Coping with Grief

EDITOR: Death is something we can never get accustomed to, no matter how much we prepare for it. In most cases it leaves a void and an emptiness to some extent and, in some cases, loneliness.

Coping with grief can be in many cases a long process. Some persons are able to deal with it better than others. We know that at some point each one of us will face the harsh reality of having to deal with grief. Therefore, how we cope with it is very important.

There is a hardly a formula for coping with grief. However, I would like to highlight a few important things that can aid in coping with grief.

Because of the emotional pain that is associated with it, having support of loved ones is recommended.

The grieving person needs to let out their feelings to those around them who are there to support them. In letting the emotions out, sometimes a person has to cry. One of the mistakes we make is to tell persons not to cry. When someone cries it helps release the emotions and so aid in the healing process faster, than surprising the feelings and emotions.

Another area of coping with grief is to get involved in activities and being occupied in work, and even aiding persons who need help. These will aid in focusing on other things and take a person’s mind off the current situation,for the worst thing a person can do is to wallow in self pity and become depressed. For when we become depressed we lose that strength and many times lose interest in things that are important.

Many times in our grief we have to cope with it all by ourselves. Sometimes a person may give a nice smile and carry on their daily chores, but are grieving inside.

Sometimes it is hard to recognize if the person needs help and we are sometimes led to believe that all is well. But this may not be so. Therefore, we have to draw our strength from Jesus. He never fails and is always there to help in times of need. He is there when no one seems to be there for us.

While we recognize it is hard to cope with grief, we can, with the help of the Lord, cope with our grief. So to those who are grieving over a departed one, as painful as it is, be assured that Jesus cares and will take us through it for, HE knows our hearts and feels our pain and is willing to walk with us.

According to Matthew 28: 20, He says, “I will never leave thee not forsake thee.” May GOD grant us strength in our moments of grief. God bless us all.

Kennard King