About Journeys Through Grief

Dr. Nicole McClurg
Clergy Services & Grief Support Director

I’ve grieved many losses in my life. I have grieved the loss of both parents, grandparents, and a child through miscarriage, the loss of innocence due to abuse, and the confusion of grieving the loss of someone who hurt me deeply. Grief is personal, unique in its expression and the journey to integrate loss and grief into our life is often complex.

Grief is something we all face at one point or another. It is a journey that no one wants to take, yet a journey we all must face. One of my favorite authors Henri Nouwen writes, “The great challenge is living your wounds through instead of thinking them through… You need to let your wounds go down to your heart. Then you can live through them and discover that they will not destroy you.”

Our grief, pain, and loss will not destroy us, but it certainly can feel like it will. Our response is often to keep busy to avoid painful emotions. The reality is our painful emotions will keep bouncing back up to the surface. Our pain, loss, and grief needs to be felt, heard, and seen to heal.

That’s why Journeys Through Grief exist. It is a forum to tell stories of a loved one who has passed, to offer mutual support, and to learn about the many ways grief is expressed and processed. It is meant to be a community of fellow travelers processing grief and healing one moment, one day at a time-together.

I am an ordained pastor who holds a Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Formation and leadership and certification in both Spiritual Direction and Grief Support. For over 20 years, I have sat with people and groups processing painful life events, guiding them through compassionate presence to the other side of trauma and grief. I have learned that sorrow and joy so often coexist in the form of grief and gratitude.

It is my great honor to be on the journey with you all.