “grief” in the Bible is spoken about God. The Lord “was grieved” over the wickedness of man andContinue reading “Devotional: The Grieving Heart of God”

A. The “Postponer” – “The “Postponer” is the person who believes that if you delay the expression of your grief over time it will hopefully go away.” B. The “Displacer” – “The “Displacer” is the person who takes the expression of grief away from the loss itself and displaces the feelings in other directions.” C.Continue reading “Common Grief Avoidance Response Styles”

When someone feels he is no longer of value as a person. When he/she acts in a manner inconsistent with his usual behavior. When he/she makes veiled threats as self-destruction. When he/she makes dramatic gestures through superficial attempts. When he/she exhibits anti-social behavior. When excessive hostility is demonstrated. When he/she engages in excessive drinking. WhenContinue reading “Potential Danger Signals in Grief Reactions”

According to Kenneth Doka, “these losses are at least typically not recognized and supported by others. Disenfranchised losses are not openly acknowledged, socially sanctioned, or publicly shared.: For example, when you have a loss that you cannot grieve publicly for, such as the loss of a homosexual child in an homophobic culture. Another example isContinue reading “What is Disenfranchised Grief?”

From Norman H. Wright’s book, Reflections of a Grieving Spouse Your grief will take longer than most people think. (To recover from the loss of a spouse, whether through death or divorce, will likely take three to five years.)  Your grief will take more energy than you ever imagined.  Your grief will involve many changesContinue reading “What You Need to Know about Grief!”

They don’t know what to say. Let’s be honest. We all struggle with what to say to someone who has lost a loved one. We definitely don’t want to say the wrong thing, or even the right thing in the wrong way. They are afraid of our feelings. Unfortunately, people are afraid they might sayContinue reading “Why Are People Ill-Prepared to Help Us with Our Loss?”

Myth 1: Grief is a predictable process. Reality – It’s not! Grief is individual and every loss we experience is unique. Myth 2: There is a timetable to grief. Reality – Nope! There is simply no timetable for grief. Myth 3: Grief is about letting go. Reality – We retain a continuing bond with thoseContinue reading “The Myths and Realities of Grief”

Nancy Guthrie recommends 10 things to do to comfort the bereaved: Don’t try to “fix” their grief, but do say something. Don’t tell a story about your own loss, or someone else’s. Be a welcomed companion in grief, regardless of how well you know them. Give them permission to cry. Proactively meet practical needs. UseContinue reading “Ten Things to Do to Comfort the Bereaved”