At some point, we all grieve. None of us are immune to the process of experiencing significant loss and adjusting to what I refer to as "the new normal".  The above poem was written during a personal journey of grieving; however, I think the message echoes the sentiments of many people whom have trusted me with their story. Loss, and the various, confusing, and painful feelings it spawns, is so easily gripped in our hands. As a counselor, I remind myself and others that God is all compassionate and loving. He is kind and tender. He is close to the broken-hearted.  God sees us, and he sees our sorrow.  He is our Comforter, and he can be fully trusted  during our most difficult of times. 

Grief is a normal and natural response to loss. While grieving is an innate response to the loss of life, people can experience grief as a reaction to any significant loss. Further, whether anticipated or totally unexpected, grief falls heavy upon the heart of a person. If you are walking alongside someone who is grieving, here are some helpful points to consider: 

Friends Show Up. Both your presence and participation in another’s life communicates caring concern.

Avoid Fixing It. Grief is a journey; it cannot be solved like a math problem.

Do Not Compare. People grieve differently and with varied timing. We can unknowingly add pain to pain, if we expect people to grieve on a time frame or within certain expectations. 

Listen. Listen with patience, encouragement, and compassion.

Pray. Prayer should be our first and best offering of "help" to others who are hurting.  

Blessings, 

Jo