STAGES OF GRIEF
Denial (this isn’t happening to me!)
Anger (why is this happening to me?)
Bargaining (I promise I’ll be a better person if…)
Depression (I don’t care anymore)
Acceptance (I’m ready for whatever comes)
From the book On Death and Dying by, Elizabeth Kulber-Ross
These five stages of grief are guidelines to help us understand what we and others are experiencing when something tragic happens. They may not be experienced in this order and you may not experience all five. One thing is for sure, though: to get “through” a trial and reach the other side you will have to experience acceptance.
When something bad happens it is impossible to “get over it” immediately. Experiencing the trial is a process. You can’t “get over it” you have to go “through” it. When faced with a dire situation we can get through it with God’s help. Through our faith and reliance upon God the road isn’t as rocky.
Since healing is a process it’s not something that can be rushed. In God’s time you will heal. It is important to allow yourself to feel the emotions you feel even if you don’t like them. The other choice is to suppress them and that is like playing with dynamite. The emotions will explode! It’s better to acknowledge them and work on your situation. How can you do that?
God speaks to us in many ways. He speaks to us through “His Son” (Hebrews 1:1-2) as Jesus is the Living Word and the Bible is His written Word. He speaks to us through the Holy Spirit (See John 16:12-15).
When we get still enough to listen to God, He will guide us. God also speaks to us through other people – “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” Proverbs 27:17 NASB. That’s why it is so important to share your pain with one of our Personal Encouragers. You don’t have to go through your trial alone. God is there for you and so is Overcomers.
Acceptance will come: sometimes slowly and sometimes quickly. Through acceptance you will find peace.
How can you participate in your healing?
Talk to others
Pray
Join a support group
Research your specific situation
Have faith
Read about your affliction
Do not isolate yourself
Reach out to others in your family who might feel the same way
Keep a journal
Write a letter to someone but don’t mail it
Exercise
Talk about it some more!
Pray again!
Share with a Personal Encourager
Share your story with us and others
Remember healing is a process and Overcomers is here for you.