When tragedy strikes such as after the loss of a child, that families will grieve in very different ways. Some will isolate and withdraw from others while others become obsorbed by video games. Some will frequent casinos to partake in high risk games of chance. Some will gravitate toward alcohol and drugs to mask their inner pain while others will develop life threatening health problems as a result of this over consumption. Some will recover from trauma through individual therapy while others may die as a result of complications leading to suicide.
Unresolved grief may have profound effects on family members.
In one long term study of grief, the researchers found that unresolve grief may lead to chronic health conditions. Losses can lead to the rejection of their faith with this line of reasoning, "If God is so good, then why didn't he keep my loved one from dying?" In fact, if you were to peer into the lives of atheists you will likely find anger stemming from this illogical conclusions. Instead of turning to God,they turn to alchohol and drugs to cope with pain, or engage in high risk activities leading to the possibility of death.
Then, there are those who turn to their faith that stems the tide of their pain and each day brings them closer to their acceptance of their loss. After all, they reasoned, I will see my loved one again because of what Christ did on the cross.
If you are someone missing a loved one this holiday season, there is hope. Hope is as close as the nearest church that host a grief share group. God does understand your pain and He wants to journey with you until the end.
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