Grief

Below is an article that the Muncie Star Press asked me to write a couple of years ago, I thought I'd share it here. They asked this question: what is the best way to handle grief?...

No one is immune to experiencing grief. Even Jesus Himself experienced sorrow at the tomb of His friend Lazarus. We are not to stifle our grief or shut off our emotions. The Bible encourages us to not “grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13.

Grief is a necessary part of emotional healing and a greater understanding of the grief process will help you cope. While the process and intensity of grief can be lengthy and varies from person to person it tends to involve some common reactions. One of the first emotions is shock or numbness; once the numbness wears off you move into denial. Denial may give way to bargaining with God, when the bargaining doesn’t work anger or even guilt takes over.

While difficult, it is necessary to allow yourself to accept the pain of your loss and allow the grieving process to take place. As you are going through the grieving there are some ways to help you cope: talk to friends, seek counseling, eat well and exercise, join a support group, seek spiritual support, and enjoy the daily blessings in life. Above all speak to the One who loves and understand you best. God understands your need to grieve better than you do and desires to fill you with hope.