7 Prayers for Those Who Have Lost a Spouse

When You Lose Your Spouse, You Are Overwhelmed with Grief and Don't Know What to Do!

Then You Hear the Platitudes

"You have to get on with your life."
Time will heal all wounds.
"Get over it and move on."
Grief moves in a straight line.
"It was God's will."
Stay busy!
"Everything happens for a reason."
"They are in a better place."
And so many more!

But They Don't Help

In fact, they hurt! Even when they are shared by those who love us. Because they suggest that we spiritually by-pass grief. Get on with life rather than fully embracing the loss so that we can experience our emotions, honor our loved one, and find joy and purpose again. The bottom line: There aren't any quick fixes or instant answers when it comes to living in grief, living with grief, or being changed by grief!

On the Inside, Our Mental Roadblocks Get in the Way

If I Ask for Help I Will Be Seen as Weak and Vulnerable!

Truth: Grief is too much to bear alone. It takes courage to reach out for help!

Nobody Understands. They Don't Get It

Truth: Understanding comes from experience.

I Think I Am Losing My Mind!

Truth: You aren't losing your mind. This is grief.

Yet, on Some Level We Know: "If we never learn to integrate grief into our life, it will control us and we will become permanently stuck in the past! That will prevent us from living with joy and purpose again!"

You have the right to experience your emotions and pain.
You have the right to honor your spouse.
You can live with joy and sadness at the same time.
You can't go back but you can grow forward and you deserve it.

These Are the Dilemmas I Faced when I Lost My Wife, Dianne

Having been a minister for over 40 years, I thought I understood grief, but I didn't.
Losing Dianne after 47 years of marriage changed me in ways I never imagined.
So, I get it. I too have felt the overwhelm, confusion, and chaos.
I knew there had to be a better way than getting stuck, paralyzed, and lost.
I wanted a more authentic and healthier way for me and my family.
I trained with Dr. Alan Wolfelt and Dr. Joanne Cacciatore. Under their example and teaching, I discovered what I what worked and what didn't work.
It wasn't a quick fix or formula.
It was a whole new philosophy of experiencing loss, grief, and life again!

There Wasn't a Process. So, I Created One: "Walking Through Grief Together"

On a basic level, it is the practice, discipline, and gift of an intentional relationship focused on the grief journey. To me, it is being a soul friend with guidelines.
Offering a warm welcome.
Providing a Compassionate presence.
With Safety and confidentiality.
Each person can process their pain so they can heal their life.

Here Is Some Good News. You Don't Have to Wait for the Pain to End or the Tears to Stop. You Can Find the Guidance, Compassion, and Support You Need Right Now. Here are Three Simple Steps You Can Take to Live with Hope and Purpose Even in the Sadness

Step 1: Guidance

Download the Free PDF, "Six Things You Can Do When Your World Has Been Turned Upside Down!"

This is a quick 5-7 minute read that you can refer to often to keep you on track. No heavy lifting.

Simple, but very helpful!

Step 2: Compassion

Talk with Me--In a free 45 minute call, I will simply offer presence and compassion.

Few people understand. I do. I get it.

Mumble. Cry. Don't say a word. This is your time and your space to be heard.

At the end of the call, we can discuss whether you are ready for Step 3: Support. There isn't any pressure or expectation.

Step 3: Support

Choose 1 or All Three:

Walk with Me--A six week one on one coaching conversation delivered by Zoom or phone. We start where you are with your grief and where you hope to go.

Pray with Me--In this seven week one on one coaching conversation you will teach me about your grief and we will incorporate the 7 Prayers for Those Who Have Lost a Spouse.

Early Grief-- A twelve week one on one coaching process that offers guidance, compassion, and support as you navigate early grief.