Grieving
Inviting God into My Pain
by
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Everyone, at one time or another will travel down that road of grieving where we must look beyond the now into the future that calls us to continue onward. Most of us would choose to ignore the call, the pathway, the journey that seems necessary. But our choice does not allow us to ignore the process of grieving or to remain unaffected by losses or death. For everyone, the journey can be shattering as well as comforting. It can heal wounds never known and create opportunities for tremendous growth. For all of us, coping with the grieving process and benefiting from the experience is a challenge.
We wonder whom we can call as the world seems silently to wend its way onward while we remain in the solitude of our heavy heart. This loneliness calls us to reach toward the One who has created, allowed, and invited us to experience the suffering which we bear. But sometimes, our response looks less like running to Him than protectively covering our wounds, our fear, and our need. For who could possibly understand the emptiness, the wonderment, and the loneliness of our pain? Could anyone know the sting of life we are experiencing? God is present. But our response to His presence may not reflect our knowledge of His presence. We perceive Him differently. Could this be the same One to Whom we turned in trusting faith? We begin to doubt. We fear the unknown. We resent. And then, we respond--
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About the Book
Grieving invites the reader to understand the universality of grief, its various expressions, and the depth of emotion experienced within it. In grieving the loss of loved ones, jobs, reputations, and numerous other things, we may begin to doubt the faith that has upheld us throughout our trials. In doubting, though, we open ourselves to further growth by inviting God to share our pain and sorrow and to help us in renewing ourselves in Him.
In the first part of this guide, called “The Retreat,” author J. Catherine Sherman offers a deeper understanding of the painful emotions that develop as part of grief, the facets of the journey through the grieving process, and the acceptance that our anger at God may be more typical than we realize. The second part, called “The Journey,” presents an examination of the process of grieving, moving through anger, doubt, trust, and eventual surrender to the situation as it stands. Depicted in vivid imagery, these passages transport readers to a place of meditative exploration of grief.
Through thoughtful reflections and resolutions, we are able to take steps into understanding the struggle while moving beyond the initial anger with God or doubt of His love for us and our loved ones.
About the Author
J. CATHERINE SHERMAN is a life coach, consultant, and public speaker. She presents workshops on grief, communication, and goal setting skills. Her work focuses on supporting individual and relational goal-setting. As a mentor for mental health workers, she currently resides with her sisters and canine friends on the east coast.