March 27th
It’s a “How To Help The Grieving” Day.
LORD, WE THANK YOU FOR BEING OUR COMFORTER WHEN WE WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH. AMEN
All of us, at one time or another, will be confronted with a friend or family member who is grieving the loss of a loved one. So here are some tips on how to help them deal with their grief process.
The FIRST important thing you can do is to SHOW YOU CARE BY BEING PRESENT AND BY LISTENING. Sometimes your presence is just enough.
2) ACKNOWLEDGE ALL FEELINGS. Their grief reactions are natural and necessary. Don’t pass judgment on how well they are or are not coping. Each person will deal with the death of a loved one in a different way. Be respectful of the other person’s feelings.
3) ACCEPT DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES. Keep in mind that your grieving friend’s cultural and religious perspectives on illness and death may be different from your own. For example, if a family has decided not to let children attend the funeral because of a belief that children shouldn’t be exposed to death, support their decision even if it’s not what you would do. Remember this time it is not about you.
4) ACKNOWLEDGE CHANGE. Life won’t feel the same after a loss, and the person may not be able to get back to normal. Help the person to renew interest in past activities and hobbies, or to discover new areas of interest when he or she is ready. Offer suggestions such as, “Let’s go to the museum or the movies on Saturday,” but be accepting if your offer is declined.
5) STICK AROUND. Your friend or family member may need your support and presence in the weeks and months to come after most others will have withdrawn.
6) BE SPECIFIC WHEN OFFERING HELP. Offer help with chores such as childcare or meals. For example, suggest, “I’ll bring dinner on Thursday; how many people will be there?” Performing repeatable tasks such as picking up the kids from school or refilling prescriptions can also be a big help.
7) BE AWARE OF HOLIDAYS AND SPECIAL DAYS. For someone grieving a death, certain days may be more difficult and can magnify the sense of loss. Anniversaries, Birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas can be especially hard. Some people find it helpful to be with family and friends; others may wish to avoid traditions and try something different. Extend an invitation to someone who might otherwise spend time alone during a holiday or special day but recognize that they may not accept your offer. Remember a “no” today might be a “yes” tomorrow. Don’t give up.
8) CHECK IN. Checking up on the grief-stricken person can be very helpful throughout the first two years after the loss. Stay in touch by writing a note, sending a text message, calling, stopping by to visit or perhaps bringing flowers.
Finally, when you can:
9) Have PRAYER WITH THE PERSON AND FAMILY. Prayer is how we bring GOD into the midst of the situation. Prayer is the answer to everything in life that we have to deal with. Prayer helps to calm the troubled mind and heal the broken heart. As my grandmother would say, “If prayer can’t do it, it can’t be done!” Beloved, remember to the hurting and grieving, you are the comforting presence, the soothing hands and the attentive ears of GOD. You can help your friend. You can do this. As the song says, “You just ask the Savior to help you, comfort strengthen and keep you. Jesus is willing to aid you. Yes, He will carry you through.” AMEN LIGHTS AND WALLS!!!
This is Rev Dr. Wm. Rocky Brown, 3rd letting you know that GOD and I Love you, and we approve this message because we want to motivate your mind, body & soul. So be happy and enjoy the blessings of The LORD today my friend! Please subscribe to my website to receive these messages daily at http://www.yourspiritualmotivation.com. You can also buy my publication: “800 SAYINGS BY OLD FOLKS WHO RAISED US” from Amazon.com or www.wmrockybrown3rd.com or by emailing: wmrocbe@aol.com or by calling 215-480-5333. The cost is $15.00 s/h included.
