What to Say When You Don't Know What to Say: In Times of Grief, Heartache, and Crisis

by H. Norman Wright

Overview

I just lost my job.
My mom died of cancer.
My best friend was in a serious accident.

When a family member, friend, neighbor, or coworker is in pain, he or she needs your support—even if you’re not sure what to do. Trusted Christian counselor Norm Wright offers this easy-to-follow handbook on how to respond to others during and after crises. As part of a national team that provides grief counseling following tragedies—including recent shootings and September 11—Norm knows firsthand what works when giving comfort. Along with discovering how you can respond in difficult situations, this straightforward guide will help you:

• understand the confusion and emotions the person will experience
• decide what to say and what not to say
• choose what you can do immediately and long-term
• give encouragement during depression and grief
• provide biblical wisdom for helping the person cope and live on

Sensitive, practical, and specific, this handy reference includes information you need to be supportive and point to God as the ultimate healer.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780736958486
Publisher:	Harvest House Publishers
Publication date:	10/01/2014
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	208
File size:	947 KB

About the Author

H. Norman Wright is a well-respected Christian counselor who has helped thousands of people improve their relationships and deal with grief, tragedy, and other concerns. He helps couples bring vibrancy to their relationships through counseling, seminars, and more than 90 books, including Before You Say “I Do” and After You Say “I Do.” Norm also reveals insights for spiritual growth, great relationships, and success in devotionals that include Strong to the Core, Quiet Times for Every Parent, and Truly Devoted: What Dogs Teach Us About Life, Love, and Loyalty. www.hnormanwright.com

H. Norman Wright (1937 – 2023) was a well-respected Christian counselor who helped thousands of people improve their relationships and deal with grief, tragedy, and other concerns. He helped couples bring vibrancy to their relationships through counseling, seminars, and more than 90 books, including Before You Say “I Do” and After You Say “I Do.” Norm also offered insights for spiritual growth, great relationships, and success in devotionals that include Strong to the Core, Quiet Times for Every Parent, and Truly Devoted: What Dogs Teach Us About Life, Love, and Loyalty. www.HNormanWright.com

Table of Contents

You Can Help 5

1 Called to Help 9

2 Don't Be a Miserable Comforter 25

3 If You Want to Help, Listen 41

4 Understanding What Your Friend Is Experiencing 55

5 Understanding a Friend in Crisis 73

6 Loss or Trauma? 89

7 The Hazards of Trauma 97

8 Helping Your Friend 111

9 When Depression Hits 121

10 Helping a Suicidal Friend 133

11 Say It in Writing 151

12 Praying for Your Friend 167

13 What to Do and What Not to Do 179

14 When to Make Referral 193

Notes 197

Charts

Phases of Bereavement Intensity 67

Phases of a Crisis 77

Ball of Grief 81

Recovery Time Line 107