WORKING YOUR WAY THROUGH THE GRIEVING PROCESS (Part I)

WORKING YOUR WAY THROUGH THE GRIEVING PROCESS (Part I)

As we begin this series, please allow me to state the obvious.  It is never ever easy to lose a loved one.  Of course, the Word of God will be our ultimate guide as we consider this topic, but we will also draw heavily upon the works of Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, M.D., a recognized expert in the research of death and dying.

According to Dr. Kubler-Ross, following the initial shock that one experiences when learning of the passing of a loved one, there are FIVE STAGES IN THE GRIEVING PROCESS:

-DENIAL

-ANGER

-DEPRESSION

-BARGAINING

-ACCEPTANCE

Dr. Kubler-Ross found that practically all her patients reacted to the bad news of death in nearly identical ways, namely with shock and disbelief.  This is the beginning of the DENIAL process, which lasts from a few seconds to many months, varying from individual to individual.  This denial is never a total denial.  After all, the individual typically ‘believes’ that a death has occurred, but there is also a veneer of disbelief that their loved one is actually gone, even in cases of acute or terminal illness, where death seems to be possible or probable.

After the initial denial, anger and rage often dominate the emotions of those who have lost loved ones.  Sometimes this anger is justifiable due to the responses of medical staff, family, or friends, who unknowingly ‘trivialize’ loss and grief by employing empty platitudes, or by trying to control an individual’s response to such a major loss.  Sometimes the anger is somewhat irrational, and the grieving individual cannot wrap his/her brain around the reasons why they are feeling that way.  However, when others are able to tolerate these outbursts of anger, its duration is much shorter and more moderate in temperament and tone.

The Word of God instructs the believer: “Do not cast away your confidence” in Christ’s ability to intervene and address any area of our lives. (Hebrews 10:35)  You can accomplish this as you are “casting all your care upon HIM, for HE cares for you.” (I Peter 5:7)

Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!