Coping with Grief and Loss

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This year has been full of grief and loss. It seems that every where I look, there are people suffering and/or dying. In May (2007), the Lord saw fit to bring my own mother safely to her heavenly home, in His presence. Prior to her home coming, however, there were many years of pain and suffering which only worsened as she neared her transition into eternal life. As I have reflected on the life and death of my mother, I realized that my own sense of grief and loss for her was actually much more profound in the years and months prior to her passing than after.

Death, pain and suffering often present many challenges to our Christian faith - we wonder, "why didn't God answer my prayers to heal or relieve my loved one's suffering?" "Why did he let my child, spouse or friend die?" "How can God be good and allow the things He does?" Part of the problem in dealing with these issues is that we are not asking the right questions. To finish reading this article click here.

Quotes and Contemplations -- Wisdom for your soul

If Thoughts of (Christ) do not bring us peace and comfort, then we need to examine whether or not our relationship with Christ is our most important priority. (Kristine Pappas)

Never, never did Christ send a heavy laden one to work; never, never did He send a hungry one, a weary one, a sick or sorrowing one, away on any service. For such the Bible only says, "Come, come, come. (Hudson Taylor)

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (The Apostle Peter)

Book Works - Widow for A Season

For this edition of YCCC on Coping with Grief and Loss, I have just finished reviewing a book called Widow for a Season, Finding Your Identity in Christ by Kristine Pappas. This book is all about Kristine's story as a young widow and how she came to know Christ Jesus as her heavenly husband. It is a beautiful telling of her experiences, struggles, griefs and sorrows and how God ultimately turned her mourning into dancing. To finish reading this book review click here.

Great Web Resources - Widow for a Season Website

In addition to the book Kristine has written to minister to the needs of widows, she has also developed a corresponding website. On the site you can purchase her book, access a bimonthly newsletter, download comprehensive Bible studies related to each chapter, read chapter summaries and find resources for Pastors who want more information on how best to serve widows in their churches.

Win a Book Gift Certificate...

Congratulations to Pam Fletcher who won a $15 gift certificate to Christian Books in our monthly book give away contest. Pam Please email me to receive your gift certificate. Be sure to read YCCC every month to see if you might be the providential winner!

In Closing...

Check back often as Christian-Counseling-Online is rapidly growing to give you the best Christian Counseling resources available on the web. If you would like more information about my counseling services you will find it by visit my Palm Bay office page and my phone counseling page. If you like what you read please feel free to share it with others. You can easily find the newest pages at Christian Counseling Online by accessing our web site blog.

Until next time, I'm praying for God's richest blessings on your life and relationships,