“Someone shared with me the “stages of grief” – I wonder what stage I am at?” – Shared by a griever Have you listened as others share with you the various stages of grief? Elizabeth Kubler-Ross defined the “stages of grief” as anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Certainly most grievers experience these stages, but my experience has taught me they do not occur in specific stages but more in patterns. For most grievers these stages and many other emotions become entangled with each other. In one moment you can think to yourself “I am really doing well today” and then out of nowhere a memory or incident triggers a remembrance that sends you back to your grief. Some times family or friends see our grief as an orderly pattern, but they seldom realize the chaos that within us. My wife really enjoys cross stitch and has some beautiful designs framed and hanging in our home. To some extent, cross stitch is like weaving or tapestries. We see only the finished exterior. What we do not see is the patterns of threads, colors and intricate designs that are all connected together. Grief can be like a tapestry, all the emotions blend together. Yet, as we progress in our journey of grief the patterns become assimilated and our journey eventually becomes a remarkable picture of our Lord’s grace, comfort and love. “My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.” (Psalm 139:15) ~ Fran Welch
Posted on: Tue, 14 Oct 2014 19:00:01 +0000