How to support people through loss
Download MP3Loss and grief affect all of us at some point in our lives. This episode is about offering support to people who are grieving. Barnabé Anzaruni, a theologian based in Kenya, shares his personal experiences with loss and grief and provides advice on how best to support someone through the process. Barnabé explains that language often fails to provide comfort during grief and that words can sometimes cause harm, even if well-intended. Instead, he suggests that the best way to support someone who is grieving is to listen and to understand the role of lament in the process.
Loss and grief will affect all of us at some point in our lives. In this episode, Barnabé Anzaruni, a theologian based in Kenya, shares his personal experiences with loss and provides advice on how best to support someone who is grieving.
Barnabé explains that words sometimes fail to provide comfort during grief and that what we say can sometimes cause harm, even if well-intended. Instead, he suggests that the best way to support someone who is grieving is to listen, and also to understand why open and honest lament is so important.
When words are not enough
Despite our best efforts to bring encouragement and support, the words we speak may fail to bring comfort in moments of emotional anguish and can even have a negative effect. Sometimes the best approach is simply to be there for the person and to listen when they want to talk.
Lament is part of healing
Lament is a passionate expression of grief or sorrow and it is a crucial part of the healing process. Barnabé explains that often people do not realise how important lament is and may try to stop it, or explain it. This can be very unhelpful.
When words are not enough
Despite our best efforts to bring encouragement and support, the words we speak may fail to bring comfort in moments of emotional anguish and can even have a negative effect. Sometimes the best approach is simply to be there for the person and to listen when they want to talk.
Lament is part of healing
Lament is a passionate expression of grief or sorrow and it is a crucial part of the healing process. Barnabé explains that often people do not realise how important lament is and may try to stop it, or explain it. This can be very unhelpful.
Where words fall short, being there for the mourner as they cry and pour out their heart, listening to them and weeping with them, is often the best thing we can do. It can also be helpful to acknowledge their pain and sadness as they lament.
Growth through grief
The grieving process is often a doorway to greater spiritual understanding and deeper relationship with God. Grief is a heavy burden to bear, but when we are able to express it freely and honestly, eventually it will be replaced by relief and lightness. The process of grieving can also lead to praise, as people discover God is in the midst of suffering as Emmanuel, ‘God with us’ (Matthew 1:23).
