Episode 19: The Tasks of Mourning

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” ~ Matthew 5:4

In this conversation, Anna, Elizabeth, and Brittany discuss the different tasks of mourning and how they relate to the grief journey.  They emphasize that accepting the reality of the loss is not about agreeing with it, but rather acknowledging its impact. They also discuss the importance of processing grief and pain, finding safe outlets to express emotions, and seeking support from trusted individuals. The hosts highlight the need for adjusting to a world without the deceased person and finding an enduring connection with them. They emphasize that these tasks are not linear and can be revisited as needed. They also discuss the transformative power of grief and the ways it can bring new life and meaning.

Takeaways include:

  • Accepting the reality of the loss is about acknowledging its impact, not agreeing with it.

  • Processing grief and pain involves finding safe outlets to express emotions and seeking support from trusted individuals.

  • Adjusting to a world without the deceased can be challenging, and it is essential to give oneself permission to grieve and make necessary adjustments.

  • Creating enduring connections and finding ways to honor the memory of the deceased can provide comfort and healing.

  • Grief is an ongoing journey, and the needs and experiences of individuals may change over time. It is important to be patient and curious with oneself.

  • Grief has the potential to bring new life and meaning, and it is possible to find joy and transformation amidst the pain.

Books Mentioned:

An Exact Replica of a Figment of my Imagination by Elizabeth McCracken. 

As Long As You Need: Permission to Grieve by J.S. Park

Elizabeth Leon

Elizabeth Leon is the Director of Family Support for Red Bird Ministries. She and her husband Ralph are from Ashburn, Virginia and have ten children between them - five of hers, four of his, and their son, John Paul Raphael who died on January 5, 2018. His short and shining life was a sacred experience that transformed her heart and left a message of love for the world: let yourself be loved. She writes about finding the Lord in the darkness of grief in her book Let Yourself Be Loved: Big Lessons from a Little Life, available wherever books are sold. Read more from Elizabeth at www.letyourselfbeloved.com.

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Episode 20: The Grief of Dads

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Episode 18: The Language of Grief - Part 2