Articles about Grief
Anger, The "A" Word
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Anger is a word that creates great discomfort for many people. However, there are many reasons why anger can be a positive contribution to any relationships
Martha, Can You Believe?
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Martha was unique in her refusal to not question God. She pursued Jesus in hope of receiving answers and comfort in her time of grief and loss. Using her life we will see the utilization of her skills and God's merciful response to her pain.
Allowing Grief
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Resisting the existence of grief robs us of the comfort available in our relationship with the Lord. A brief example of one girl's grief is shared.
God's Presence in the Midst of Suffering
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW
Moving account of experiencing God's presence in the midst of horrendous suffering
Grieving As An Act of Reconciliation
Suzan Myhre, M.S.S.W., LICSW, LPC
This article addresses grieving in light of a process of reconciliation instead of a one action decision of acceptance.
Taking Care of Yourself Over Holidays After a Loss
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
After the death of a loved one, various holidays are difficult, especially Christmas. Here are specific ideas for moving through any holiday with gentleness toward yourself and your situation.
Grieving Another Divorce
A "Dear Rosa" question and answer expressing the anger and hurt one can feel during a divorce in the face of some Christians
Serve Your Generation
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Meeting the challenge of any new year keeps us mindful of how we have opportunity to be all that God would have us be. A personal look into the life of one serving in the face of loss is described beautifully and challenges us to look at those around us in a new way.
Words When It Matters
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Our hearts go out to those who have just experienced loss. What can we say to them? This article explains the importance of words to the grieving person and gives five great ideas of what is helpful to share.
Coping With Holiday Grief
Compiled by Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Adapted from "Ten Ways To Cope With Holiday Grief" by L.B. Schultz, this handout provides information that is both practical and helpful for anyone who experiences renewed grief during the holiday seasons. Grief knows no time frame. Because of that fact, knowing what is normal and helpful may aid in alleviating and normalize the grief responses.
Things To Remember When Grieving
Compiled by Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Following guidelines originally written in "How To Grieve" by KAIROS, these steps help the grief stricken person what to remember. Each of these ten statements move the grieving individual towards the strength of God and moving forward into the future with renewed focus.
Understanding Grief When A Child Dies
Compiled by Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Reprinted in part from "Compassionate Friends", Copyright 1980, the death of a child has unique stresses that impact the remaining family members. Guilt, grief, depression, and strained relationships are not unusual. This handout is especially helpful for parents who have had to say good-bye to a child prematurely.
Chronic Disease: A Life Altering Condition
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW
Each year many people are diagnosed with having a chronic disease. This article discusses some of the common grief reactions patients may have when first diagnosed.
When A Father Dies - Preparing For The Holidays
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
The death of a family member creates a kind of stress that one does not understand until they experience the loss themselves. Add the holidays to this and the multiple levels of grief increase. There are a few basic truths that become real in the face of such a loss around the holidays. This article, written to encourage as well as remind us of these truths, utilizes the author's own personal experience to bring the reality of what it means to celebrate living in the face of grief.
Let There Be Peace in the Home: Helping Children Manage Stress During the Holiday Season
Christine Vander Wielen, M.S.W., CAPSW
Children are just as vulnerable to experiencing holiday stress as adults. This article gives parents nine practical tips to help children manage stress associated with the holiday season.
Coping with Change at Christmas
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Change is often difficult for families, but changes during the Christmas season can be especially tough. Article looks at four practical and spiritual ways to manage changes: based on Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her response to the birth of our Savior.
My First Christmas Alone
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Holidays are unique in that they tend to awaken emotions many would rather avoid. Facing your first holidays without a loved one means the development of a new awareness of ourselves along with the loss of our loved one. Brenda candidly shares her experience of her first Christmas without her parents and the reality of our Heavenly Father's understanding.
Coming Home
Lynda Savage, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Home is a powerful word. This article speaks to the yearning for home whether one is physically home or not. Where is home? If we do not have a sense of home, where may we find it?
Honor Widows
Brenda Spina, M.S., LMFT, LPC
Widowhood is one of those transitions that is easily dismissed and greatly misunderstood. As someone who watched her mother work through the varied tasks of this transition, the lack of availability in those around her for her situation was striking. Yet, James exhorts us to care for the orphans and widows as an expression of our pure and faultless expression of faith. The author expresses lessons learned from her own experience of coming along side her mother when facing widowhood.
Women, Grief, and Jesus
Mary Lambrecht, M.S. LMFT
Women experiencing grief and loss can also know deep comfort, individual attention, and a life-giving future through the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ’s loving attention to a mother who lost her only son from the gospel of Luke, is explored in this article.
