The Whole Truth

Grief is the reaction to loss , specifically to the loss of someone who has passed away. Even though we tend to be generally focused on the emotional response to loss, grief also has physical (tired, sadness), cognitive (thinking, confusion, forgetfulness), behavioral (changes in appetite, sleep patterns), social (isolation, withdrawing from people in general), cultural (gatherings such as birthdays, holidays), spiritual (questioning your faith, your trust in God, and philosophical (your view of life and death) components. While the terms are often used interchangeably, bereavement refers to the state of loss, while grief is the reaction to that loss. By KimberlyV. Porter, M. Ed. Worship During Grief

32 THEWHOLE TRUTH