Grief Resources
- revshariw
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
by Rev. Shari Woodbury
Following a recent worship service speaking to grief, I wanted to share some grief resources. These come recommended by colleagues, congregants, or loved ones who
have found them helpful.* As the young folks say on social media, YMMV (“your mileage may vary”).
Good grief is authentic in feeling and action. There is no one right way to grieve. There is simply what meets you where you are. Grief may be different for different losses. It happens on its own timetable. And it never really ends. But we can find support for ourselves, and offer support to one another.
Books:
Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief by Joanne Cacciatore
Finding the Words by Colin Campbell
It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan Devine
Nothing Gold Can Stay by Mark Belletini
Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss by Pat Schwiebert and Chuck DeKlyen, ill. by Taylor Bills (this is a picture book for ALL ages, grown-ups as well as kids)
When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Rabbi Harold Kushner
The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief by Francise Weller
Interested in a book, but prefer not to buy from Amazon? Check it out from your library, patronize a local bookstore, or order online from bookshop.org (supporting a local shop you designate) or used from thriftbooks.com.
Audio and Video Resources:
All There Is with Anderson Cooper (also available via podcast apps)
It’s OK That You’re Not OK podcast hosted by Megan Devine
Surviving the First Year of Grief video series from Kelli Nielsen*
Tear Soup (story time telling on YouTube)
Includes an original Story for All Ages about a family losing their pet (starts around 11:50), as well as the sermon “Good Grief” (starts around 32:00). I illustrate a variety of grief experiences, including disenfranchised and compounded grief, through vignettes inspired by real people.
Web site:
What’s Your Grief? grief education and support
Pastoral care or referrals:
Interested in pastoral support? I offer compassionate listening (up to 3 pastoral sessions) and/or referral suggestions, for longer-term or specialized support. Members may contact me at minister@firstuuomaha.org or via my cell at 531 / 600 / 8313 (call/text). The quickest way to schedule a pastoral visit (in person, by phone, or via Zoom), is to go directly to my Calendly scheduling page: https://calendly.com/rev-woodbury.
*By sharing these resources, I am not necessarily endorsing other services that the authors may offer. Kelli Nielsen (“The Grief Guru”), for example, has some videos that may be helpful to some people; however, she gives no indication of counseling credentials to support the products and services she sells through her business. A licensed mental health counselor may be a better choice for 1:1 support.