Strong or Weak? How Labels Harm the Hurting

Labels and categories can be helpful.  When cruising the grocery aisles I’m thankful for the signs that point the way to “vegetables” or “baking needs”.

But labels can be harmful when applied to people.

Read the rest here:  Strong or Weak? How Labels Harm the Hurting

Author: Melanie

I am a shepherd, wife and mother of four amazing children, three that walk the earth with me and one who lives with Jesus. This is a record of my grief journey and a look into the life I didn't choose. If you are interested in joining a community of bereaved parents leaning on the promises of God in Christ, please like the public Facebook page, "Heartache and Hope: Life After Losing a Child" and join the conversation.

4 thoughts on “Strong or Weak? How Labels Harm the Hurting”

  1. Melanie After watching an interview of a woman whom lost “everything” to Harvey yesterday, i had a haunting thought. I used to watch these disasters and think this only happened on TV or to others but now i see it differently. First, disaster can strike any time any where…random acts now are real and you never can be prepared. Second…if you have your life or your loved ones that is NOT losing everything…. Peace

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    1. I honestly don’t know why my family has always had that strong sense (even before Dominic ran ahead to heaven) that if we were all safe and alive, then nothing else mattered-but we have. Now it’s written in bold ink across our hearts. One of my sons says that if money and/or time can fix it, it’s not really a problem. I like that. It’s a hard, hard lesson to learn and I suspect that many have not and possibly will not learn it the way we both have. May the Lord continue to strengthen you for each day. ❤

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  2. Yes, thank you. I’ve been told by quite a few people how well I am doing. Even by my therapist. A few describe me as a ‘rock star’. And I get it. Sometimes I, myself, am shocked at how semi-normal I feel. Perhaps this stems from the fact that I literally thought I would disintegrate when I discovered my daughter’s heart stopped beating, so when mine continued, it was shocking. But much of the time, I feel shattered inside. People see the smile, but not the broken heart. Lots of thoughts and peace to you. 💕

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    1. It took me awhile into this journey to realize what I wrote in this post-that any label gives a certain “pass” to others when interacting with us. I’ve been told I was strong, too, because I didn’t melt into a puddle after Dom left us. But, like you, I was a quivering mess inside. Still am on many days-though I am stronger now than I was. Blessings to you on your journey, dear heart. ❤

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