Alone For The Holidays: How To Deal With Grief
Alone For The Holidays: How To Deal With Grief
Welcome to Real Life with Jack Hibbs Podcast
We’re diving into a time-sensitive and urgent topic today—being alone for the holidays. The phrase might remind you of the classic song, Home for the Holidays, but for many, this season highlights deep loneliness. Whether due to loss, separation, or abandonment, some face the holidays burdened by grief.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to stay there. God has a better plan for you, even in your pain. Stay tuned as we sit down with Brad Styler, a seasoned counselor helping people navigate the storms of grief.
If this podcast uplifts you, encourages you to grow in Christ, or simply brings you hope, we’d love for you to leave us a five-star rating. For us, that’s like hearing an enthusiastic “Amen!” Your rating could inspire others to find hope, too. Now, open your heart and listen to what God has for you today.
The Burden of the Holiday Season
For many, November through January marks one of the most demanding seasons of the year—especially in ministry. These months can amplify feelings of isolation, making the holidays particularly painful for those grieving. Tragically, this time of year often sees a rise in suicides. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Brad Styler joins us to explore how people find themselves feeling alone during the holidays, even within families. Grief strikes everyone differently—emotionally, spiritually, and physically—and these differences can create feelings of isolation, even when surrounded by loved ones.
Why Am I Alone?
People may find themselves alone during the holidays for many reasons:
- Loss of a loved one: The pain of death leaves a void that feels impossible to fill.
- Divorce or separation: The end of a relationship can lead to a profound sense of abandonment.
- Estrangement: Sometimes, even family members drift apart, leaving one feeling isolated.
- Emotional isolation: Even in a crowded room, loneliness can linger when grief is unresolved.
Shifting the Focus: From “Why” to “What”
One of the biggest challenges in grief is the endless cycle of why. Why did this happen? Why me? Why now? These questions often lead to more questions, deepening the emotional spiral.
Brad shares a pivotal moment in his own journey of grief after losing his teenage daughter. He found that asking why didn’t bring healing. Instead, he began asking what.
- What, Lord, do You want me to do with this pain?
- How can I use this experience to help others?
This mindset shift became a turning point, allowing Brad and his wife to find purpose in their pain.
How to Support Those Who Are Hurting
For those walking alongside someone in grief, the key is presence and intentionality.
- Acknowledge their pain: Don’t dismiss their feelings or attempt to rush them through the healing process.
- Offer practical support: Help them plan ahead for the holidays to reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.
- Be a listening ear: Sometimes, just being there without offering solutions is the best support.
Hope for the Holidays
As Brad reminds us, grief is a deeply personal journey, but it’s not one we have to walk alone. God’s promise of hope and restoration is available to all who seek Him. Whether you’re grieving yourself or supporting someone who is, remember to ask, Lord, what do You want me to do with this?
Let’s make this season one of healing and purpose, turning loneliness into an opportunity to grow closer to God and to one another.
Don’t forget to share this message of hope by leaving a five-star review. Together, we can impact lives and remind others that they are never truly alone.