Grief During the Holidays

With the fall leaves in the air and the already prominent Christmas decorations displayed in all the major department stores, one knows Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here very soon.  Thoughts of the holidays may bring excitement for the family and friends you will see, anxiety for the decorations and gifts that need to be taken care of, or it may bring incredible sadness.  Holidays have this way of also reminding us what we have lost.  Whether it is another fleeting year of unmet expectations or the reminder of that special person that is no longer living the pain sometimes can take our breath away.

I want to encourage you that you can receive help with this sadness.  Mecklenburg Community Church will be holding a seminar on November 9th at 7:00 pm concerning Grief experienced during the holidays.  Come and learn more about the following:

• Learn how to prepare for surprising emotions that may come to you during the holidays
• Learn how to handle traditions and other changes that may occur
• Learn how to respond and handle holiday parties and invitations
• Learn how to survive awkward moments with other people
• Learn where to find hope, comfort and strength during these difficult times

Also, whatever types of grief or sadness the Holiday season may bring remember this:

• God's Comfort -  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. - 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 (NIV) 
• Does not matter the Need, the Time, or the Situation - God's grace is sufficient - And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.- 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)
• The Lord Understands and Knows You - You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.  You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.  You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.  - Psalm 139: 1 -3 (NIV)
• The Same God that Calms and Brings Peace to the Storm can Bring Peace to You - He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.- Mark 4:39 (NIV)

Resources

GriefShare for the Holidays - Surviving the Holidays Seminar at Mecklenburg Community Church on Nov. 9th

Surviving the Holidays GriefShare - National Website