A friendly, caring group of people has come together to aid in some of life’s most difficult experiences in a grief share program in Opp.

A grief recovery seminar and support group called GriefShare will meet at Westview Baptist Church in Opp on Thursdays from Jan. 8 to April 2.

GriefShare Coordinator Larry Raines began this group as a way to for people to come together and not have to go through the grieving process alone.

GriefShare features biblical, Christ-centered teachings that focus on grief topics associated with the death of a loved one.

The DVD seminar features nationally-respected grief experts and real-life stories of people, followed by a small group discussion about what was viewed.

Raines said past participants have related how helpful the information and follow-up discussions were to them.

“Many grieving people find they are only beginning the work of healing when friends or family have returned to their daily life routines,” Raines said. “Too often people, including Christians, tend to stuff their grief instead of allowing it to do the God-given work for which it is intended.”

Raines said confidentiality is very much a part of this program.

“Your bereavement experience may be recent or not so recent,” Raines said. “You will find encouragement, comfort and help in grieving the death of a spouse, child, parent, sibling, other family member or friend. No matter what the cause of your loved one’s death, this is an opportunity to be around people who understand what you are feeling.

“You will learn how to recognize the symptoms of being stuck in grief and that you do not need to live in bondage to certain emotions,” he said. “You will learn valuable information about facing your new normal in life and renewing your hope for the future.”

Seminar sessions feature nationally recognized experts on grief recovery topics including, “Guilt and Anger,” “The Challenges of Grief,” “Grief and Your Relationships,” “Why?” and “Is This Normal?”

Everyone is welcome to participate, and to help cover the cost of materials a $10 registration fee will be collected from each participant, he said.

GriefShare meets each from 6 to 8:00 p.m. each Thursday, and child care can be provided if requested.

For more information, call Westview Baptist Church at 334-493-6467, or Raines at 334-714-5494.