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How I’m Navigating Loss & Life Changes with Faith: A Christian Mental Health Perspective

  • Diana S. Rice
  • Feb 24
  • 5 min read

Liberation Lunes

February 24th, 2025

Life has a way of shifting the ground beneath our feet. When my mother passed away shortly after entering hospice care, I was thrown into a whirlwind of emotions and responsibilities. As someone balancing multiple roles—career, marriage, family, and personal growth—her loss added another layer to my journey.


In my last blog on February 3rd, I shared how I was blindsided by life and was preparing to balance taking care of my mother alongside everything else. (You can read that post here.) Since then, my mother made the decision to enter hospice, and within two days, she was gone. Just like that. Processing such a swift and life-altering event has been overwhelming, and even now, I continue to ride the waves of change. Yet, I know that returning to work, little by little, is a step toward healing and finding purpose again.


How Faith Has Grounded Me in Grief

Even before my mother became ill, I felt led to study the Book of Psalms—one psalm at a time. Every morning, I would sit with the words, reflecting on God’s faithfulness through suffering, His promises of comfort, and the raw honesty of the psalmists who cried out to Him. I didn’t know then that God was preparing me for what was to come.


I’ve also been reading Dr. David Benner’s Opening to God, which has helped me understand prayer as a way of opening myself fully to the presence of the Divine—especially in times of grief.


This foundation of faith is what keeps me steady—for my clients, my family, and most importantly, for myself as I make meaning out of this loss. Because here’s the truth:


Grief is not just about loss; it’s about what we do with the life we still have.


The Emotional Impact of Loss

Grief is deeply personal and affects every aspect of our lives. It can feel like waves crashing over us, sometimes unexpectedly. Some days, I feel strong and productive; other days, the smallest thing brings tears to my eyes. Processing grief isn’t about reaching a final destination, but allowing yourself to move through it.


I recently recorded a solo podcast episode on my experience, where I share the raw, unfiltered moments of navigating loss—how it hit me, the unexpected lessons, and what helped me start moving forward again.



Why We Must Do the Work to Heal

Complicated grief—the kind that keeps us stuck in resentment, anger, or avoidance—is a waste of time. That might sound harsh, but it comes from a place of love.

Yes, grief is painful. Yes, loss is unfair. But staying stuck in bitterness, drowning in sorrow, or waiting for time to heal all wounds will only rob you of the present and the future. Healing is a choice.


We can either:

🌀 Dwell in pain, negativity, and resentment

✨ Or surrender our heavy emotions to the Rock higher than us.


This is how I am surfing the waves of grief. I let each wave come, ride it, and I don’t drown. This is life.


Healing does not mean forgetting—it means making meaning out of pain and choosing to honor the lessons our loved ones left behind.


Practical Tools for Navigating Grief & Life’s Transitions

If you are grieving, here are powerful, actionable steps that have helped me and many others:

1. Allow the Emotions to Surface- Don’t suppress grief—it will only prolong suffering. Cry, scream, journal—let it move through you.

2. Journaling Prompts for Clarity- Writing helps process emotions and makes room for God’s wisdom. Try these prompts:

  • What has this experience taught me about resilience?

  • How can I invite God into my healing?

3. Seek Therapy & Support- Even as a therapist, I seek guidance and safe spaces to process my own grief. Consider a faith-based counselor or grief support group.

4. Faith-Based Reflection- Meditate on scripture and pray for wisdom. Choose a daily verse, such as:

  • Psalm 25:16-17 – “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses.”

5. Prioritize Health & Self-Care- Whole foods, movement, grounding, and nervous system regulation are non-negotiable. Try: Walks, stretching, or barefoot grounding in nature.

6. Say Yes to Community- Even when I want to isolate, I remind myself that healing happens in relationships.

7. Grounding Exercises for Emotional Regulation- Techniques like deep breathing, sensory awareness, or spending time in nature can bring calm.

8. Choose Meaning Over Stagnation- Grief is real, but we don’t have to be stuck in it forever.


The Role of Faith in Healing

One of the greatest comforts in grief is knowing that we are never alone.

Psalm 27:1 (ESV): "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"


Faith is not just a comfort—it’s a lifeline. If you are struggling with grief, meditate on scripture and invite God into your healing process.


Lord, I ask that You bring peace, clarity, and restoration to those navigating difficult seasons. May they feel Your presence and trust in Your guidance. In JESUS name, Amen.


Resources for Grief & Healing

📖 Recommended Books:

  • Finding Meaning – David Kessler

  • The Grief Recovery Handbook – John W. James & Russell Friedman

  • Try Softer – Aundi Kolber

💛 Grief Support Groups & Counseling:

🎙 Podcast Recommendation:

Final Thoughts: Choosing to Live With Purpose

Grief isn’t just about loss—it’s about transformation. It’s about choosing to:

  • Live with purpose

  • Heal with intention

  • Create a legacy that aligns with who God has called us to be.


How are you navigating grief? Leave a comment, share this with someone who needs encouragement, or subscribe to my podcast.


Thank you for being here. Trust in the Lord, guard your heart, and renew your mind.


In Service, Faith, Hope and Love, Diana


And now for the disclaimer to make sure you understand that YOU are responsible for YOU:

Disclaimer:

The content provided on Liberation Lunes is for entertainment and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this blog. The views expressed on this blog are my personal opinions and do not represent the views of any professional organizations with which I am affiliated. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, 911, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) immediately. Liberation Lunes does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the blog. Reliance on any information provided by Liberation Lunes, others appearing on the blog at the invitation of Liberation Lunes, or other visitors to the blog is solely at your own risk.


Confidentiality Notice:

If you choose to engage with Liberation Lunes by commenting or posting and you are a client, please be aware that you may be revealing information that could compromise your confidentiality. Remember that disclosing your identity or personal details can be linked to your clinical material. As a therapist, I am bound by confidentiality and will not respond to any disclosures of this nature on this blog. I am committed to upholding the ethics and confidentiality of the therapeutic relationship, which extends to all forms of communication, following the laws and professional guidelines that govern mental health professionals. Your privacy is of utmost importance, and you are responsible for protecting it when interacting on this platform or any other public forum.


 
 
 

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