Grappling with Grief

Someone I know is grieving today.  Her fiancee walked away from his commitment to her and she is devastated.

Someone I know is grieving today.  Her mother--much too young-- died during the night and she is now making her funeral arrangements.

Someone I know is grieving today.  He has invested time in an alcoholic who relapsed again for the umpteenth time.

Someone I know is grieving today.  His wife of many years has had a biopsy and he is undergoing the painful wait of finding out whether or not she has cancer.

Someone I know is grieving today.  Her husband is in jail and she is having trouble making end meet and wonders what it will be like when/if he comes home.

How do we handle grief?  It is potentially disabling. It feels very private and yet wee cannot avoid its expression in public..  It never seems to stop hurting.  It makes us wonder if life will ever be the same again.

Here are a few quick observations....
1.  Give yourself permission to grieve;  though it is painful, in a  strange way it is part of the healing process.

2.  Life will never be the same...but it does not mean it cannot still be good, even wonderful.

3.  Time heals.  This trite but true observation is not a dismissal but a recognition of the truth that healing comes even though it may take a while.

4.  Don't isolate.  the temptation to run away will be overwhelming at times.  it's okay to guard your space but surround yourself with people who love and care for you.

5.  Lean on God.  He is the "God of all comfort" (II Corinthians 1:3-7).