The holiday season can be particularly challenging for those navigating grief or divorce. While others are celebrating, you may be struggling with feelings of loss, loneliness, and sadness. Abundant Life wants to come alongside those facing grief and divorce during the holidays and provide resources and encouragement to help you cope with difficult emotions and find moments of peace and hope during this season.
- “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”—Romans 15:13
Divorce
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”—2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Divorce brings deep hurt and confusing emotions for the people involved. It can make you feel lonely and isolated from others as you navigate grief, fear, and conflict while looking for ways to move forward. The DivorceCare groups at Abundant Life offer a safe place to process your emotions, learn coping skills, and heal from the pain of divorce or separation. There are two groups, one for adults and one for kids.
DivorceCare
In DivorceCare, you will find a group of people who are experiencing what you are and understand how you feel. You’ll discover they, too, feel lonely, and together, you will begin to share experiences, learn from each other, and find healing.
DivorceCare is a 13-week support group where you will receive input from experts on divorce recovery, insights from people who have experienced a marriage breakup, and practical tools for coping with the many changes in your life. You will learn and experience things like…
- Tools for making choices about relationships
- How to set boundaries
- How to move forward after a divorce or separation
- What hope and healing looks like
- Support, encouragement, and biblical community with people who have similar experiences
Going through DivorceCare will show you that there is hope for the future. When you begin, things may look gloomy, but as you work through the raw emotions and the divorce recovery process, you learn how hope can be restored, and your life can be rebuilt. The program has helped many move from brokenness to restoration and peace. DivorceCare is a safe place where you are accepted where you are. Register here for the winter session of DivorceCare.
DivorceCare4Kids
DivorceCare4Kids (DC4K) is a 13-week program for children ages 5–12 whose parents are going through separation and divorce. The activities, games, and music are designed to help them manage their emotions, communicate with their parents, and cope with the losses they are feeling. The ministry parallels the adult DivorceCare group, covering the same subjects on a child’s level.
Bill and Melissa Smith, the leaders of the DivorceCare4Kids ministry, started serving in the ministry when they heard about the need for volunteers. They said, “We had never heard of DC4K prior to learning about it in the church bulletin. Our lives have been changed by serving the kiddos, hearing their stories, and seeing positive transformation when they learn, “It's not MY fault.” You see, the specialists tell us a large percentage of children believe that divorce and their family being broken apart is their fault.”
DC4K helps children…
- Work through the struggles and hurt from the pain of divorce.
- Process their feelings through activities, games, music, and crafts.
- Communicate their feelings with their parents.
- Learn to rely on God’s love and strength.
Both DivorceCare groups are led by leaders who have the heart to see you healed, restored, and supported. They have been where you are and are at a place of healing and recovery. They want to provide guidance and encouragement to show you how to get there too.
Grief
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”—Psalm 147:3
Grieving is a process, and losing a loved one can leave you feeling confused and alone. You likely have many questions about things you may have never faced before. It can be difficult to find people who understand the deep hurt you feel.
GriefShare is a friendly, caring support group for people who have experienced the loss of a spouse, child, family member, or friend. You don’t have to go through life’s most difficult experiences alone. The group is here for you to help you heal, connect, and rebuild after loss.
What is GriefShare?
GriefShare is a 13-week group session where you will find support and encouragement. The groups meet weekly to help you move toward rebuilding your life and healing from your loss. You will find comfort in knowing others share their feelings and understand the hurt and loss you have experienced.
Who leads GriefShare?
The leaders of GriefShare want to help you begin to heal after loss. They understand the feeling of grief and loss because most of them have also experienced it. They provide encouraging examples of the healing and restoration that can come out of deep grief.
Who should attend GriefShare?
GriefShare is for those who have experienced the loss of a spouse, child, family member, or friend. While there are many types of losses people experience that can cause grief (loss of job, divorce, estranged family members, a move), these types of loss are not discussed in GriefShare. If you are experiencing loss in other areas and are looking for support, reach out to the Abundant Life Counseling Center.
Surviving the Holidays with GriefShare
Surviving the Holidays is a class designed to help individuals navigate the emotional challenges that arise during the holiday season after the loss of a loved one. The holidays can often amplify feelings of grief and loneliness, bringing back memories that may feel overwhelming. This group provides a safe space for participants to share their experiences, connect with others who understand their pain, and find practical strategies for coping so they can enjoy the holiday season while honoring their loved one’s memories.
Takeaway
You are not alone as you walk through grief and divorce. Although these life experiences may cause you to want to isolate from friends and family, there are godly people who want to walk with you. Remember, it's okay to take things one day at a time. Both grief and divorce are processes, and healing takes time. As you navigate this holiday season, be gentle with yourself and remember that support is available through various care ministries and support groups