There is not one person on the planet who is not affected by grief. Most people have experienced some form of loss at some point in their lives. We can’t escape the curse, no matter how hard we try to avoid thinking or talking about it.
Everything on earth has its cycle of life, from civilizations and governments to manufacturers and all living things. Now and then, someone in our community is grieving over the loss of a loved one or a pet who was like a member of their family, and for some, their only family member.
The effects of grief can be debilitating and may cause a person to sometimes withdraw from their loved ones. The feelings of personal guilt can occur, especially if you think that the outcome would have been different if you had taken a different path.
Depression can cause you to isolate yourself from the outside world and all the things you used to enjoy, leaving you feeling empty, lonely, and sad. A person can become so overwhelmed that they lose their appetite and the will to survive.
Despite the effects of grief, there can be ‘Good Grief’. I know that when I make that statement, it makes no sense. How can grief be thought of as good when your heart is broken? We will grieve here on earth because we are attached to earthly things and to other human beings. However, grief can have a positive effect, bringing about growth, maturity, and independence as a person progresses through the stages of mourning. In ‘Good Grief, we embrace the assurance of seeing our loved ones again because of our mutual commitment to Christ.
1Thessalonians 4:13-18 ESV
Condensed: We grieve in hope, knowing that we will be reunited with those who died trusting in Christ. Jesus died, rose from the grave, and will return with those who died believing in Him. We, who remain alive, will be caught up together in the air and taken to Heaven forever.
‘Good Grief’ is about waiting to be reunited! For many of us, there isn’t a day that passes that we don’t think about a loved one that we have lost.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE GREIVING – “GOOD NEWS! Join us for a 13-week Grief Share class, held each Monday, commencing September 8th to December 1st at 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Sequoia Room. There will be a video seminar, group discussion, and personal workbook. The cost of the class is $20. Please, register today by calling 408-238-3079 or email: Villageschapel@sbcglobal.net.