I want to help my friend who is grieving a significant loss, but I’m at a loss. When I try to help, my own loss gets in my way.” Some of us have found that when we try to help others in their grief, some of our own grief rises to the surface. It is true that in order to help others through their grief, we need to adequately deal with our own grief issues and with our own grief history..
Read MoreGrief comes in waves. Some waves come with the tide and are as predictable as the rising of the sun and moon. Others sneak up and catch us unaware. Just as we think, “I can handle this…I’m doing so much better,” a Tidal Wave tries to drown us in our own tears...
Read MoreI hear this often, "Nick, my mind and emotions are going 15 directions at one time...am I going crazy?" No, you certainly aren't going crazy, but experiencing many emotions at one time is very normal and expected...
Read MoreThe loss really begins to be felt when there is an empty chair in at the table, or you’re waiting for them to come home to only remember that they aren't going to walk through that door at 5:15 like they always have before. There are plans and dreams of the future that are now unknown and uncertain. This experience often times leads one to ask, “Is there any hope?”...
Read MoreI have heard some say that while they were grieving they felt much closer to God. Some have even wondered out loud how anyone could “go through this” without a strong faith system and belief in God. I have also heard about as many say that they have questioned their faith in God during a time of grief more than they ever had or thought that they ever would. I do not get offended when grieving people get angry at God. God can take our anger without getting angry at us. One writer said, “It’s hard to have a relationship with someone that you can’t get mad at...
Read MoreIt would be nice if the chaplain was exempt from personal life challenges…but that’s far from the truth. I have mentioned once before back in October about the suicide in my family. Since then my wife and I have also experienced two miscarriages as well. I know we share this experience with many of you who read this blog as it is more common that I had previously known...
Read MorePets are more than just animals — they’re family. And anyone who’s ever lost a pet knows it’s terribly heartbreaking. Whether it’s your first time to lose a pet or your third, it never really gets easier, only more familiar. Thankfully, there are many ways to ease the sorrow and help you recover from such a devastating loss...
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