Brother Murdered

[JBGilleo]

My brother was murdered almost a year ago. This has been very tough for my family to deal with, especially my dad. Because my walk with Christ has kept me strong and the overwhelming support I have received from my church family, I have been able to deal with his death a lot easier than a few of my family members. I am desperate to reach out to my father the most. Not only have we lost my brother, but my mom passed away 4 years before my brother in a car accident. My father was remarried at the time and couldn't fully grieve over the loss of my mom. He has become extremely distant. The last church service he attended was with my brother and he will not go back. I know it is extremely vital for him to have fellowship with the body of Christ, especially to have that comfort, but he doesn't want anything to do with it. I pray diligently for him and have placed him on many prayer lists. I don't know what to do, but I have to find something in efforts to help him overcome this depression, especially with the trial coming up soon. I thought of asking people to send him encouraging emails just to remind him that people do care for him, love him, and acknowledge what he is going through, it's a reflection of what Christ carried out. Does anyone have any suggestions? Anything would truly help.

 

[Criada]

I have only just seen this post, so sorry no one replied sooner
I am sorry to hear about your brother, that must be very hard to deal with for all of you.
Your father is grieving in his own way... and he is probably angry at God for allowing this. Depression is a natural part of the grieving process, and in under a year, it is not surprising that he is still struggling to come to terms with your brother's death, especially if there is a pending court case preventing closure.

Keep praying, let him know that you are there for him, and give him time.
If he is a member of your church, are people not supporting him even if he is unable to attend meetings at the moment? If not, I'd have a word with your pastor... maybe some friends from the church can visit him and offer any support he needs in view of the trial approaching. Church isn't about meetings (I know you know that, not trying to sound preachy!), and the church should be able to support a hurting member without forcing him to attend if that is hard for him.

Sorry, lots of advice, ignore what is not helpful in the situation... basically, I would say keep loving him, keep praying, and trust that God loves him een more, and will bring him through this.

Praying for him and for you

 

[RuthD]

I'm so sorry, that is horrible.