December 22nd, 2020 
Please break down discussion two 275 words each. in the response please break down to discussion 1 and discussion 2.
Response could include sharing of similar or differing experiences, suggested solutions to challenges shared by peers, and/or sharing of scholarly information related to peers posts. Avoid simple posts of agreement; if you agree, explain why, and then thoughtfully further the conversation. Discussion are based on Kbler-Ross stages of grief.
Discussion 1.
This weeks discussion subject reminded me of all the loved ones I have lost this year alone. This pandemic has caused many to lose loved ones to COVID. It has been an extremely hard year not only for myself but for most people in the world. Reading about the stages of grief made me think of how I handled the loss of my own loved ones and the scriptures that helped me.
The first stage of Kbler-Ross Theory I wanted to talk about is the second stage which is anger. The person dying may be angry with a terminal diagnosis or their family members may show anger toward those who tried to help them and blame them for not doing enough. If it is a tragic death they may blame those who were last with the person. They want to find someone at fault for the death of a loved one. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5, NIV) This scripture is a perfect reminder that it is ok to feel these emotions but we have to remember that God is in control and we will be able to feel joy after losing a loved one.
The second stage of Kbler-Ross Theory I want to address is the fourth stage that is depression. The dying person may go into a depression and start to isolate themselves from visitors. The family and friends of the dying person can experience depression as well. They may feel they cannot go on without the dying person and want to die with them. They can start to isolate, stop eating and spend the majority of their days crying. The scripture that I could offer someone dealing with depression is Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28, NIV). Prayer and praise of his glory through hard times can help us let go of the pain and let God have it. I have found in my own stages of losing a loved one that knowing that God is with me and he can heal my heart has made grieving my loved ones a little easier.
The third stage of Kbler-Ross Theory I want to address is the fifth stage that is acceptance. The person dying comes to term with dying and they have made peace with it and are ready to transition. The family of those who know they are dying accept the death when the person dying does. I have witnessed this situation and I can honestly say it is the most peaceful death I have ever been a part of. There is no time frame of grieving but you will get through to the acceptance stage. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. (Revelation 21:4, NIV). We know that when Jesus comes to save his people we will be reunited with our loved ones who have passed. Holding on to this promise helps us accept the loss of a loved one because we know we will see them again.
Discussion 2
This week’s discussion topic focus’s grief and the different stages one experiences during a loss. Our resources this week come from the Kubler Ross Theory of grief. This theory recognizes the stages a person is likely to go through after losing a loved one. Among these five stages are; denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Our assignment this week is to choose three of these stages, define them and provide scripture that can help a person cope with their grief.
Death is a very overwhelming topic for me to discuss. Since I was young I have always experienced a great amount of anxiety when it comes up. I can recall numerous panic attacks while talking to my mother about it. As a young girl I blamed my mother for bringing me into the world knowing that I was going to die one day. Now that I am older I have a better view of death and I have strong faith in the process. It still gives me anxiety to think about but I pray, relax and accept God’s plan over my life.
One of the stages of grief that I wanted to explore is the first a person experiences, denial. When a person is in denial after the death of a loved one they are likely to be feeling, shock and confusion. Denial can also cause an individual to be fearful for numerous reasons. They could be in fear of living life without that person or they can be afraid of the reality of death itself. Avoidance is another possible outcome for a grieving person. Not wanting to talk about it or set up funeral plans are things that can happen after a loss. God word tell us not to be afraid in Isaiah 43:5, “do not be afraid for I am with you” (biblegateway.com). I would share this with a friend of family member to help them cope with their loss. I would hope they would find comfort in Gods word the way that I have when it comes with the anxiety surrounding death.
The second stage of grief according to the Kubler Ross theory is anger. I wanted to do anger for this assignment because although it is apart of grief, it is also a common emotion that people experience. In relation to grief a man, woman or child could be expressing frustration, irritation and anxiety. In an article by Christina Greggory, she mentions that a grieving person could be directing their anger at family and friends. The article also talks about how people have resorted to being upset with God for taking their loved one away. One scripture that I found helpful when I looked up this topic was from Psalms 30:5. “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime, weeping may stay for the night but rejoicing comes int he morning” (bible gateway.com)
The last stage in this assignment that I chose to discuss is depression. Depression is known as a state of sadness and emotional withdraw. Dealing with depression during grief can be overwhelming for a person. They may feel helpless. I think depression is a common thing for people these days. I think identifying is the most important thing and then getting help after. If a person is looking for spiritual guidance I would offer then a number of verses to help. ” Trust in Him at all times you people; pour pour out your hearts to him, God is our refuge” (biblegateway.com)
Death is never easy to manage or understand. However, I believe that learning the stages of grief and seeks guidance is the best way to cope after a loss.
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