Finding Wellness Behind your Grief
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; and saves those who are crushed in spirit” -Psalm 34:18
GRIEF is the strong, intense pain that accompanies many different types of loss. It is a reflection of what we love and how we love, and it can feel overwhelming and all-encompassing at times. Immense grief is not limited to the death of people, as some of life’s hardest journeys are the grief of losing the living. Losses such as relationships ending friendships, breakups, and divorces, the loss of one’s health such as limbs, paralysis, cancer prognosis, and dementia, the loss of a home, a job, or financial stability, the death of a family pet, and that list may go on and on. And when such grief follows the loss of a loved one, it may compound feelings of confusion, anger and possibly bring on feelings of guilt too. Many of us have struggled through the great loss of something or someone we loved so deeply. Some of us continue to do so.
But Christ provides hope.
Isaiah 40:31 -But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.
Lamentations 3:32 -Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love.
Psychologists have described the steps to grief as:
- Denial
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression
- ACCEPTANCE
https://psychcentral.com/lib/the-5-stages-of-loss-and-grief#the-kubler-ross-model
We want you to know that these steps may not be steps for you at all. They may be cyclonic, where you circle back to a phase when triggered, hurt, or grieve yet another loss. Your grief may come and go like the waves in the ocean. Understand that this is normal. You are not alone. Your feelings are valid and meaningful for the journey you are on, regardless of how hard or unfair it may seem. “You were born for such a time as this” – Esther 4:14
https://agfaithchapel.org/bible-verses-list/esther-4-14
Finding ways to Channel Your Grief:
- Journal, draw, and organize your feelings on paper or through art.
- Listen to music.
- Take time to walk or be outside in nature.
- Reach out to your friends and family and allow them to know that you’re working through something heavy, do not travel this journey alone.
- Pray, meditate, and focus on the Word of Christ.
- Offer support to others on this journey. We are made to help one another, and this will ultimately bless you both!
- Get involved in community and church programs (we were created for circles, not rows).
- Drink lots of water, exercise, and remember that self-care is vital when grieving.
Other Meaningful Resources:
- The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18
- Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. – Romans 12:15
- He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. – Revelation 21:4
- https://lp.billygraham.org/courage-in-grief/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=nn-courage-in-grief-resource&SOURCE=BY200NCGG&gclid=Cj0KCQiA2-2eBhClARIsAGLQ2Rkr6QsmBOl0Ii9hI0JfBkIu2bU9jvC5FI43-IUumbzcDUAy04RHeqoaAkrjEALw_wcB
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/grief-whats-normal-whats-not-and-13-tips-to-get-through-it/
- https://www.washington.edu/counseling/resources-for-students/healthy-grieving/
- https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/12/20/1056741090/grief-loss-holiday-brain-healing
- https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/7-steps-for-managing-grief-and-loss/
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
By chat or calling 988 https://988lifeline.org/
Here at Gateway:
There are resources and support groups for supporting those working through tough situations, especially when the stages of grief have a stronghold on us. Gateway believes in healing through Christ and restoring faith. Groups specializing in grief, recovery, divorce, foster and adoption, and many other small groups to connect and engage:
• www.gtwy.life/connect
• https://gtwy.church/care-recovery/
• https://gtwy.church/wellness-ministry
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. -John 14:27
