Grief

When Heaven Goes Silent

The emergency room was deathly still except for my husband?s anguished weeping.

Tearless, I held our little son Timmy’s chilling body to my breast, trying to warm him, unwilling to let him grow cold. Bruised from futile resuscitation efforts, he was naked except for a rough blanket wrapped around him and secured with a diaper pin.

The mortician peeked in. He was waiting. I wanted to run into the night with Timmy’s body and hide him somewhere where I could keep him safe.

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Grief and Depression: The 6 T’s of Moving Through Grief

One of the most moving scenes in musical “The Man from La Mancha” came as Don Quixote dying was roused by his lady Dulcinea to hear the words of the song, The Impossible Dream again.
“Tell me the words,” he asks.
“But they are your words, my Lord,” she responds.
He remembers then and sings the magnificent song that embodied his dream.

For years at funerals and during times of loss and grief, I have shared with those who are in the midst of their mourning these special blessings God gives us to cope with our sorrow and pain. They are Tears, Talk, Touch, Toil, Trust, and Thanksgiving. In my heartbreaks, my own words of comfort return to me as a benediction of grace. It was as if I heard an owl say, They are your own words, Philip. Listen to them.

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Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

~ Mary Elizabeth Frye – 1932

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The School of Pain


Everyone has sorrow. Being a Christian does not exempt anyone from grief. But faith in Christ brings a transformation of sorrow. Not only are we taught to endure the sorrows that come to us patiently and submissively–but we are assured that there is a blessing in them for us, if we accept them with love and trust.

One of the deepest truths taught in the Bible–is that earthly sorrow has a mission in the sanctifying of life.

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Grace and Guilt: God’s Invitation to Break Free of Regret – Workshop Transcript

29:02 Obie-host Welcome to CIR’s Workshop “Grace and Guilt: God’s Invitation to Break Free of Regret”
29:12 Obie-host Our presenter this evening is Rich Dixon. Rich’s web site is: http://RichDixon.net
29:22 Obie-host He authors many articles and Blog entries for Christians in Recovery.
29:37 Obie-host We strongly suggest you get a copy of his latest book “Relentless Grace”
29:44 Obie-host http://richdixon.net/Order%20Page.htm
29:55 Obie-host It is a true story which vividly details his own struggle with tragic injury and hopelessness.
30:04 Obie-host Relentless Grace reminds readers that only God can heal and change people.
30:15 Obie-host The book is about God, forgiveness, and about promises made and kept even in the midst of grief and loss.

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