Your grieving friends need support. We often rush to their side, initially, with a pan of lasagna or the words, "let me know if you need anything." The reality is, they probably won't let you know and they can't bear to look at another pasta dish.
Bethany and Gwen give you practical tips on: what to say in awkward conversations, equip you to help & not hide from your grieving friend, and serve them in the best way you can, using your gifts and talents, for as long as they need support (longer than most people think!).
Grieving people do not say they want support from someone with many degrees, or who talks in clinical or theological terminology. They are helped by those who have qualities that lie within a servant's heart: respect, warmth, genuineness, trust, patience, hope and humor. You, as you are, can truly help your grieving friend ...with this book as your guide.
Bethany lives in West Michigan with her two kids, one sneaky/naughty cat (Leo), one fat/cuddly cat (Lucy) and a rambunctious, but faithful lab named Scout. She loves her family, friends, church and predictable romantic comedy movies. Her "dad" jokes and love of puns and use of sweet sarcasm is an attempt to lighten the moods around her and make people smile. Bethany works full time in the field of Human Resources where she uses her education (MBA/SHRM-CP) and experience to resolve conflicts in the workplace but with grace and empathy at what employees might be going through. Bethany has a devotional story published within "And Then There was Light" - EA Publishing- and maintains a blog at bethanyfranceblog.com focused on Faith, Family, Friends and Giving Hope to the Grieving. You can also find her at Bethany France, Writer, on social media.
Gwen Kapcia is a licensed social worker in the state of Michigan and holds a certification in Thanatology: the study of death, dying and bereavement. She has spent her entire career around grief and loss, spanning from hospice care, funeral home aftercare support, and Executive Director at a West Michigan grief support ministry. She is the Co-Author of Mourning Star, a Christ-centered Grief Curriculum for children, teens and adults. She is a wife, mother of 3 adult children, (recently promoted to grandmother!), and lives in Portland, Michigan. Gwen is the owner of Your Grief Guide. Through online classes, virtual checkpoints and educational presentations, she aims to normalize the reactions to loss, give practical guidance and provide hope for healing. She is a national speaker, conducting programs to healthcare, corporations, schools and churches. You can find her at Gwen@grief-guide.com, Facebook grief-guide and Instagram at: gwenkapcia, or website, grief-guide.com.
