July Is Bereaved Parents Month
Bereaved parents month is upon us. And while it’s understandable you may feel alone when grieving the loss of your child, it’s important to know that you are not alone. Many parents have experienced the same devastating loss—so many that an entire month of the year is dedicated to their pain. And we know from Scripture, pain gives way to healing. Remember:
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the broken spirit.”Psalm 34:18
A Safe Gathering Space During Bereaved Parents Month
If you’re struggling, it’s OK. Trust us; we have all been there. Your grief is not a reflection of your faith, your worthiness, or your strength. On the contrary, it is a testament to your humanity. And that is where a faith-based community can help.
“For where two or three gather in his name, there am I with them.”—Matthew 18.20
When you feel lost and alone, it’s tempting to isolate and hold on to your pain like a life raft. Certainly, it’s an understandable impulse when it feels like everything else has been taken from you. However, we assure you that gathering with other bereaved parents can pave the way to hope and healing.
A Faith-Based Reading List for Bereaved Parents Month
To be sure, it’s helpful to meet with other bereaved parents when mourning the loss of your child. Nevertheless, there may be times when it isn’t convenient or possible to be with others. For that reason, it can help to have books about grieving the loss of a child nearby. With this in mind, here are some faith-based titles you may want to explore during Bereaved Parents Month.
Words of Comfort
Sometimes, grief over a child is so terrible that you’re at a loss for words. Under those circumstances, Scripture and prayer can bring tremendous comfort. As parents who have lost a beloved child, we frequently turn to God to hold and uplift us. Whether we’re grieving his loss or rejoicing in Ian’s life, these Bible verses and prayers sustain us. They may be especially comforting to you throughout Bereaved Parents Month.
On the other hand, some people have tremendous difficulty feeling any emotion when they grieve. Believe it or not, this is natural. In fact, people often detach from their feelings as the result of a profound upheaval. At times like these, poetry can shine a light on the path to healing.
Remember, “Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. We do not know what to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”—Romans 8:26-28
Faith-Based Help for Bereaved Parents Month
The idea of healing through hope may seem impossible now. We understand; we’re also bereaved parents. Like you, we were desperate to talk to people who had suffered similar losses. That’s why we created Ian’s Place. To learn more about our faith-based journey to hope, you can review some of the media coverage we’ve received.
Because we lacked a space where we could grieve with other parents who lost their children, we created this faith-based gathering place. Although we are all bereaved parents, our needs can be slightly different while we grieve. Whether you want one-on-one support, Bible study, or help with the loss of a young child, there are helpful resources for you.
Above All, We’re Here to Listen
For so many Christians, losing a child seems to fly in the face of all that is holy. Indeed, as bereaved parents ourselves, we are familiar with this pain. However, we also know that there is healing through connection. Please do not hesitate to reach out throughout Bereaved Parents Month, and beyond. Above all, you can pray, mourn, grieve, and cry with us, safe in the knowledge that you have the support of a faith-based community that understands.