Held in Hope: A Gentle Journey Through Grief

Grief is one of life’s most profound experiences. It can leave us feeling disoriented, weary, and unsure how to take the next step. For some, it is the loss of a loved one; for others, it may be a life change or a sorrow that words can’t quite capture. Whatever the form, grief touches every part of life—our emotions, our faith, our relationships—and often leaves us longing for comfort and understanding.

Studies show that grief can impact both mental health and physical wellbeing, often triggering anxiety, depression, or feelings of isolation if left unsupported [1]. Many Christians have shared that in their seasons of grief, they wished their church and friends had offered more than quick words or encouragement to “be strong.” What they longed for was presence: someone willing to sit with them in silence, to listen without rushing, and to acknowledge the depth of their pain [2].

The church has not always managed grief well. Too often, lament—the biblical practice of bringing sorrow honestly before God—has been neglected in worship and community life [3]. Yet lament is central to Scripture, reminding us that God welcomes our cries and meets us in our brokenness. As one writer puts it, “To cry is human, but to lament is Christian” [4].

Perhaps you’ve felt this tension yourself—wanting to support someone who is grieving, but not knowing what to say or do. You may have worried about saying the wrong thing, or felt helpless in the face of their sorrow. The truth is, support doesn’t have to be complicated. Often, the most healing gift is simply to show up, to listen, and to create space where grief can be named without judgement [5].

Held in Hope was created to help us learn this better way. This eight‑session workshop offers a compassionate, grace‑filled space for those walking through sorrow, loss, or spiritual disorientation. Rooted in Scripture, enriched by psychological insight, and shaped by pastoral care, it invites participants to pause, breathe, and gently explore the possibility of hope.

Each session invites you to name what hurts, reflect on what has been lost, and explore themes of lament, memory, trust, and renewal. Through guided reflections, optional journaling, and honest group conversation, facilitators prioritise emotional safety and spiritual depth. There is no pressure to “move on”—only an invitation to move gently forward.

At its heart, Held in Hope honours the ache of grief while affirming the promise that healing is possible, and that God meets us in the midst of it.

An Invitation

If you are grieving—or if you long to learn how to walk more gently with those who are—Held in Hope offers a pathway. Due to launch in December 2025, the self-paced online course offers an opportunity to learn to be present, to listen, and to embody the compassion of Christ in the face of sorrow.

Find out more at https://discipleshipfoundation.org, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates on this course and upcoming releases.

References

[1] Cruse Bereavement Support (2023) Grief and Mental Health. London: Cruse Bereavement Care.

[2] Leavitt, J. (2022) The Church’s Role in Grief Recovery. Christianity Today.

[3] Faith on the Journey (2021) When Churches Grieve: Learning to Hold Sorrow Together. Chicago: Faith on the Journey Press.

[4] Crossway (2018) To Cry Is Human, but to Lament Is Christian. Wheaton: Crossway Books.

[5] Mental Health UK (2023) Grief and Bereavement: Supporting Others. London: Mental Health UK.