The Lady Is A Leader..Even As She Grieves

[Pastor BJ Relefourd]

http://pastorbj.wordpress.com/2012/11/28/the-lady-is-a-leader-even-...

The Lady Is A Leader December  Monthly Blog will be released on Saturday December 1, however I felt impressed to extend this writing as an expression of my heart.

There are many who are in a state of grief during the holiday season, while we must each recognize and acknowledge those whom are experiencing grief, we must also have factual information

http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/suicide/holiday.html

“The idea that suicides occur more frequently during the holiday season is a long perpetuated myth.  The Annenberg Public Policy Center has been tracking media reports on suicide since 2000.  A recent analysis found that 50% of articles written during the 2009–2010 holiday season perpetuated the myth.¹ CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics reports that the suicide rate is, in fact, the lowest in December.²  The rate peaks in the spring and the fall. This pattern has not changed in recent years. The holiday suicide myth supports misinformation about suicide that might ultimately hamper prevention efforts “

Secondly I believe it is of most importance that we identify with the scriptural reference, which pertains to grief

Matthew 5:4

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

This scripture though brief, carries the weight of the intent and the promise for those who are experiencing grief, loss or any type of emotion of void in their lives.  Grief is not only associated with a physical death, grief occurs when there is a change in circumstance.  Grief may also be associated with divorce, job loss, displacement, illness, pets, and the transition of any type of relationship.  Grief appears with betrayal, and the reality of certain truths.  Grief encompasses a wide range of internal and external circumstances.

The Word of God says “we” are blessed!  The praise in this is that no matter what the circumstances, we have the factual benefit of knowing we are blessed.  One writer explains it in these terms, “grief and even weeping are not shameful, but are necessary for healing and expressing authentic human empathy and emotion.”-(Eric Simpson)

No one has the authority to tell you, when you should be “over it”…to often as humans, when we encounter grief, we are clueless on how to address it.  Therefore we began to speak in ignorance (lack of knowledge or information).  It is our heart that we feel we must say “something” when in reality, there are times when the family member, friend or acquaintance may only need your ear.  The person may only need your presence.  The inflicted one may only need a hug.

The Lord gave me a word years ago, that “everything is not profitable to say”, this has been a constant learning tool in my life.
As the Word of God states,  “blessed are those that mourn, for they SHALL be comforted.”  The Word shall is a definite expression of action.  “…they shall be comforted.”  There is no doubt in my mind that the Lord shall send a word, His Spirit, a song, a person, a fragrance…or whatsoever means He deems necessary to comfort each of us.

Grief has several stages

* Denial- This couldn’t possibly be so!

*Anger- Why would this happen to my loved one?

*Bargaining- If only I did this, or if I only  said that…

*Depression- I don’t know how to handle this

*Acceptance- I must understand this is my reality

http://psychcentral.com/lib/2006/the-5-stages-of-loss-and-grief/

We each must allow the Holy Spirit to give us the “opening” to know which stage the person is living at that moment; and if we are to speak to it to the person; or speak to it in the Spirit.

In my studies in Christian Counseling I recall the professor stating adamantly to us as students to “give space for grief”.  I know realize years later, what he meant by that statement.  We must most allow adequate space for the grieving person to feel we are a “safe place” to release their tears and their fears.

I pray we each have a joyous Holy Holiday Season…while being aware everyone is not singing, Fa, La, La, La, La…some are singing, Father I Stretch My Hands To Thee.

Walk In Prayer and Power
Holy Holidays

Pastor BJ