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The Unexpected Journey from Loss to Renewed Hope H. Norman Wright Presentation by Stephanie Warner Reflections of a Grieving Spouse

Reflections of a Grieving Spouse

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Reflections of a Grieving Spouse. The Unexpected Journey from Loss to Renewed Hope H. Norman Wright Presentation by Stephanie Warner. “No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear.”  ―  C.S. Lewis ,  A Grief Observed. Grief Emotions – Anger, Depression, Pain, Fear Recovery/Renewal. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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Page 1: Reflections of a Grieving Spouse

The Unexpected Journey from Loss to Renewed Hope

H. Norman Wright

Presentation by Stephanie Warner

Reflections of a Grieving Spouse

Page 2: Reflections of a Grieving Spouse

“No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear.” ― C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed

Page 3: Reflections of a Grieving Spouse

GriefEmotions – Anger, Depression, Pain, Fear Recovery/Renewal

Page 4: Reflections of a Grieving Spouse

When have you experienced grief? What was the grief experience like for you?

DefinitionDisorderly process You aren’t alone…

Isaiah 53:3

What is Grief?

Page 5: Reflections of a Grieving Spouse

Loss in grief is not only physical, but also loss of presence

Secondary Losses Examples

Word AssociationAmputationLongingApathyYearningAche

Grief & Loss

Page 6: Reflections of a Grieving Spouse

Job asked…16 timesOthers asked too:

Psalm 10:1Psalm 13:1-2 Matthew 27:45

No answers Importance of remembering who we are and

who God is

Grief – why?

Page 7: Reflections of a Grieving Spouse

“crazy” feelings are actually a sane responseDistorted thinking patterns“crazy” or irrational thoughtsFearful thoughtsFeelings of despair & hopelessnessOut of control or numbed emotionsChanges in sensory perceptionIncreased irritabilityWant to talk a lot or not at allMemory lagsInability to concentrate

Symptoms of Grief

Page 8: Reflections of a Grieving Spouse

Obsessive focus on the loved oneLosing track of timeIncrease or decrease of appetite and/or sexual

desireDifficulty falling or staying asleepDreams in which the deceased exist Nightmares with death themesPhysical illness Shattered beliefs about life, the world, and God

Symptoms of Grief

Page 9: Reflections of a Grieving Spouse

Read/memorize scripture as you try to close your eyesProv. 3:24Prov. 3:24-26Psalm 63:6-7Psalm 94:19Psalm 4:8

Encouragement with sleep trouble

Page 10: Reflections of a Grieving Spouse

We don’t always need reasons! Reasons do not make the situation better or

more comfortableGrief has to happen with no boundaries of

time or location What do we need to know about our/others

time of suffering? Examples

Reasons for Grief

Page 11: Reflections of a Grieving Spouse

Why do we go through grief? What is the purpose? Through grief you express your feelings about

your loss.Express protest at the loss and a desire to

change what happened. Express the effects you have experienced from

the impact of the loss. Experience God in a new way that will change

your life. (Job 42:5)

Why Grief?

Page 12: Reflections of a Grieving Spouse

Common grieving reaction – feeling of displeasure, irritation, and protest

To whom is anger directed? YourselfDoctorsHospitalSpouseGod

Dealing with Anger ExamplesBreak apart anger and evaluate your thoughtsPsam 13:1-3, 5-6

Anger

Page 13: Reflections of a Grieving Spouse

Loss and Fear go hand in hand How will we survive? Cripples relationshipsImagine the worst Lead to total anxiety and dread

Identifying fearsFreedom from fears

1 Peter 5:7 Isaiah 26:3Philippians 4:6-9 Isaiah 41:10

Fears

Page 14: Reflections of a Grieving Spouse

Always a temptation to shut down when painful feelings come - can lead to depression

Paralyzing sense of helplessnessPassive and resignedEverything seems out of focusSeems to be no way outYou feel all alone Changes the way you see God

Depression & Grief

Page 15: Reflections of a Grieving Spouse

Christians can be depressed (not always brought on by sin)

Evaluating your feelings – 3 questionsWhat is it like when you feel depressed?Right now, what type of weather forecast best

describes where you are in the process of dealing with your loss?

Where on the scale would you place your current grief process? 4 stages

Dealing with Depression

Page 16: Reflections of a Grieving Spouse

Unresolved Grief

Page 17: Reflections of a Grieving Spouse

Make amends“Letting Go” letterCommunicate with your griefHelp others help you Let God surprise you JournalFarewell Letter

Moving On and Letting Go

Page 18: Reflections of a Grieving Spouse

To spare oneself from grief at all cost can be achieved only at the price of total

detachment, which excludes the ability to experience happiness.” – Erich Fromm