Crisis Care - Hidden Manna Ministries

Grieving a tragic loss

Paul Looney, MD

Losing a loved one can be devastating. It can destroy life as we know it and we might never recover without the help of grieving. Grieving well honors the person and the love we had for them, but the essential task of grieving is letting go. We let go so we can grab on to the life that is waiting for us. Grieving involves trust that after the dark of night, the sun will rise again.

Where is God?

Paul Looney, MD

Where is God when evil prevails? Where is God when the innocent are abused and when the righteous suffer? Where is God in natural disasters and why does He not put an end to injustice and pain? These are great questions that deserve consideration. What if God has tied His own hands in order to use ours? Maybe God is missing in the world because we don't allow Him to use us as His agents for good.

Know Your Limits

Dr Paul Looney • John 5:19

There are so many needs and so many hurting people! And those who are merciful can feel compelled to act in the face of every need. Sometimes we over promise and over commit, and in doing so we may harm ourselves and often end up harming others. We fail to let them take responsibility for the problem and fail to let God be God for them. Saying "No" is tough. Saying "I don't know" is hard, too. We must practice living in the limits.

Know Your Story

Dr Paul Looney • 2 Corinthians 1:3–11, Romans 8:28–29, Revelation 12:11, Job 42:5, Psalm 23:5

We must process our own grief and pain in order to walk with others through the riverbed of their suffering. We must be grounded in our own story of resilience, transformation, and hope, so we can hold steady for others when they feel they are going under.

Remember Your Goal

Dr Paul Looney

We seek to make an immediate difference in the lives of those we serve. We want to help in tangible ways, but eventually, we hope to make an eternal difference. A deepening relationship with God is our ultimate goal for ourselves and for others.

Know Your Motive

Dr Paul Looney

When we engage with those who are suffering in a time of crisis, we must not be motivated by a need to be needed. We should not be trying to grandstand or be the hero. Only love will produce the results God desires.