(I know there are some of us who have lost a beloved relative this year - even within the last few months)
Here are 10 ways to cope with loss during a season of celebration.
For many people, the holidays are a traditional time of happiness and festivity. However, for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, the holidays are a time of mixed emotions. There can be pleasure, but there is also much pain, because the season magnifies the sense of loss.
There are no quick fixes to getting rid of the hurt. Thankfully, God does use the loving support of our friends and family and the passage of time to heal our broken hearts. But here are 10 ways to manage in the meantime.
1. Plan ahead. Remind yourself, there is no right or wrong way to spend the holiday.
2. Let your church help.
3. Claim the promises of Scripture.
4. Keep expectations reasonable.
5. Network with other grievers.
6. Remember the loved one who died.
7. Expand your "family" at holiday time.
8. Don't feel you have to do it all.
9. Take care of yourself physically.
10. Protect your boundaries.
Finally, try to comfort yourself with this reminder: Most people who are bereaved say that the anticipation of the holiday is always much worse than the holiday itself. Rest assured that, with God's grace, the day will not be nearly as difficult as you think it will.
By Victor M. Parachin
Full article: http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/2003/006/8.58.html
Here are 10 ways to cope with loss during a season of celebration.
For many people, the holidays are a traditional time of happiness and festivity. However, for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, the holidays are a time of mixed emotions. There can be pleasure, but there is also much pain, because the season magnifies the sense of loss.
There are no quick fixes to getting rid of the hurt. Thankfully, God does use the loving support of our friends and family and the passage of time to heal our broken hearts. But here are 10 ways to manage in the meantime.
1. Plan ahead. Remind yourself, there is no right or wrong way to spend the holiday.
2. Let your church help.
3. Claim the promises of Scripture.
4. Keep expectations reasonable.
5. Network with other grievers.
6. Remember the loved one who died.
7. Expand your "family" at holiday time.
8. Don't feel you have to do it all.
9. Take care of yourself physically.
10. Protect your boundaries.
Finally, try to comfort yourself with this reminder: Most people who are bereaved say that the anticipation of the holiday is always much worse than the holiday itself. Rest assured that, with God's grace, the day will not be nearly as difficult as you think it will.
By Victor M. Parachin
Full article: http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/2003/006/8.58.html
