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Grieve First, Speak Later: Wisdom in Mourning
Acknowledging the need for individuals to fully experience their grief before offering perspective is vital in the mourning process. The contrasting responses of Martha and Mary in John 11 highlight the importance of simply being present in sorrow. Martha expresses her faith and seeks reassurance, showcasing an initial instinct to contextualize her pain, while Mary, overwhelmed with grief, falls at Jesus's feet without seeking explanation. Jesus's approach to Mary emphasizes the necessity of empathy over doctrinal responses in moments of deep sorrow. Mourning rituals like shivah emphasize the need to sit with and support the bereaved without rushing to provide comfort through words. The risk of minimizing another’s pain, based on personal experiences, can hinder the healing process; thus, patience in the grieving journey is crucial. The journey through darkness may vary in duration, and it is essential to respect the individual's timeline of grief while allowing inspiration to guide when to speak and when to remain silent.