Spiritual Concerns
When someone we love dies, life changes forever. There are often more questions than answers. One question most of us will ask at least once in our life time and sometimes more often is “How can God let this happen?” or “How could God take my loved one?” It is often hard to acknowledge that we are questioning God because we worry that then God will reject us. At other times we are so angry at God, the hospital, the doctors, the nurses that we feel like we will burst if we do not do something about it. These questions and all the others we will ask are part of the process. To ask them and face them brings healing while understanding that we may not get all or any of our questions answered. We will however, come to some resolution within our own self in due time that will give us some peace and comfort. Here is some gentle suggestions regarding spirituality:
It is OK to be mad at our higher power (when we direct our anger at God we are not directing it at ourselves or someone else). God can handle it.
Our Creator will never reject us or forget us even when we often forget our Creator’s existence.
Understand that our faith can be shaken during the grieving process. That does not mean that we will lose our faith. It may even become stronger than before.
One common and often forgotten spiritual tool we all can use is prayer. Prayer is a powerful tool in that it does two things. First off it empties some of our pain from within when we physically say what is on our mind and heart. Secondly, as we verbalize our pain, we can see clearly what we are truly feeling and thinking.
Another spiritual tool that can be of a great benefit to a grieving person is a faith community. We can draw strength from those who know and care about us. In our society today where many families are separated by great distances, a community of faith can be a good source of support and comfort.
