In wrapping up episode 5 part 2 of Dealing with Grief (the signs of grieving), our Pastors continued interviewing Retired Pastor and current Therapist Reverend Dr. Tony Everrat (Columbia, SC). Everyone grieves differently and may be at different stages in the grieving process. When a person is grieving and say they are okay, they may not be okay. They may have a breakdown or outburst at the most inconvenient and/or oddest times. Sometimes, things such as an anniversary, a smell, movie, place or food may trigger an emotion recalling their dead loved one; and they may not know to how to express themselves. GOD/JESUS will send us angels to help us along the way, and the angels may not look like what you expect. They can be anyone, such as a stranger in the grocery store, someone at school, a kind person, a cashier, mechanic, teacher, friend, neighbor etc. Sometimes a grieving person, just wants your presence, when all of the noise quiets down. Don't be afraid to talk about death and your grief. Be real and be vulnerable about how you are feeling with your grief with someone you trust. If you don't have someone you can trust, please reach out to a reputable counselor, and/or pastor/preacher for additional support.
Some reference scriptures include Psalm 22, Psalm 31, Lamentations 3 and Hebrews 12.
Here are 7 common stages of grief (but there are more online) to help you in your grieving process.
1. Shock/numbness to the death.
2. Inability to function well.
3. Anger.
4. Denial.
5. Acceptance - Trying to make sense of the grief. Learning to live in a new normal.
6. Meaning - Understanding the why.
7. Willingness to help others.
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