The holidays hurt. Maybe for you. If not, for many around you. Those who've lost loved ones - not only this past year, but many seasons ago. Those who are estranged from family members. Those who are dealing with illness in their bodies or their minds. Those with recent job loss - or who find themselves, through no fault of their own, in deep financial trouble. Those who are adjusting to a new community. Loss and grief take many forms. And the incessant music, blinking colored lights, urges to be merry? It's all too much. This season can trigger depression. Understand that depression is anger turned inward. Anger at loss. Anger at the holiday spirit. Anger at others around you. Anger that this isn't the way we had hoped and planned. And anger, yes, at God.
Read on to discover 10 simple yet substantial ways to handle your grief well so that you can gently move through this season with purpose ... and come out the other end ma
ybe a bit stronger, a bit wiser, a bit more hopeful.And if you're not grieving, read on anyway. Because you won't have to look too far to see someone who is in deep pain during this nativity season. Be sensitive, be thoughtful ...
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" - Psalm 34:18.
Recalling my own painful holidays ~
Linda
Beautiful, Linda. Thanks for highlighting this unfortunate aspect of the holidays. It's good to have the awareness AND the resources you point to for help. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIf we're not hurting now, we have in the past - or will someday in the future. It's such a good thing that God never changes, even though our circumstances do ...
ReplyDeleteLinda
If we're not hurting now, we have experienced pain in the past - or will someday in the future. It's such a good thing that God never changes, even though our circumstances do ...
ReplyDeleteLinda