Faith and Grief

We all need to grieve the physical finality of losing a loved one and face the reality that we will not see that person again in this life. But the spiritual life goes on. If your loved one was a Christian, not only will you see him again in the life to come, but he or she is now in the Lord's presence, with no more pain, fear, or sorrow.                                                                       
Use your pain to end the pain.  Avoiding grieving will eventually lead to some form of depression or physical issues. Fully experiencing your pain will help provide relief . Remember that God encourages you to mourn.
Now more than ever is the time to lean on your spiritual habits. Look beyond your grief to an eternity with God. All the heart-breaking pains of life in a broken world will some day come to an end. You have a bright future that does not include sadness and death.
Reinvest your emotional energy in other relationships. God, old friends, new friends, family and support groups all help provide a sense of purpose and comfort.
Spiritual transformation and growth will follow your journey of grief. Your journey will give you greater strength and deeper hope.
The beauty in life may lie in its mystery and the unknown. That is why it is important to have faith and look at the world each day with love and gratitude.
Maybe it is OK to not have all the answers. To not know everything. Perhaps our purpose in this life is so very basic.
To learn to love.

Grief and the Holidays

 

Holidays mark the passage of time in our lives. They generally represent time spent with family. But since holidays are for being with those we love the most, how can anyone be expected to cope with them when a loved one has died? How can you celebrate togetherness when there is none? Holidays magnify the loss. You can and will get through them. You don't have to be a victim of the pain or the past.
Here are some things to help you whether you are grieving the loss of a parent, friend, pet, spouse, or child.
Don't ask too much of yourself.  Ask for help. You'll get it. People want to help but don't expect them to know how. They'll be thankful they could do something for you.
Change traditions.  Create new traditions that make sense for the reshaped family you have become. You will begin to look forward to these traditions.
Find ways to include the ones you have lost.  Say a prayer about your loved one, light a candle, share stories, chat online about them, create an online tribute for them.
Practice self-care.  Don't do more than you want. Allow time for your feelings. Take frequent naps. Leave and go for a walk.  Recognize when you need some "me" time and act on it.
Allow yourself to experience joy.  Plan for sadness and embrace it when it comes. Walk right into the pain rather than try to hold it off. You will laugh again and during a holiday the love of family and friends can't help but make you smile. Your laughter will be the greatest gift you can give them.

May memories of your loved one bring you happiness during this holiday season.