Facing Tragedy
News of shootings, bombings or other tragedies leave communities grappling with grief, loss and anger.
People ask why God would let something so devastating happen. Parents struggle with answering their kids’ complex questions about fear and death issues and even with letting their kids go back to school.
We want to help you with your grief, give parents tools to help their children cope, and show you how to help those in your community find a way to process what has happened.
Talk to a Counselor
Reach a counselor toll-free at 1-855-771-HELP (4357).
Understanding Trauma
A New Kind of Normal
Carol Kent shares her experience living through unthinkable circumstances that will never change and finding a way to make hope-filled choices using her story and those of women who have experienced their own “new normal” with God’s help.
Recovering From
Losses in Life
H. Norman Wright tackles tough issues such as the meaning of grief, blaming God, and learning how to express yourself and share your pain in times of loss.
Teaching Kids to Show Empathy
When tragedy strikes, do your children know how to respond to those around them?
Parenting Children Through Trauma
Talking to Kids About Mass School Shootings
When school shootings occur, our kids are likely to be afraid, mad, and confused. Remember that these are emotions created by God. They don’t need to be avoided, ignored, or silenced. However, as parents, we can direct our children towards the hope that God offers.
Helping Kids Process Violence in the News and Social Media
In today’s culture, families are surrounded by accounts of shootings, bombings and mass killings. Equip children with the necessary facts to process these tragic events for a larger understanding and to ease their fears.
Talking to Kids About Mass Violence
We can’t shield our kids from hearing about mass shootings and violence against innocents. But how should you talk to them?
Making Sense of Tragedy
Brady Boyd, the senior pastor of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colo., discusses the fatal shooting incident that occurred at the church in December, 2007, and the healing, forgiveness and restoration his congregation has experienced since.
It’s Okay to Cry
When a child experiences loss, whether it be small or traumatic, he or she needs to know it’s okay to cry. Here is practical advice and assurance borne of years of experience that will equip you to assist those you love to grieve and to heal.
How to Help Your Kids Process Tragic News
As a counselor, I’m often asked how to talk with kids about tragedies such as the latest school shooting. Here are some strategies I offer in my practice for intentional and effective conversations about tragedy.
Parenting a Child Affected by a Traumatic Event
How To Help
Seeking God In Hard Times Broadcast Episode
Psychologist Dr. John Townsend explores the idea that God allows suffering in our lives in order to help us grow spiritually, and points to Christ as the ultimate source of hope in dark times.
Helping Those Who Hurt
Whether you’re a layperson or a professional counselor, Helping Those Who Hurt will help you care for others encountering life crises
How Can God Allow So Much Evil and Suffering?
Indeed, this country has a problem. This world has a problem. It’s called evil and it’s running loose like a roaring lion devouring the most innocent in our midst. What can we do?
Suicide Resources
Help Prevent Teen Suicide with Our Free Online Training
Alive to Thrive is designed to help parents and ministry leaders understand how suicide can be prevented. Through Alive to Thrive, you may become the lifeline that saves a young person’s life.
As parents, we must proactively talk about it with our kids and build a network of support strong enough to catch and hold the young and vulnerable. Let’s take a closer look.
- Coping With Suicide in Families
- Suicide Is a Problem for Youth and Young Adults
- Teen Thinking About Suicide
- Preventing Teen Suicide
- Warning Signs of Teen Suicide
- Teenage Depression and Suicide
- Parents Dealing with Grief After Adolescent Child’s Suicide
- Surviving a Child’s Suicide
- Finding Purpose After a Loved One’s Suicide
- Talking to Kids About Child Suicide
- Teens and Suicide
- Talking to Teen About Suicide of Friend or Acquaintance
- Helping Survivors After Suicide by LaRita Archibald, Founder of Heartbeat – Survivors After Suicide
- A Suicide Survivor’s Beatitude’s by LaRita Archibald, Founder of Heartbeat – Survivors After Suicide
- What to Do When Tragedy Impacts Your Family (Part 1 of 2)
- What to Do When Tragedy Impacts Your Family (Part 2 of 2)
- Finding God’s Healing After a Suicide Loss
- Podcast – Teen Suicide: Knowing the Signs
- Teen Thinking About Suicide
- Understanding Teen Depression and Suicide (Part 1 of 2)
- Understanding Teen Depression and Suicide (Part 2 of 2)
- How God Saved Me From Suicide (Part 1 of 2)
- How God Saved Me From Suicide (Part 2 of 2)
Additional Resources
Parenting in the Midst of Tragedy
Nothing will eliminate the pain that you or your children have suffered, but there are steps you can take to help your family face those circumstances with courage and confidence. This downloadable PDF booklet offers clear brief tips for such difficult circumstances.
Understanding and Coping with Trauma
Each person affected by trauma experiences his or her own unique reactions and symptoms. This downloadable PDF booklet describes various trauma responses and actions which can help.
Coming Home: An Invitation to Join God’s Family
If your heart longs for something more, download our free booklet inviting you into God’s eternal family.
Managing Those Tricky Emotions
A practical Focus on the Family resource that can assist you in helping your kids talk about their emotions. Includes a full-color chart featuring popular Adventures in Odyssey audio drama characters illustrating eight core emotions.
Counseling Consultation & Referrals
To schedule a complimentary consultation, please call 1-855-771-HELP (4357)
