Loss Grief Prayer
Have you ever been faced with flooding? In 2011 we lived on a street that flooded. Friends, student nurses, and neighbors helped sandbag our homes. Ducks swam in brown muddy waters on our driveway. The yellow knock-out roses by the mailbox disappeared. This is the view from our porch.
Looking back, I know our losses were miniscule compared to what our American friends and families are experiencing today. I can't imagine so many losses for so many people in states we all have loved and visited.
In a world filled with division and hatefulness, loss can be a powerful mediator.
Loss is the one common thread that ties all people together despite social status, faith traditions, or political beliefs. Loss is a guarantee in life, yet we get more education learning to drive a car.
Loss is an acute or sudden unexpected end.
Grief is an individual emotional response to loss with an uncertain end.
Multiple loss creates an overwhelming pile up of grief. So many of us have vacationed in the states impacted by the disastrous destruction of Hurricane Helene. Imagine losing everything you own and for some families even loved ones. No power. No cell phone service to check in with family or friends. Property loss. Loss of income. Add to that the sad reports of denials from insurance companies. The grief process is so much more complicated when multiple losses occur. Victims may experience a heightened level as the anxiety snowball grows uncontrollably. Complicated or prolonged grief is probable. If you can connect with any of your loved ones impacted by this disaster, Knowing what to say and what not to say is important.
Please do not say, “I know how you feel.” You can’t possibly know this even if you have experienced something similar. Every person is created with a unique emotional bank.
Be honest and say, “I can’t imagine what you are going through. I am so sorry this is happening. I am here for you. Tell me what I can do to help.”
Please never diminish another person’s grief or loss and the time it takes them to plow through the grief journey. We don’t get “over” loss. We adapt and adjust which requires time.
Please don’t say anything about the Lord unless they do. They may be very mad at God. If someone has lost a loved one, be patient, quiet, and listen. Let the person talk when they feel like it. Presence often matters more than filling the air with awkward phrases.
Consider what actions are available to take. The familiar phrase action means more than words is key during disasters. The American Red Cross and Samaritan’s Purse will have boots on the ground. Churches will step up. When my neighboring state of Kentucky experienced disaster in 2022, I remember a local group collected water, food, cleaning and hygiene supplies and delivered specific goods to the area. I am confident we all will have opportunities to help these precious people. If you have the means to give to any secure organization to help, do it.
And all of us can turn to God and pray. If you were raised in an old country church like me, the scriptures engraved in our minds shoot front and center into our thoughts.
Psalm 50:15 “Call on me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you. . ..”
Matthew 11: 28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (NIV)
Hebrews 6:10 “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” (NIV)
Hebrews 13;16 “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (NIV)
Proverbs 3:27 “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”
Friends let’s pray for all who have experienced multiple losses in our states today and throughout the months ahead. Please remember the hospital workers, first responders, the men traveling from various states to work tirelessly to establish power. Always pray for those using the power saws and removing trees and debris.
As we discover ways to provide for their needs please share that information. Also be ever so careful about this situation for it is ripe for scammers. I hate to even bring that up, but evil people do exist. We live in difficult times. Let me leave you with this thought, God said "do not be afraid" 365 times in His word. One for every day. Let's do as He says. Don't fear, just trust He will hear and deliver us, if we call for help! Cell phone service may be out, but God's line is always open and secure.
May our Lord heal our land and give hope to the brokenhearted.
With heartfelt empathy and love,
Dr. Donna
