Monthly Archives: March 2013

Crucifixion

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Grose

With its brutality, Jesus’s crucifixion in 29 A.D. touches us deeply. I recently viewed a small clip of Jesus on the cross. The scene came from a preview of the last installment of “The Bible” to be seen on the History Channel Sunday. … Continue reading →

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Helping the Sufferer: Giving Advice II

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Grose

Like most “rules,” we find exceptions. When I last discussed offering our advice to someone distressed (2/15/13), I made the point that it’s usually premature. Giving premature advice comes from our sense of helplessness–indeed, our very real helplessness. There are … Continue reading →

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Helping the Sufferer: Giving a Beatitude

Posted on March 15, 2013 by Grose

When our friend opens up to us about their suffering, although we don’t intend to, we risk making their suffering worse.  We try our hardest to listen, but their experience may not fit with our preconceived ideas about how life … Continue reading →

Posted in Friend of Job, The Counselor, The Sufferer | 5 Comments

Helping the Sufferer: Seeing with “Expert” Eyes

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Grose

When we focus on our message as comforters, it’s easy to wander into uncharted territory with words that wound. We may think we’ve got the perfect answer for someone in trouble; we may think we’ve analyzed their situation to a … Continue reading →

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Helping the Sufferer: How You Should Feel

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Grose

As a beginning chaplain in a psychiatric hospital I recall an encounter with a crying, depressed woman, admitted to the hospital because she had tried to commit suicide. I had just began my twelve-weeks of training, and that was the first … Continue reading →

Posted in Friend of Job, Mental Illness, The Counselor | 2 Comments