Grief

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Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...

"How do I help someone who does not want help?"

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I received an e-mail from a reader who asked "How do I help someone who does not want help? What do I do about people who don't want to change no matter how much we try to help? Do I stop communicating with them?"

These are some excellent questions, though difficult to answer in this forum. I will let you know that your situation is not unique and there are many people who are asking the same questions.

A good starting point toward an answer would be to recognize that we all needed help before we wanted it (Romans 5:6, 8). What would your answers be to the following questions?

1) What does Job 6:14 say a despairing man needs, and for what reason?

2) What does Galatians 6:1 say to the one who does the ministry of restoration?

Without knowing the details of your situation, I really don’t know how else to counsel you on this matter, but here are some things to consider:

1) Do you have all the facts concerning the individual?

2) Is their situation as bad as you thought? As bad as they thought?

3) Who does their situation really impact the most? What is the worst that can happen?

4) Sometimes the best thing we can do is provide an environment where change can take place in a person. Where are you getting your strength and support?

I pray this helps!

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