When You Don’t Know What To Say
Recently at Brougham Place we have been talking about and, for many, experiencing grief.
Often, when people are experiencing grief, they find that people avoid them or struggle to find the right words.
At a recent Pastoral Partners Luncheon at Brougham Place, we heard that when we know someone experiencing grief, we can offer our love and care in the form of a gentle listening presence. We can ask what support the person needs. We can hold back any ‘judgement’ about the way they are coping, because we all experience and cope with grief differently. And if we don’t know what to say, being present, offering a smile or a hug, are all loving expressions of care.
The song, “Don’t Know What To Say” by Olivia Newton John, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Amy Sky describes this beautifully.
“Thanks for being here
And listening to me
And letting me be sad
And letting me be mad
Just letting me be”
Listen to the song here: https://youtu.be/_RuOCCjSae4?si=4aqo_EsXXJCfkEIB
– Gloria Parker and Rev Linda Driver
2 Responses to “When You Don’t Know What To Say”
As a grief counsellor working over 20 years with many types of death in our community, I learnt much more than the training I had. Each case is an individual challenge, from suicide, cot death, murder, fatal accidents, children and much more. Old age and health issues are more common of coarse, but all need sensitivity and complete attention focusing on their pain. Listening, is what the majority look for, asking a question which relates, and helps them to unwind. I don’t have all the answers, however sharing grief with another, needs communicating in prayer to Jesus, so you can keep perspective. Lyn. 🙏
Thank you Lyn