Jennifer Brost
Jennifer Brost Quick Facts
Articles by this expert
SelfGrowth articles and saved writing connected to this expert.
Article
What To Do (And Not Do) When You Hurt
No one knew what to do with me. The chaplain gave me hand-outs. The church people force-fed me Bible verses. My friends tried to understand (some of them), but simply could not. My husbandâs patience had run low. I was grieving. Mourning, and doubled over in pain. I felt dead from the all the death and uncertain about whether or not I even wanted to live. Sadly, Iâm afraid that distraught people have a way of attracting empathy for only a short time.n nAs I travel and spe
October 22, 2007
Article
Depression and Grief: The Four Letter Word Called Hope
Spring was in the air and so was hope. My mother-in-law had been turning darker shades of yellow since December. Now there was reason to believe she would improve: doctors were going to operate. We knew it was a long-shot, but nonetheless, we were hoping to keep our dear friend, mother, and wife if only for a little longer. With the scheduled surgery approaching, family and friends pulled together in prayer and fasting for this great woman of faith. Of course, my husband and
July 4, 2007
Article
Empathy 101: How to Talk to Your Upset Friend
The trauma resulting from my near death, passing of my mother-in-law, mother, father, and unborn son was a real strain on our marriage. Michael and I had married just 6 months before the losses began, and I felt robbed of a normal honeymoon period. Making matters worse was our drastically differing coping styles: I was openly a wreck while he did not express as much angst. This difficulty was compounded by the fact that I was in more anguish than he was. Michael, unfortunatel
May 28, 2007
Article
How to Talk to Your Friend in Pain-Part 1
Kimberly was 24 years-old and scared. She had been recently diagnosed with Lupus, a serious and potentially life-threatening illness that could rob her of a bright future. Doctors had already warned her against having children. She felt she should stop dating her new boyfriend because she thought it wasnât fair to him. She wondered if she should even complete her studies at school. After all, she was rarely ever able to attend classes due to her lack of health. Lupus is a d
May 9, 2007
Article
Friends in Pain: How to Help Your Hurting Loved One
“Where’s your husband?” the nurse asked.nn“At school,” I struggled to respond.nn“What school?” the nurse knew he needed to get to the hospital ASAP.nnIn what was a miracle, I named the seminary and recited the phone number. My husband made it to the hospital and waited through the emergency surgery that would save my life but not our son’s.nnThe medical “shock” from nearly bleeding to death was remedied by 16 blood-t
March 27, 2007