Programs offers support in grief

It hurts to lose someone, and coping with death is difficult. It can feel like no one seems to understand the feeling of losing a family member or friend.

A program called GriefShare, a recovery support program, may offer help. It will be offered at 2 p.m. each Sunday, Feb. 7 to May 2, at Fellowship General Baptist Church, 3581 N. Westwood Blvd.

Community members who have experienced the death of a family member or friend are invited to the GriefShare program, said Brenda McKnight, one of four facilitators for the group. The others are Linda Doser and Sharon and Don Poe.

McKnight said the GriefShare Program features biblical, Christ-centered teaching which focuses on grief topics associated with the death of a loved one. The DVD seminar features nationally respected grief experts and real-life stories of people, followed by a small group discussion about what was viewed. Past participants have shared how helpful the information and follow-up discussions were to them.

“Many grieving people find they are only beginning the work of healing when friends or family have returned to their daily life routines,” McKnight said. “Too often people, including Christians, tend to stuff their grief instead of allowing it to do the God-given work for which it is intended. Don’t allow fear of what others may think to keep you from what could help you. Confidentiality is very much a part of this program.”

McKnight points out one’s bereavement experience may be recent, or not so recent.

“You will find encouragement, comfort and help in grieving the death of a spouse, child, parent, sibling, other family member or friend,” she said. “No matter the cause of your loved one’s death, there is an opportunity to be around people who understand what you are feeling. You will learn how to recognize the symptoms of being stuck in grief and that you do not need to live in bondage to certain emotions. You will learn valuable information about facing your new normal in life and renewing your hope for the future.”

For more information, call 573-429-7559, 573-718-6265, 573-772-9187 or 573-772-0229.

GriefShare seminars are led by a caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences, said organizers, adding, no one needs to go through the grieving process alone.