Elizabeth Kubler Ross wrote about the five stages of catastrophic loss in her book,? On Death and Dying?. While she was speaking to the terminally ill patient, most people have found that the stages she defines work as well for almost any kind of grief.

When Lorelle and I first wrote this grief devotional, Mourning Glory, the world of grief, as well as the world at large, seemed much smaller.

According to Webster?s New World Dictionary grief is defined as ?intense emotional suffering caused by loss, disaster, misfortune, etc.; acute sorrow; deep sadness.? Mourning is the expression of grief.

Everyone is familiar with feelings of grief. These feelings range from mild, momentary unhappiness to feelings of intense and acute emotional suffering that take a long time to heal. These feelings can be caused by disappointment, discouragement, fustration, trouble, difficulty, a sense of futility, deep regret or some specific loss, disaster, misfortune, accident, or mishap.

If they listen and obey God; they will be blessed with prosperity throughout their lives. All their years will be pleasant. Job 36:11 NLT

What happens to a widow after the first year is over?

The fundamental cause of all material sorrows of the world put together is none other than spiritual ignorance (Avidya). Just as lack of light results in darkness and vice versa, in the same way lack of divine wisdom leads to spiritual ignorance and vice versa. Divine wisdom helps us attain eternal bliss, peace etc and spiritual ignorance results in pain, sorrow etc.

Losing a spouse is one of life's greatest stresses. Here are practical tips that you can apply to make the transition through the grief process less traumatic. They will point you towards a new life.