Here's what's new at CareLeader.org

Paul Tripp: Why people shouldn't take on grief (or any difficult experience) as an identity

About 5 years ago, our team began working on the 3rd edition of the GriefShare program, for which I interviewed a number of people who'd lost loved ones. Some of the people I spoke with had processed their grief and were courageously moving forward. Others seemed stuck--grieving with an intensity that would make you think their loved one just died.

Why do some people get stuck in grief and others don't?

One of the reasons people get stuck is that they take on grief as an identity. And this video explains why that should be avoided. The video features Dr. Paul Tripp, one of the experts featured in the GriefShare series. You'll appreciate his insights as he explains why grief is a difficult and significant experience, but not an identity. And it will help those you minister to understand how to acknowledge the reality of their pain while taking comfort in their identity in Christ.

Should you correct hurting people?

Have you ever been talking to someone who's discouraged? Maybe he's been out of work for a while, or he's going through a divorce. And in the course of the conversation, the person says something that's untrue about his circumstances. For instance: "There's no hope." Or "God doesn't care about me."

When that happens, how do you respond?

Do you let it go? Or do you correct the person?

Or is there another option?

I recently spoke with Dr. Susan Zonnebelt-Smeenge. She shared questions you can ask a person who reveals that he isn't interpreting his circumstances accurately. Check out When hurting people reveal unhelpful assumptions, what should you say? to see her suggestions.

4 considerations when helping parents of blended families

Recently we shared an article by Ron Deal to help make you aware of the unique needs of blended families. Ron is back with 4 considerations you should keep in mind when giving parenting advice to parents of blended families. Discover why blended families need to measure progress differently, how past parenting approaches impact their current situation, and other eye-opening insights.

In other CareLeader news

Nancy Guthrie joins In This Together

Last week, I spoke with Nancy Guthrie--one of the cohosts of the GriefShare program. I'm thrilled to announce that Nancy agreed to be featured in our new In This Together curriculum.

For those of you who don't know, Nancy is also an author and Bible teacher. And she's a featured contributor on The Gospel Coalition website. Her insights into relationships will help people understand how applying what the Bible says about friendships will bless them and strengthen their churches. We're planning to record Nancy's interview the second or third week in May.

Want to learn more about Nancy? Here's a link to her website.

That's all for now!