Most of the losses that come with trauma are not tangible. Rarely do the people in your church have scars or missing limbs that would provide evidence to others of the trauma they faced. It can be argued both ways whether these physical marks would make the experience of trauma easier or harder. Either way, the majority of losses related to trauma do not have indicators that … [Read more...]
When grieving children get lost in their suffering
It’s not unusual for adults who are grieving to make their suffering worse. Many times this happens without their realizing it. They hurt and they want the pain to stop, so they react to the pain and make wrong choices. If adults can get stuck in their grief and troubling their own troubles, can children do the same? They can. This article will help you understand that … [Read more...]
How to equip your leaders to care for grieving people
People who are grieving the death of a loved one need enormous levels of support and encouragement. Since grieving people are often emotionally delicate, it’s important that your deacons and small-group leaders know how to care for them. A wrong word, an oversight, an unintentional offense can harm someone who is grieving and even prompt that person to leave your church. Here … [Read more...]
Why is my grief lasting so long?
Even with a solid belief system, a person’s grief can be long and intense. Sandy: I am a Christian, and I was surprised that my grief was so long-lasting and strong. I knew where Mother was, I knew she’d gone to heaven, I knew she was in a better place, and I guess I felt that my faith would get me through. Surprisingly, most of my grief lasted a good two years after … [Read more...]
How children respond to loss and how to help
Most of us like to think of children as lighthearted, happy-go-lucky, without a care in the world. Yet, we know that many children will experience the death of a loved one. When a death occurs it turns a child’s world upside down. It is times like these that children’s pastors and church leaders need to be prepared with how to help the parents help the child. At other times … [Read more...]