Sneaky Grief

by Peggy Haymes, Pinnacle Associate

What kind of loss qualifies for grief? Well, that’s a trick question. Any kind of loss “qualifies” for grief. The grief may be small and passing or it may be big and life changing. Even the big grief can be “sneaky grief;” that is, not usually recognized as a grief worthy loss.

When we created Navigating GriefLand we created a place for grief of all shapes and sizes. Recently a pastor shared with me about a participant who was grieving a significant change in health and how important it was to be able to name and grieve that loss in their church’s Navigating GriefLand group.

In GriefLand we grieve the deaths of people whom we love. And the pets who were also family to us. And the dreams that never came to be. And the losses of the abilities we once took for granted,  And the things we should have had but didn’t, like a safe childhood with parents able to protect us and raise us. 

People have been able to grieve all of these losses as a part of Navigating GriefLand groups. If you have questions about it or are interested in talking with me about providing a grief training or weekend event for your church, feel free to contact me.