"A MOURNING MOMENT"

Guilt and Regret

Guilt and regret. Both of these emotions are normal in the grief journey. But there is a difference between them. We often interchange these words, but it will be helpful to know the difference.
We might have guilt after we made an intentional decision and we knew what the outcome would be. We knew what would happen, but we did it anyway. THAT can produce guilt.
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Most of the time in relationships we are dealing with regrets instead of guilt.

​We were so busy living life that everything caught us by surprise. If it was possible to go back into a past relationship perhaps we would say or do things differently.
Feelings of guilt or regret are very normal responses following a loss in life. But there is something you can do to soften the pain of either one.
Imagine you could talk to your loved one again. Put words to your feelings. Be honest. Be open. Be willing to write those things you may regret or feel guilty about.
When we express our grief it becomes mourning. Everyone grieves, but not everyone mourns in healthy ways. By writing your feelings of regrets or guilt you are mourning.
According to Jesus that is when we find comfort in our grief ( Matt. 5:4). Mourning is "grief expressed". Please consider writing your feelings of guilt or regret. You may keep it in a private journal...but I believe you will be comforted when you express these things instead of holding them inside.
Bob Willis, author
"A Guide for Grievers"
"JESUS: The CRUCIFIED CAREGIVER"