Grief

Genesis 37:34-35(The Message Bible)

V. 34 Jacob tore his clothes in grief, dressed in rough burlap, and mourned his son a long, long time.

V. 35 His sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused their comfort. “I’ll go to the grave mourning my son,” oh, how his father wept for him.

Grief – Profound sadness and anguish experience in response to a major loss, often due to the death of a loved one, but also encompassing other significant losses like relationships or identity. It’s a natural emotional process that can involve a wide range of feelings, including sadness, anger, guilt, and despair.

Jacob was told that his son Joseph was dead. Of course, Jacob took it hard, everyone tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted.

About grief:

1. Everyone grieves differently. Some people need to be around others. Some people want to be along. We need to respect people’s wishes. Continue to check on them, but some people need space.

2. There is not a timetable on grief. There is no such thing as getting over some things. Especially the lost of a child, parent, sibling, or any love one or close friend.

3. Some things that may affect you may not affect others as much. Be sensitive to people’s pain.

Relationship break may not affect you as much as others. Since telling people to get over it too soon can do more harm than good.

Some take the loss of a job harder, especially if they are the main provider in a home, be sensitive.

Things we can do to help someone in grief:

1. Be there for them, pray for them.

2. Listen more than talk

3. Help them get help, if needed, from Minister, therapist, or any qualified professional.

4. Although some may choose isolation, try not to let them stay isolated too long, monitor them.

5. If you feel or hear suicidal attitude, get him immediately.

(800) 273-8225, National crisis hotline, 24 hours a day.

Hopefully, other countries have something similar as well.

Like Jacob, some may refuse to be comforted, be sensitive to people, try to use discernment.

I’m not a professional therapist. I have suffered much loss and grief myself just like most if not all of you.

Never feel ashamed to get help for yourself or help for others, most of us are not professionals, know your limits.

Let’s pray for anyone who is grieving at this time.

Knowing that we could be next🙏🙏