Tonight, we focused on acceptance, the final stage in the grief process. We discussed the Serenity Prayer, and how we must accept the things we cannot change, such as our past or other people's lives. We also discussed being able to have courage to change the things we can, such as behaviors or attitudes. I believe most in the group have accepted their current situation, even though there may be work left to do. This is where they are at, and they are striving to change and have hope.
I have enjoyed doing this series, and appreciate all those who have attended and participated. I look forward to next week when we will begin a new series, Anger Management. I have a feeling there will be some very interesting and "energized" group sessions in July for this topic.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The Serenity Prayer
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
When dealing with grief, you must reach a point of acceptance for complete healing to take place. You must accept and realize that the loss or event has occurred, and there's nothing you can do to change that fact. However, you can focus on the things you can change, such as your attitude, your thought processes, or a change in your lifestyle. You may need to make some adjustments or learn new behaviors to compensate for the loss. But, as you pray for God's strength and courage, He will see you through. Pray for God's wisdom to guide and direct you during this final stage of acceptance.
When dealing with grief, you must reach a point of acceptance for complete healing to take place. You must accept and realize that the loss or event has occurred, and there's nothing you can do to change that fact. However, you can focus on the things you can change, such as your attitude, your thought processes, or a change in your lifestyle. You may need to make some adjustments or learn new behaviors to compensate for the loss. But, as you pray for God's strength and courage, He will see you through. Pray for God's wisdom to guide and direct you during this final stage of acceptance.
Monday, June 22, 2009
God's Still Working on You
Amos 9:11 (New International Version)
"In that day I will restore David's fallen tent. I will repair its broken places, restore its ruins, and build it as it used to be"
In the process of working through grief, many broken pieces may be found. It might mean relationships have been severed, your heart is "broken", or your finances are in ruins. But, God is faithful to take those broken pieces, build you back up, and in many ways, make you stronger than before. When a building is restored, it is taken back to its original design as much as possible. Often times, new pieces are added that resemble the old. But with it being "new", there is more strength. The floors, walls, etc. have not yet "weathered" with time. So, with your own personal life, allow some "newness" to come in; allow that restoration to take place. Build a strong foundation on which to stand.
2 Samuel 22:21 (The Message)
"God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him"
"In that day I will restore David's fallen tent. I will repair its broken places, restore its ruins, and build it as it used to be"
In the process of working through grief, many broken pieces may be found. It might mean relationships have been severed, your heart is "broken", or your finances are in ruins. But, God is faithful to take those broken pieces, build you back up, and in many ways, make you stronger than before. When a building is restored, it is taken back to its original design as much as possible. Often times, new pieces are added that resemble the old. But with it being "new", there is more strength. The floors, walls, etc. have not yet "weathered" with time. So, with your own personal life, allow some "newness" to come in; allow that restoration to take place. Build a strong foundation on which to stand.
2 Samuel 22:21 (The Message)
"God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him"
Monday, June 15, 2009
Renewal Schedule
June 16: NO meeting (Kid's Crusade)
June 23: Upward Turn/Working Through
June 30: Acceptance
June 30th will be the last meeting for the grief group for this cycle. In July, we will begin another subject matter (topic to be announced). I encourage anyone who has been a part of the grief group to try and make it to the last two meetings. I want to make sure your concerns have been heard, and you feel God is restoring you. I pray that healing has taken or is taking place, and you are feeling more at peace about the issues surrounding you. God bless you this week, and hope to see you next Tuesday, June 23 @ 6:30 pm.
June 23: Upward Turn/Working Through
June 30: Acceptance
June 30th will be the last meeting for the grief group for this cycle. In July, we will begin another subject matter (topic to be announced). I encourage anyone who has been a part of the grief group to try and make it to the last two meetings. I want to make sure your concerns have been heard, and you feel God is restoring you. I pray that healing has taken or is taking place, and you are feeling more at peace about the issues surrounding you. God bless you this week, and hope to see you next Tuesday, June 23 @ 6:30 pm.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Create in Me a Clean Heart
Psalm 51:
10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
11Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation
This psalm comprises the song by Keith Green. I posted the video on facebook. It came to my spirit since it speaks of "renewing" and "restoring". I've listened to it several times tonight, so it's resounding in my head. My Renewal theme song for now.
10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
11Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
12Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation
This psalm comprises the song by Keith Green. I posted the video on facebook. It came to my spirit since it speaks of "renewing" and "restoring". I've listened to it several times tonight, so it's resounding in my head. My Renewal theme song for now.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The Song Within
Psalm 13 (New International Version)
1 How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;
4 my enemy will say, "I have overcome him," and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.
David cried out to God in his distress. He asked God many questions. David's soul was in anguish. But, in the midst of his grief, David still had a song in his heart. And, he chose to sing it. Just like David, God allows us to express our hurts and grievances to Him. God wants to bring healing to those wounded areas. And, in like manner, God wants to hear the song within our heart, knowing that His love is always there.
1 How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;
4 my enemy will say, "I have overcome him," and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.
David cried out to God in his distress. He asked God many questions. David's soul was in anguish. But, in the midst of his grief, David still had a song in his heart. And, he chose to sing it. Just like David, God allows us to express our hurts and grievances to Him. God wants to bring healing to those wounded areas. And, in like manner, God wants to hear the song within our heart, knowing that His love is always there.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Depression
Looking ahead to next week's meeting, the subject matter will be depression. Now, I know you might be thinking, "Oh, I can't wait to get to that one. What fun that will be. We can all sit around and talk about how sad we are, and shed a few tears." And, if that be the case, we always manage to have a box of Kleenex there. But, haven't we always shared some laughter amidst our grief as well?
Depression isn't just a case of the "blues". According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, depression is: " a psychoneurotic or psychotic disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies ". When left untreated, depression can cause further emotional and physical damage.
Depression is normal when dealing with grief. A feeling of sadness is expected. However, when it becomes prolonged is when the problem arises. Self-evaluations may be done online by answering a few simple questions. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please seek support from a group, trusted friend or counselor.
Depression isn't just a case of the "blues". According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, depression is: " a psychoneurotic or psychotic disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies ". When left untreated, depression can cause further emotional and physical damage.
Depression is normal when dealing with grief. A feeling of sadness is expected. However, when it becomes prolonged is when the problem arises. Self-evaluations may be done online by answering a few simple questions. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please seek support from a group, trusted friend or counselor.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Bargaining
(taken from "Healing Grief: Reclaiming Life After Any Loss" by James Van Praagh)
"Bargaining is a phase we use as a way to control a situation. It is a type of defense mechanism. A person may make a promise to God that if he or she behaves a particular way, then everything will be reversed, or the scenario will be prevented by some miraculous occurrence. Bargaining, like denial, keeps us from facing reality. Sometimes the shock of loss can become too much to bear, and we resort to this kind of reasoning. Bargaining may temporarily comfort some people as they ease into the truth of the situation. However, if you live in an illusionary world where denial and bargaining are totally encompassing, you begin to detach from the reality around you."
As we continue to explore the stages of grief and examine where we may be in this process, I encourage those who have been a part of Renewal to hold fast to what God has done and is doing in your life. Allow the Holy Spirit to be your Comforter.
"Bargaining is a phase we use as a way to control a situation. It is a type of defense mechanism. A person may make a promise to God that if he or she behaves a particular way, then everything will be reversed, or the scenario will be prevented by some miraculous occurrence. Bargaining, like denial, keeps us from facing reality. Sometimes the shock of loss can become too much to bear, and we resort to this kind of reasoning. Bargaining may temporarily comfort some people as they ease into the truth of the situation. However, if you live in an illusionary world where denial and bargaining are totally encompassing, you begin to detach from the reality around you."
As we continue to explore the stages of grief and examine where we may be in this process, I encourage those who have been a part of Renewal to hold fast to what God has done and is doing in your life. Allow the Holy Spirit to be your Comforter.
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