Dealing with Grief

In dealing with grieving people on a daily basis, I try to get those bereaving to realize that they have other emotions which still work other than sadness. Would their loved one desire them to always be sad?

During the first week of February, I put together a memorial service for those who had died while under the care provided by the hospice company.

We gathered in a church's sanctuary, where I preached (taught) to those bereaving. At the start of my speaking, sadness was in the air. Should this service be only one of sadness? I believe Jesus wanted these participants to realize that sadness is okay, but also that joy is okay as part of the bereavement process. Using Bible verses and wit, I tried to place joy in their hearts.

After some Bible verses and preaching, I was sharing funny experiences in China. To explain one of the jokes used in China. I took off a sock and shoe. There were funny responses from my staff mates. I quickly put my bare smelly foot into a RN's face. She complained. I tried another RN's face. By now most of the sad people are howling, having a great time. I told jokes for another twenty minutes acting out my antics. The participants went home joyful, not sad!

Would their deceased loved one like them to have an evening of sadness and joy? They went home in an uplifted mood. They went home thinking positive, joyful thoughts about their deceased loved ones! They went home realizing they have emotions - sadness, joyfulness, etc.

In Jesus,
Brother Bruce