November is an opportunity to recognize the challenges faced by people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, as well as their families and caregivers. These changes can create a distinctive kind of sorrow, and understanding anticipatory grief can help us care for ourselves and others with greater patience, compassion, and hope. Recently, I received a phone call … Read More
Walking Alongside Someone Who Is Grieving at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s These three holidays are often described as the most wonderful time of the year. For many people, they are a season filled with family, traditions, music, laughter, gatherings, and cherished memories. But for someone who is grieving, this trio of holidays can also be one of the most … Read More
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
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
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 I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). You’ve suffered a loss. Someone you loved deeply died. You’ve grieved, and will continue your grief journey, but now, it’s time to do more than that. You’ve learned some … Read More
“There is a season for everything, and a season for every activity…a time to keep and a time to throw away{discard}” — (Ecclesiastes 3:1a, 6b) A Season of “What to Do with Personal Items” Grief has a way of making even simple decisions feel overwhelming. One of the most emotional tasks grieving hearts eventually face is deciding what to do … Read More
Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts … Read More
You’ve lost someone important to you. It can feel overwhelming, and like you can’t cope sometimes. This kind of grief is a natural response to loss. But with each new day, with the help of a support group of friends, family, and perhaps mental health professionals, you will find your grief feels more bearable. That you can continue living. Your … Read More
Holiday grief presents a unique and painful challenge. For someone who is grieving through the holidays, the sounds of the season—music, laughter, and greetings—can feel overwhelming. What sounds like joy to others may feel loud and harsh to your aching heart. The decorations, events, and festive atmosphere all over the place during the holidays can intensify your feelings of grief. … Read More
