“We bereaved are not alone. We belong to the largest company in all the world — the company of those who have known suffering.”Helen Keller
Introduction: In the wake of devastating mass shootings that have plagued America, the shared grief experienced by individuals and communities takes on a profound and collective nature. Shared grief is a powerful force that binds us together, reminding us of our common humanity and resilience in the face of tragedy. I place before you ten meager offerings on my insights into shared grief due to the acts of violence we see far too often on news broadcasts. At the time of this writing, we are fifty days into 2024, and there have been fifty-four acts of mass violence. Mass violence is defined as an action with four or more victims. I also place before you the framework for community-shared grief and recovery. I encourage you to build your own responses and actions to any of the ten ways of coping with shared grief, as listed below. I encourage you to become the advocate and change agent for your community. I also included some inspirational quotes from historical sages and contemporary people who addressed mass trauma and violence in their own times. Unfortunately, we are not faced with a new paradigm. Background on Shared Grief: Shared grief occurs when a traumatic event, such as a mass shooting, impacts multiple individuals or communities. It fosters a sense of unity and solidarity as people come together to mourn, support one another, and heal collectively. Unfortunately, the community gathers due to its shared grief. Examples of Grief due to Mass Shootings:
1 Vigil for the Victims Coping Mechanism: Coming together for a candlelight vigil to honor the lives lost and find comfort in shared remembrance. Inspirational Quote: "Grief is the price we pay for love." – Queen Elizabeth II
2. Community Support Groups Coping Mechanism: Participating in support groups that provide a safe space for sharing feelings and receiving empathy from others who understand. Inspirational Quote: "The only cure for grief is action." – George Henry Lewes
3. Art Therapy Workshops Coping Mechanism: Engaging in creative expression through art therapy to process emotions and find healing through artistic outlets. Inspirational Quote: "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." – Pablo Picasso
4. Memorializing the Victims Coping Mechanism: Creating memorials or dedicating spaces to honor the memories of those lost, fostering a sense of legacy and remembrance. Inspirational Quote: "Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality." – Emily Dickinson
5. Community Healing Circles Coping Mechanism: Participating in healing circles to share stories, offer support, and collectively work towards healing and resilience. Inspirational Quote: "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller
6. Mental Health Counseling Services Coping Mechanism: Seeking professional mental health counseling to process emotions, develop coping strategies, and navigate the grief journey. Inspirational Quote: "The pain passes, but the beauty remains." – Pierre-Auguste Renoir
7. Acts of Kindness Campaigns Coping Mechanism: Engaging in acts of kindness and community service to spread positivity, uplift spirits, and bring hope to those affected by the tragedy. Inspirational Quote: "In the end, only kindness matters." – Jewel
8. Physical Exercise and Movement Coping Mechanism: Engaging in physical exercise or movement activities to release pent-up emotions, reduce stress, and promote well-being. Inspirational Quote: "Exercise is therapy." – Anonymous
9. Nature Walks and Reflection Coping Mechanism: Spending time in nature, taking walks, and reflecting on the beauty and tranquility of the natural world to find solace and peace. Inspirational Quote: "In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks." – John Muir
10. Building Community Resilience Coping Mechanism: Working together as a community to enact change, advocate for gun violence prevention, and build resilience against future tragedies. Inspirational Quote: "Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it’s less good than the one you had before." – Elizabeth Edwards
Individuals and communities can navigate the complex terrain of shared grief with strength and unity by coming together, supporting one another, and embracing healing practices.
God of love and compassion, We come before you with heavy hearts, grieving for all those affected by the senseless acts of violence that have ravaged our communities. We lift up in prayer the families, friends, and individuals who are suffering in the aftermath of these tragic mass shootings. May Your comforting presence surround them, bringing comfort and peace in their time of great sorrow. Jesus, we ask for Your divine care and healing touch to be upon those struggling to make sense of the pain and loss they are experiencing. Grant them strength, courage, and resilience as they navigate the difficult journey of grief and mourning. Help them find comfort in knowing You are their rock and refuge in times of trouble. Lord, we pray for unity rooted in our faith in You. May we unite as brothers and sisters, supporting and uplifting one another in love and compassion.
Guide us to be beacons of light and hope, demonstrating Your unwavering love through our actions and words. As we embark on this path of healing and restoration, we ask for Your blessings to pour upon our survivors, communities, and nation. May Your grace envelop them, bringing forth healing, reconciliation, and peace. May we stand together as a testament to Your unfailing love and mercy, showing the world the power of faith and unity in the face of adversity. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
May God's blessings be upon all those impacted by tragedy, guiding them toward healing, strength, and hope. Amen.