What sorts of things make the process of grief difficult for evangelicals?
In my first grief support group, I learned something as I listened to folks talk—It is hard to go to church after losing a loved one. I’ve heard that particularly from those who’ve lost spouses. * First of all, nobody knows how to relate to Joe anymore now that it’s no longer “Joe and Mary.” * Second, few know what to say, and this leads to many awkward and some hurtful encounters. * Third, you (the bereaved) don’t know what to say either, especially when the song leader keeps telling you to smile and be happy in Jesus, and all your brothers and sisters keep saying over and over again, “Remember, she’s in a better place.” * Fourth, you have to sit through something alone that you had always done together; and if your spouse ever sang in the choir or did something up front regularly, then it’s hard to be there and watch others take her place. * Fifth, the church revolves around fellowship and activism. But you would rather be alone, and you don’t have the strength to teach middle-school
