Living With Grief During The Holidays

Do you find yourself living with grief? If so, I want to offer a prayer for you.

Heavenly Father, I ask you to be with those who are reading this message, may they find a glimpse of hope this holiday season. Father, I ask for you to fill their hearts with warm memories that will bring smiles to their faces. Wrap your comforting arms around them and let them know they are NOT alone, even though we may feel this way at times. Father your words in Isaiah 41:10 remind us that you are here with us and you will help us. I ask you to fill each of them with your peace. In precious Jesus name, Amen!

If you are grieving, remember to be gracious and gentle with yourself. Grief is an arduous journey with lots of deep valleys and hills to climb. It takes time to accept the loss and to work through it, so be patient with the process.

Friends, so many people are simply trying to find their way again after the death of a loved one or friend, and in a few weeks they will find themselves dealing with holidays. Most people don't realize the holiday season actually exacerbates our grief.

The newly bereaved cannot see beyond the minute or hour in front of them, let alone think about the weeks and months ahead. At times they can become overwhelmed by the physical pain of grief and find it difficult to just do simple tasks that we used to do without a second thought.

So how can we help grieving families see beyond their pain and give them a glimpse of hope during the holidays?

First and foremost, we need to:

1) Sit with them in their pain, don't shy away from those who are grieving, allow them to process it. Honor their pain and loved one.

2) Most importantly, be patient with those who are grieving, our grief journey is unique just as our personalities and looks are unique to us. So remember your loved one or friend will not grieve the way you think they should and that's okay.

3) Having family and friends to lean on helps tremendously! I encourage you to reach out to those who are grieving, make a special phone call, send them a letter or card to let them know you are thinking of them.

4) Another great way to help them is to find ways to honor their loved ones, that let's them know you are remembering them.

Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

This holiday season I encourage you to honor your grief in the way that helps you work through it.

Take a vacation, visit your child's favorite destination. Find ways to honor your child, donate to "toys for tots" or to a local charity you like to support. Whatever you decide, make sure it honors your child and your grief journey.

I wish you a peaceful holiday season!

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime