Dad: The Forgotten Griever As Father’s Day approaches, many churches will rightfully celebrate fathers for their love, strength, guidance, and sacrifice. Yet for some men sitting quietly in the pews, Father’s Day will not feel celebratory at all. It will deepen the ache of loss. Some are grieving the death of a child. Others mourn a spouse, a father, or … Read More
Smiles and laughter are among the many faces we might see on Father’s Day. But there is another face we may see and, hopefully, won’t overlook on this holiday—the face of someone grieving the loss of their father. For caregivers of the grieving, holidays are important times to remember that this day can be about both gratitude and grief. Perhaps … Read More
The death of a loved one is always hard. But the death of a child can cause far more intense feelings of grief. And a grieving father needs compassion and encouragement, and an outlet for his overwhelm and frustration. Your grief journey is going to be unique and not linear. But one breath at a time, you will find healing. … Read More
There is a particular kind of grief that is seldom named in ministry, yet quietly shapes the life of nearly every pastor. It is sometimes known as “cumulative grief.” It is not the grief of a single loss, but of multiple losses. Over the years, pastors walk closely with their people—through hospital rooms, shared prayers, laughter in fellowship halls, and … Read More
As Mother’s Day approaches, sanctuaries fill with flowers, gratitude, and well-earned celebration. Yet sitting quietly among the congregation are those for whom this day carries a different weight—the aching absence of a mother who is no longer here. For pastors and grief caregivers, this is a sacred opportunity. With gentle attentiveness, we can help the Church become a place where … Read More
It’s not right. It’s not fair. But mothers are not exempt from grief. There are far too many grieving mothers in the world, and I want to take a moment to acknowledge that. Maybe you are a grieving mother, or maybe you’re close to a mom who is. The loss of your child, no matter their age, feels so heavy, … Read More
For many, especially those who were adopted, grief is complicated. Missing a mother can take many forms, especially for those experiencing Mother’s Day grief or navigating Mother’s Day without mom. Mother’s Day may never fit neatly into your story. It may always carry both questions and quiet reflections It may not come from shared memories, but from the deep pain … Read More
Losing your mom is usually devastating. The unique connection that exists between mothers and their children, no matter the age, But the thing is, death is not the only way one can lose their mother. Sometimes, the grieving process begins because your relationship has been emotionally fractured. A mother’s love leaves a lifelong imprint—so does her absence. The loss might come … Read More
“For in this hope, we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”— Romans 8:24–25 NIV When grief enters our lives, it often steals our ability to look beyond the moment we are … Read More
When a husband or wife becomes a widow or widower, they often walk through months—sometimes years—of deep grief after the death of a spouse. Loneliness, shock, and heartache can feel overwhelming. Along with the question, “What do I do now?” comes the deeper one: “Who am I now?” Many grievers lose shared friendships, routines, and a sense of belonging. Hope … Read More
