The club of those who have lost a husband, wife, child, parent, loved one…

My sister shared this post on Facebook, and it was good. I hope you will be comforted by it. I have blogged about this here, here, and here.

What to Say When Someone Dies, By Laura Munson

No one really knows what to say to someone when their loved one dies. You can say, “You’re in my thoughts and prayers,” and maybe that’s true. Maybe you actually know what to think or pray on that person’s behalf. Personally, I’m never sure.

…Laura gives some great advice, and then she copies a letter into her blog that she wrote to her friend…

Hello, beautiful. I am thinking of you non-stop. Thank you for calling on me to be in your circle at this impossible time. I am not afraid of this, so I’m glad you called me in. I will be there for you. The books you asked for should be there by the end of the week. I will write some of the points I made on the phone here, since you asked for them. If my words on the phone were helpful, it’s only because you are open to them. I truly hope they help. Here is what has helped me and some of the people I know who have been through deep loss:

• First of all: Breathe. I mean it. That’s your most important tool to stay in the present, out of fear, and to sustain yourself. You will find yourself holding your breath. Try to stay aware of your breath no matter what and keep breathing…in…out…in…out. Deeply if you can. Little sips when deep is too hard.

Read more… Reblogged from Huffington Post

I pray that you will reach the peaceful place that only comes from Christ. May he bless you and keep you and give you peace.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [John 14:27 ESV]

-Darren