Resources

Dearest church family,

Pastor Rob and I are so sorry to hear about your loved one relocating to Heaven. We extend our heartfelt condolences and want you to know that we are praying for you during this difficult season. Our prayer is that you and your family will be sustained by the amazing grace of God, which will fill you with incredible strength and hope as you face the journey ahead.

In thinking about your loss, we would like you to know about some resources that really ministered to us when our son, Caleb relocated to Heaven.

On the subject of grief:

  1. Journey Through Grief Series by Kenneth Haugk

  2. A Grace Disguised by Jerry Sittser

  3. Goodbye No More by Welby O’Brien

On the subject of Heaven:

  1. Heaven by Randy Acorn

  2. My Dream of Heaven by Rebecca Springer

  3. 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper

 

SCRIPTURES:

  • Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

  • Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

  • 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

  • Revelation 21:4 "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

  • John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."

  • Psalm 23:4 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Five stages of grief (Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and David Kessler)

  1. Denial.

    Shock. Disbelief. How could something so catastrophic have happened when other people’s lives go on as normal?

  2. Anger.

    This is a common outcome of the anxiety and loss of control you may feel when your loved one has died.

  3. Bargaining.

    You might revisit the circumstances of your loved one’s death over and over, wishing you could have done something differently — perhaps even wishing that you could have taken your loved one’s place.

  4. Depression.

    As you realize how this loss has affected your life, you might experience crying, changes in sleep and appetite, and trouble concentrating.

  5. Acceptance.

    You may still feel sad, but you can move forward.

Actions to deal with grief from loss of a loved one:

  • ACKNOWLEDGE:

    We have to face the grief. God never tells us not to mourn or lament. But, as believers, we must grieve with hope because of what Jesus has done.

  • CONNECT:

    Grief is lighter when shared. Support from others can help you cope.

  • REMEMBER:

    Create memories or rituals of the lost loved one.

  • SEEK:

    Ask for help from others - grief counseling, support groups, and the church are here to help.

 

Actions to deal with grief due to other losses - job loss, loneliness, isolation, etc.:

  • Acknowledge the loss and grief

  • Develop new rituals to connect with loved ones, friends, or a support group

  • Focus on the things you do have control over

Sources: