"HOW TO SURVIVE THE HOLIDAYS WITHOUT YOUR LOVED ONE"

You lost a loved one……….
 You may feel that the world as you knew it is shattered………..
As families all over the world are gathering during the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year holidays you may start to realize, there are certain times of the year that are harder to bear than others.
Take it from the lips of a mother who lost one of the most precious gifts the Lord has to give- my beautiful daughter-  there is hope beyond the breaking!

Place into action the following tips to help get through the most wonderful time of the year.

1). DO NOT SWEEP IT UNDER THE RUG: Do not busy yourself to pretend that the loss of life did not occur. Stop and deal with the reality of the present and know that the loss affected everyone.

2). TAKE TIME TO SHARE: Allow time in the gathering hours for family members to share their memories and to talk about the loss.  While only those who have experienced such a loss can truly understand the depth of the pain of losing a loved one, we can gain strength from each other and learning how our loved one impacted the lives of others.

3). BE UNDERSTANDING: Understand that all family members do not grieve in the same manner, so be patient and help where you can, but give space for the healing process to take place.

4). LET IT FLOW: Do not be afraid to cry, let the tears flow. The tears help you through your journey. Talk about the pain and how that life will never be the same for you.  Do not hold back, but be sure the action is constructive.

5). GLEAN STRENGTH: Hugs, conversations, and tears are natural helpers to you as you gain strength to grow through this life change.

6). DON’T FORGET THE FAMILY PRAYER: Prayer is a powerful weapon and dependable connection to God, our ever present help and the only true source of our strength and our life.  Remember, there are times when we need help that only God can give us.  1 John 5: 14-15 states: “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will He heareth us and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.

7). LET THE HEALING JOURNEY BEGIN: We know that grief began with the death of your loved one. After experiencing the death of my beloved daughter, I now also know that putting your trust in God can turn a devastating situation into a life of purpose with joy, peace and happiness that surpasses all understanding
Take time during this holiday season to read my book "Memoirs of a Teenage Angel" and learn how God helped me and my family during those extreme times of deep sorrow. It will also show you that when dealing with pain or grief, God's miraculous power will heal your broken heart.  The healing journey that God has taken my family and I on since the departure of my daughter has made us "Victors" instead of "Victims".   God has no respect of persons.  If He did it for us, He'll do it for you!

Peace and Blessings to you and yours this holiday season,
Sandra Wilkerson