Handling Grief

Excerpts from the testimony from Mrs. Hannah Alex, who worked with her husband Dr. Alex as medical missionary in Orissa, Bondo field for 10 years. He passed away suddenly due to massive heart attack on May 5, 2017 . He was 48. He leaves behind his wife and two teenage daughters.

1. Death was a common house topic. All must die one day. It was real and often talked about. 
2. Blessed is the one, who goes first.
3. This is not our house. Heaven is our house. 
3.Assurance and trust in God that he'll take care of the family left behind.
4. I am beloved, precious, and chosen by God.
5. Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.  Isaiah 54:10
6. Death is glorious.
7. Life is futile. Anything can happen. Anytime. To anyone.
8. God's timing is unique. All things happen together for good for those who are called according to his purpose. Near death experience due to accident and sickness earlier, but God protected and rescued.
9. A burden, groan about pain and sinfulness of the world... To release to a better place.
10. Holding lightly to people.
11. True love , let's go. Not wish for them to get back, be in hospital again!
12. God provides resources, are all around. Open your eyes to look.
13. God prepares you.
14. God cares. Just like a parent who thinks about child staying alone in hostel, away from home. How much more would he think about you!
15. God takes away the guilt ( what ifs), guilt conscious, like how Paul is able to testify powerfully in Jerusalem.
16. God takes care of finances. If an organization is careful to pay monthly, how much more God will plan and provide.
17. The relationship with Christ, is real. While walking, talking, cooking is real.
18. When the word of God richly dwells in you, he helps you bounce back quickly.
19. Reflection.
20. Move forward in faith. Not backward. He can't come back. He can't help. You are yet to finish the race. Finish well
21. Living free,  with No fear or distress.
22. Accept he's not there. He won't come back. Heart accepts.
23. Prepare yourself for death. And prepare others around you for death.
24. God is love. He gave his only son as sacrifice. We don't need any extra proof about his love. He told. He did. So do not doubt his love.
25. He is Almighty God. He is enough. He has everything with him. He will guide you. He will be your strength. He will carry you.
Have faith.
26. Devil can't push you down. We won't look back. Or sit and mourn.
27. There will be challenges, but we have a God who is a very big God.
28. He is a good God. He never makes mistakes.
29. I may be small., but am stronger than an elephant, because of Jesus. His word in your heart strengthens you ahead.
30. God is the richest person. He has everything.
31. Think of God's goodness. His love and his faithfulness..

Question to ask those in grief.
1.What happened.
2.How did you feel
3. What was very difficult feeling.
Lend a listening ear

How to help
1. Check if you can provide basic need. Any immediate help
2. Say you are not alone. We are with you.

Assurance of eternal life.
Eternal life starts from the day you accept Christ.
You, your children, spouse, parents, their health, future, protection, nothing is in our control.
God has numbered my hair and also the hair on my loved ones.
He never forsakes anyone who come to him.

Exercising your faith.

Uyir pirindhalum.
Word of Christ