Blessed Are Those Who Mourn Youre blessed when

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn • • • You’re blessed when you feel you have lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. – Message Ecc. 3: 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance Romans 12: 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

What is loss? • Life reminds us that we are not in charge. • When things are different than we want or expect. • Loss is like an injury. • We are designed to heal. • Sometimes grief gets infected. • How much can you give out without giving out?

Language of Grief • Bad – breaking down, losing it, falling apart Better – Expressing grief, letting out emotions.

Kinds of Grief • Definite – tangible – visible • Indefinite – Can’t be marked with a headstone. • Less public permission to grieve. • Alone losses

How Can We Help? • Recognize what we can and cannot do. • Remember our role - be with not do. • Offer caring and courage.

What We Can’t Do • Bring something back • Take away the pain • When we let go of the impossible we feel less helpless and become more useful.

What Can We Do? • • Validate the loss Listen Use the person’s name Avoidance hurts more than clumsy words

Life is a Test • If it were intended for more you would have received different instructions. • Time won’t heal. But what we do with time can bring healing.