JoAnne shares about how she experienced the stages of grief in the midst of an unthinkable family tragedy.
Talking Points:
- Shock (or Denial) is often the initial reaction to protect us from an overwhelming experience.
- Anger is a defense mechanism that attempts to protect our wounded heart.
- Bargaining is when we begin to allow our hearts to open and embrace the pain from our loss.
- Depression is when our anger is turned inward, often to deal with feelings of guilt. Psalm 34:18
- Acceptance is when we re-focus the pain and begin to accept life without the person we have lost.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What has been helpful to you during your grieving process? What has been unhelpful?
- Read Psalm 34:18. How do you feel crushed by your grief right now?
- Why is it helpful to think about grief in stages? What stage do you find yourself in right now? Explain.
- Think about each stage. What are some examples of unhealthy behaviors that could arise in each stage? Do you find yourself exhibiting any of those? Explain.
- Read Psalm 27:13. What do you think it means to find goodness in the land of the living? What are you thankful for even in your despair?
- What do you think the last stage of acceptance means? Have you gotten to this stage? How will you know when you do?
- What could you do to help yourself or someone else move through the stages in a healthy way?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
