Dealing With Natural Disasters And Grief

March 22, 2011 - PRLog -- (Arlington, TX) -With the official death toll in Japan hitting just over 4,000 yesterday, a number that is expected to rise, Rev. Francine Copeland of FUMC of Arlington offers her expertise in grief counseling to the local families affected by the tragedy through grief groups in the coming months.

Sendai, one of the hardest hit cities, has close ties to Dallas as an International Friendship City. Those in North Texas who have lost family or friends are beginning the long process of grieving. Rev. Francine Copeland, a retired pastor at First United Methodist Church of Arlington, says, “These first few weeks, people are pretty much in shock. They are wrapped up in their grief.”

Copeland, who regularly runs grief support groups, remarks that grief is similar no matter if the person died at home or in a natural disaster. “Many people want to shut the person [who died] out of their lives. Get rid of their clothes or pictures.”  However, she suggests concentrating “on the good memories they have of the person they lost, the instances in their life they had joy with that person.”

For some, losing others can be especially traumatic. They suffer from guilt at surviving when others did not. Copeland suggests taking a positive view. “If we survived, then we have the opportunity to serve others. Find your purpose, others who may need you. Things left for you to do, which you may not be aware of.”

Lack of closure can be the most difficult aspect of losing someone in a natural disaster. There may be no body to bury. Copeland suggests first allowing time to grieve. Then trying exercises visualizing saying goodbye. “It helps them realize that their life doesn’t stop. They have a ‘new normal’ and they have to adjust to that gradually.”

Rev. Francine Copeland has a master’s degree in education and teaching. She has received grief training from the American Cancer Society and is a former Stephen Ministry leader.

# # #

Established in 1878, First United Methodist Church of Arlington is a historic church and vital part of Arlington. FUMC of Arlington has a congregation of approximately 5,000 members and reaches out to our community through our programs.