Even the strongest followers of God sometimes experience seasons of overwhelming pain, grief, or suffering. In an instant, all we have taken comfort in can be gone forever, leaving us reeling and wondering, “Where is God?” and “How can this be happening?” or even, “Has God turned His hand against me?”
Our August 29, 2024, Bright Tomorrows Breakfast Seminar presenter, Jim Grinnell, discussed with the audience participants how lament is a gift from God for such times as these.
Specifically, he explored:
- The presence of lament in the Bible;
- The four-step process of healthy lament;
- How lament is different from complaining;
- God’s purpose in giving us lament as a grace gift; and,
- The transforming power of lament.
Jim Grinnell is the co-founder and Vice-President of Bright Tomorrows. Additionally, Jim is a pastor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He attended ORU where he obtained a Master of Divinity degree and later OSU where he also received a Master of Science in Family Relations. He is a past member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Jim is also certified as a sex therapist with the American Board of Christian Sex Therapists. Before retirement, Jim specialized in marriage and premarital counseling, affair recovery, and treating sexual issues. Jim has served as the past president of the Christian Association for Psychological Studies, Tulsa Chapter. Jim and his wife, Laura, have been married since 1978 and have four children and fourteen grandchildren.
Note:
If you would like a copy of the handout outline provided to our seminar guests, please get in touch with Tim Reside by way of the Contact Page on this website and let him know.