In the last few months, our church family has experienced the deaths of parents, children and other loved ones. It’s hard to know what to say to the parent whose child has died, or to your friend or co-worker who has lost his or her mother or father. We want to say comforting words, but, so often, we just don’t say anything for fear of bringing on more sadness.
Whatever you do, don’t avoid the grief-stricken isolating them even more. Often just sitting with them in silence or offering a hug; or a simple, “I’m so sorry;” can help to lessen the pain.
Our GriefShare support group has been established to reach out to those in need of encouragement and help when a loved one dies. Perhaps you can give them a GriefShare brochure to help them find the support they so desperately need at this time.
“It does get better,” that’s the promise of a mother who has lost a beloved only son here at Summit View. “The finality of death is hard to accept, and that’s what a grief group is about…it’s getting you to accept that reality…so that you can go on with your life,” is another testimonial from a local grieving family member. Barbara Waite walked through the death of a child and its aftermath of what ifs, whys and if onlys. She co-facilitates GriefShare and offers the following message:
“I lost my only child, Sean Bisenius, whom many of you knew because he played bass on our worship team. Sean was called home to be with our Lord in September, 2003. When Sean died, I was overcome by grief. I had never experienced such pain and I did not think I could bear to never hear Sean’s voice or see his face again. Christians are able to claim an eternal perspective and rejoice that the person they lost is now in the presence of God. Even so, as humans, we grieve a loss so deep.
Those of you who have lost loved ones know that after the funeral, when friends and family have all gone home, when the cards and telephone calls stop, when everyone else has resumed a normal life, the real work of grief recovery begins and it truly is work. I was facing emotions that I had never experienced before and I truly needed support during this time.
I found comfort in God and a support group called GriefShare. It gave me the tools and support I needed to recover and the ability to treasure memories of my son even though I still miss him. The truth is, I couldn’t do it on my own. I didn’t have the strength. GriefShare helped me surrender my loss and the emotional hole left by my loss began to be filled by the love and goodness of God.
I started to feel compelled to comfort others just as I had been comforted, so I helped start the GriefShare recovery group at Summit View and currently facilitate the sessions with Mark Romig. It has been an incredible blessing to witness God’s healing miracles in so many people including Mark. I encourage anyone grieving the loss of a loved one to join a GriefShare group to find the support and encouragement you need during this time.”
What exactly is GriefShare? GriefShare is a nationally-recognized, faith-based support group for the grieving facilitated by people who have themselves experienced a loss. The video-based curriculum features top experts on grief and recovery, as well as real-life stories of people who have experienced losses. Each session includes a video, small group discussion time to interact with others in the group.
When should I join? You are welcome to begin attending GriefShare any time during the 13-week cycle. The current cycle began August 7; however, each session is self-contained – you don’t have to see them in sequence. You’ll find encouragement and help whenever you begin and you may continue through the next cycle.
What topics are covered? Sessions focus on providing people with tools and resources on their road to recovery. Topics discussed are about lost dreams, seasons and emotions of grief, questions and answers about where is God, and Heaven. There are also sessions that focus on specific losses such as loss of a spouse, child, family member and friends.
When & where does it meet? GriefShare meets from 6:30-9 p.m. on Tuesday nights at Summit View in the 2nd floor Summit Room. The group is led by Barbara Waite.