Who should come … who should not
GriefShare is for people grieving the death of a family member or friend. We understand that there are other losses in life that create feelings of grief. You might be experiencing a job loss, a divorce, estrangement from a child, or the loss of friends because of a move. This grief is real, but it is not the kind of grief discussed in GriefShare sessions. We encourage you to ask a pastor, counselor, or church leader for help in finding resources that will be of specific help in your situation. If you are going through separation or divorce, please consider participating in a DivorceCare program.
When to join a GriefShare group
You are welcome to begin attending the GriefShare group at any session. Each is “self-contained,” so you do not have to attend in sequence. You will find encouragement and help whenever you begin. You will be able to continue with GriefShare through the next 13-week cycle and view any of the videos you have not seen.
Weekly Session Topics
from www.griefshare.org/about/topics
Each week your group will watch a video seminar on DVD. The GriefShare videos cover topics essential to your recovery from the hurt of grief and loss. The videos are produced in a compelling television magazine format and feature interviews with grief recovery experts, mini-dramas, on-location video, and real-life stories of people who have experienced the death of a loved one.
Here is a snapshot of key themes found in each of the 13 GriefShare session videos.
1. Is This Normal?
You’ll discover why your grief experience is harder than you imagined
Why the intensity and duration of your emotions are normal and appropriate
Despite how you feel right now, there is reason for hope
2. Challenges of Grief
You’ll learn more eye-opening reasons why your pain is so overwhelming
Some of the overlooked, yet common, effects grief has on your mind, body, and spirit
How to get things done when you don’t feel like you have any energy
3. The Journey of Grief – Part One
You’ll learn helpful goals to set on your journey of grief
How to deal with those who try to rush you through your grief
How long the journey of grief typically lasts
4. The Journey of Grief – Part Two
You’ll learn why it’s important to put effort into your healing
How the events surrounding your loved one’s death affect your grief
The best ways to deal with your loved one’s belongings
5. Grief and Your Relationships
You’ll find out how the death of a loved one affects your friendships
Why solitude can be a blessing and a curse
How to deal with friends who don’t understand your grief
6. Why?
This session demonstrates that God wants you to share your feelings with Him
Why being honest with God is an expression of faith
What God has to say to you about your “why” questions
7. Guilt and Anger
You’ll learn how to deal with false guilt
How to grieve conflicted relationships
How to handle grief-related anger
8. Complicating Factors
You’ll begin to see how traumatic experiences affect grief
How to deal with nightmares and flashbacks
How your thinking affects your emotions
9. Stuck
You’ll discover how to prevent getting stuck in grief
Common misconceptions that hinder healing
Why your path to healing isn’t always smooth
10. Lessons of Grief – Part One
You’ll become aware of an often-overlooked reason that grief is so painful
Why going to church can be so difficult
The benefits of helping others
11. Lessons of Grief – Part Two
This session provides a more complete picture of who you are now that your loved one is gone
Why no one grieves perfectly
What grief can teach you about relationships
12. Heaven
Session 12 answers questions about heaven and the afterlife, such as what heaven is like
Whether you should communicate with your deceased loved one
Whether near-death experiences are reliable descriptions of heaven
And many more
13. What Do I Live for Now?
You’ll learn why moving forward is a necessity
Why it’s a process
Why peace and pain will always coexist