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Something that I don’t think we talk about enough is grief. As morbid as it sounds, my favorite class in seminary was called “Death, Dying, & Grief”. One of the books we read was Good Grief by Granger Westberg. Perhaps you have read it. It came out in 1962 and went through at least 16 printings. In his book, Westberg outlines the ten stages of the grief process beginning with initial shock and moving into emotional release, depression, physical distress, panic, guilt, hostility, and incapacitation to hope and, lastly, a return to reality.
When I first read this book I immediately recognized the stages in my own grief journey and those of my friends and family. Not everyone shows evidence of all ten stages, but it is enormously helpful to know that we do not have to try to talk people out of what they are very naturally feeling and experiencing when going through grief.
Here is Westberg’s conclusion: “It is not right that a person should try to carry on their grief work alone. People through the centuries have found new and unexpected strength in the words, ‘I am with you always.’ So we say, ‘Grieve—not as those who have no hope,’ but please, when you have something worth grieving about, go ahead and grieve.”
Friends, grief never goes away—you just learn to live with it—but first, you have to embrace it. Grief is messy and confusing, and physically, mentally, and emotionally painful, but you are not alone in your grief. I cannot tell you how to grieve or show you what it looks like because grief is different for everyone, but I can walk with you in your grief. The church is here to walk with you in your grief. When you are ready, we will be here waiting for you.
Next Thursday February 6th, LAC will premier the first of its monthly speaker series, SEEKERS. The topic, "Finding Your Compass: Navigating When You Can't See the Stars," will explore ways to discover new paths for health and wholeness when life provides challenges and difficulties from the loss of a love one, to a struggling child and all things in between. Andrea Raynor, chaplain, speaker and author, will draw from her personal experiences and faith to provide inspiration and guidance. Registration is encouraged, please, so we can plan accordingly, but walk-ins are welcome. To register visit LAC's website at www.lacny.org/seekers.
Following Thursday night's presentation, Peter will host an informal discussion on Saturday February 8th at 2 PM at Locals 10538, to connect and reflect further about faith and finding your compass.
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