With America in COVID-19 pandemic form, political turmoil, riots with other diversities on the citizens, with the loss of energy jobs, with governmental threats of gun control and the loss of freedom of worship — it appears we are near pandemic stage and that brings a high level of grief.
Grief is for sure prevalent due to the death of loved ones, as such a large number from the COVID-19 virus has brought grieving to the survivors. Grief is the price we pay for loving someone. It is a natural process as humans were made to grieve the same as they are made to love.
Grieving is like bleeding when one cuts oneself. The cut area bleeds for a while and then stops, but sometimes it takes a long time to stop and also sometimes it leaves a scar. Then sometimes the cut area needs some help to stop the bleeding. So death of a loved one brings grief and suffering and after a while the emotional disturbances may stop but there will always be a scar. Sometimes the suffering needs some help to overcome the natural process of grief. The suffering may become so severe that the survivor becomes so deeply involved that the emotions lead to the depths of depression and even to the though of, or the act, of suicide. A few of the many, many aspects of grief and suffering are: shock, disbelief, numbness or “why this” acceptance of the grief; can’t focus; denial; guilt toward “as if I had been there, or have done more;” anger toward God, self, medical, etc.; depression; even to the thought or act of suicide; bargaining with God and reorganization of self to a normal life.
This help can be available through a program known as GriefShare, a support group type of quasi counseling service. This program does not promote any specific church or denomination, although it is sponsored by a church, the First Baptist Church 1101 N. Main St., in Sikeston. The phone number is 573-471-4122. The program is Christian, Bible-based and is produced by the “Church Initiative.” There is no charge to the attendees and child care can be arranged if needed by calling the church’s phone number three or four days prior to one attending.
GriefShare provides ideas dealing with the emotional disturbances associated with the loss of a loved one, or friend, due to death. The program consists of 13 weeks with a different video presenting a different aspect of suffering each week. There is a time for questions and discussion by the attendees relating to the subject of the video.
The “presenters” of the video are professional counselors, psychologists, educators, pastors and lay people, all of whom have experienced death by family members. The attendees bond in a “support group” of like-minded people all of whom have experienced the same loss; therefore, they feel comfortable in that group setting and develop a lasting bond with one another over the period of the 13 weeks. Everything that is said in the meeting is held in strict confidence.
The sessions are open, meaning they can be attended by anyone and everyone who have some emotional stresses and also open, meaning that if an attendee misses one or more of the sessions they can continue, and can make up the missed sessions when the next series is presented.
The program is moderated by Dr. Wendell Weathers and more information is available by phone at 573-471-5057. The support group meets on every Tuesday from 1:30-3:30 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 23 through June 15. Watch the digital sign at the church, Sikeston Standard Democrat ads and digital billboard on E. Malone across from Pizza Inn.