6 Stages of Grief

On Sunday, Meghan taught about the six stages of grief (HERE is the article she mentioned about grief during the pandemic). Perhaps today you could spend some time trying to find yourself in these six stages. None of them are bad in and of themselves, even though they may be uncomfortable. Getting stuck can be become unhealthy, though, so you may want to talk to a friend or wise counselor if you are feeling stuck at a particular phase during this intense pandemic season.

Also, since grief is a human process, it’s not like you have to go in order or only be in just one phase.

Take some time with these brief definitions and bible prayers, and let God meet you as you grieve.

Denial: the desire to shut down emotionally and hide from reality

Fear and trembling have beset me;
    horror has overwhelmed me.
I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!
    I would fly away and be at rest.
I would flee far away. - Psalm 55:5-6

Anger: blaming God or others for the situation we are in

I cannot keep from speaking. I must express my anguish.
My bitter soul must complain.
What have I done to you, O watcher of all humanity?
Why make me your target? Am I a burden to you? - Job 7:11-15)

Bargaining: trying to change the past or reason away hard choices

Abba, Father… everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will. -Mark 14:36

Depression: Feeling overwhelm with sadness

Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck.
I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold;
I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. - Ps 61:1-3

Acceptance: embracing things as they are, not as we wish they would be

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen  and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakuk 3:17-18

Meaning: embracing the grief into ourselves so it becomes a hope-giving part of our story

When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,
I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. - Psalm 73::21-24