Trying To Understand Grief

Since I meet new widows, I'd like to share some things we're learning together. First, anyone who loses a loved one will experience Grief. The "Hows and Ways" are numerous, but Grief is a part of a process we must go through to achieve healing in our emotions so we may recover and grow. I enjoy speaking of it as our "New Normal" because no matter what we may do, our lives will NEVER be the same without our loving mates. We can learn new skills, make lots of new friends, and have many new experiences, particularly when we bring the Living Savior into our lives. His Word has been a true anchor for me and many friends. Grief encompasses many feelings, such as Shock and Denial, Anger (Why Me?), Guilt, Depression, Loneliness, and yes, Acceptance.

Three "N's" I found about GRIEF - #1, it is NORMAL - this is how we respond to a significant personal loss. #2, it is NATURAL - we are created to grieve, just as we are created to love. #3, it is NECESSARY. Grief provides a healthy way to cope with loss and everything it means to us. We just cannot ignore or avoid grief. To take one thing at a time, or even one day at a time is wise. Finding friends with whom to share is important. This can be a problem, because most of our friends have not walked through the doors of Grief as we have, so it is important to find others in Support Groups, in your churches, or reach out as a Volunteer in an area where you may have an interest. I found reaching out was a marvelous way to forget myself a while and find new interests. I had personally worked many years, when I suddenly lost my husband. Since my youngest son was less than two years old, I did not want a job until he was older. I enjoy pretty things, and decided to sell Avon in my neighborhood several days a month. It got me out to meet my new neighbors, and I enjoyed that.  Each of us have our own ways of coping, but journaling can also be therapeutic.

For anyone who receives this Blog, we will meet at Calvary Assemly in the Prayer Room this Thursday, September 9 at 6:30 PM (and the first Thursday of each month). For further information please let me know how I may contact you, and we'll welcome you in our sharing group. If you are unable to meet with us personally, let us know your concerns and questions. We can discuss them and see how others dealt with those topics. We'll all be hit at one time or another, but it is how we respond that matters.  Respond with faith and hope that you are NOT alone. You have a Savior who loves and died for you.  He has given us His word as an anchor. He even tells us "He is our Husband" (Isa. 54:5), and there are always others who are ready to walk this journey with you.

My love and prayers,   Dee