Loss of loved ones brings pain and grief to all of us. Our responses differ due to circumstances, personalities, and our relationships with the one who has passed. The healing process may be short or long but is often accelerated through healthy guidance and shared understanding of experiences. This is what GriefShare is all about, bringing together in a safe environment the guidance from Christian professional experts, the experience of trusted facilitators who’ve traveled the journey, and the hurt of those who need God’s healing and renewed joy.
Northlake member and GriefShare facilitator Sue Finley wrote the following:
“When I was invited to attend the GriefShare group in 2009, I declined…simply because I did not think I could handle any more pain after losing Gene. I knew that my being so resistant meant I probably needed to attend and I reconsidered. Now I am so thankful I did. During the first sessions, for the most part I just cried. Later I was able to process and gradually begin moving beyond my grief and looking toward the future with anticipation instead of dread. I learned that while the life I had with Gene was over, the days ahead would build on the time we had shared.
“In my role as facilitator now, I am thankful that I am able to share with others how God has worked for good in my life. I still miss my dear husband every day, and sometimes something as insignificant as a song playing on the radio will bring a tear to my eye. But now when I awake, I feel joy again as I anticipate what the Lord has planned for me this new day! “
Sue Finley and Barbara Porter are the competent facilitators for the fall sessions.
REGISTER now for 14 week cycle: office@northlake.org, doris@northlake.org
DATE: August 7 until November 13
TIME: Sunday evenings from 5:00 to 7:00pm.
PLACE: Northlake Church Educational Building, “The Forum”
OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY: Share this news with a hurting friend.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” (2 Cor. 1:3-5)
