MANAGING GRIEF 2

". . . that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope" (I Thessalonians 4:13b).

Much more can be said about grief management than I will share with you, but hopefully, these thoughts will bless your life and, in some small way, help you to cope with the feelings you may be experiencing.

I know it isn't easy when one is in sorrow because of the loss of a loved one, but it is essential to be thankful for what you had. Though the loss may have been a baby, or even one unborn, remember and be thankful for the joy that was brought into your life because of that little one. Length of life means little. Meaning is everything. The one who was in your life had purpose, no matter how long their life was. Be thankful for the blessing that was brought to your life because of that life. "Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

It is possible to live your life in memory of the one who has died. Sometimes folks will give a memorial to a church or charitable institution in memory of a lost loved one. Is it possible to live a life that way? I think so. I suppose there is a danger that this could be over done, but to dedicate one's life to the memory of another can be motivating. Think how a life might be honored by dedicating one's own life to a noble calling. I can think of no higher honor that can be given than a life lived in a noble manner in memory of a loved one; a life lived for a great cause. The purpose is not to worship them, but to bring an honorable memory to their name. There are few things more dishonoring to a person's memory than lives that become dysfunctional and paralyzed by grief.

Grace & peace;
Tom