Grief is the natural response we have to loss. The more significant the loss, the more deeply we feel the pain and suffering of having the thing or person we loved taken away from us. The loss may be immensely significant, like the death of a child. Other losses can cause us to grieve as well: divorce, losing your job, death of a pet, miscarriage, retirement, losing a friend, or even moving to a new city. Whatever the loss you are experiencing, it is personal to you and your pain is nothing to be ashamed of.
What happens as we grieve? The experience of grief is unique for each individual and it isn’t always a linear process, but many people experience the “five stages of grief.”
Recognizing and acknowledging the stages of grief
1. Denial
This is a natural defense mechanism that helps us deal with trauma gradually. “I don’t believe it. This can’t be happening to me.” Denial helps us pace our feelings of grief.
2. Anger
We feel anger at the injustice of our pain and loss. “Who is to blame for this? Why is this happening?” We can use scriptural principles to combat anger and blaming.
3. Bargaining
We want to find a way take back control of the situation. “Promise this will never happen to me again, and I will do _________.” We must allow His spirit to manage our anger and do the bargaining for us.
4. Depression
Once we begin to feel depressed, we have to a degree already accepted much of our trauma and are now faced with carrying its weight. “I’m too sad to do anything.” Go to God in prayer and look for faith strengthening aspects of your life.
5. Acceptance
Acceptance provides all of the necessary strength to carry whatever we need to carry. “I am at peace with what happened.”
For practical tips on dealing with grief in everyday life, read this free guide written by a grief counselor.
Grief – FROM MOURNING TO MORNING
