Empowering Women In Grief

August 4, 2019
IDO Cafe

Groupings:

RONA JOY ALLY

CHARLYN VIRGIE HAZEL

MARIFE REZA TINA

EMBETH ROSE BEL

LORNA

God is open to us when we grieve

Hebrews 4:14-17
“14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son
of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is
unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every
way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with
confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

● Tendency to suppress emotion; responsibility to “be strong”

● Grief is acceptable; it’s an expected cycle
● Jesus cares for us and grieves with us
● The community must be there

Hebrews 5:7-10
“7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries
and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent
submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once
made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was
designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.”

● What does it mean to “surrender to God?”

● You cannot surrender if you don’t argue
● You can’t grieve if you don’t say everything
● Have the courage to come to God
● You’re not weak--even if you think you are

Ally’s Story
● Mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2011
 ● In 2015, lost my lola, Tita Vilma, dad of Ei’s best friend died, mother of my thesis adviser died,
every month someone was being diagnosed with cancer
● I was discipled for not being able to make it to meetings of the body because my mom was sick
● Mom died in 2016
● I was discipled for “not trusting God”
● In a world where no one seems to be there for you, you need to find someone who will listen
● There is no shame in crying; tears are an expression of how much you love the person who died
● Grief is like an ocean (Five Years)
● Battle with God, even if it sounds like disrespect--He can take it

Joy’s Story

Rona’s Story

Activity: Paper Bag portrait

● Draw or write symbols that remind you of your loved one who passed away
● Group sharing

Closing