Tyler, Texas – Families and individuals grappling with the pain of loss have a new resource right in their community. Southside Baptist Church now runs weekly GriefShare meetings that blend biblical teaching with structured healing exercises, giving participants a safe space to process grief and find hope.
Personal stories of loss and recovery
Janie Hughes knows the depth of sorrow that comes with losing a child. Ten years ago her daughter died by suicide, and five years later her son followed the same tragic path. “You don’t think you can,” Hughes said, describing the overwhelming despair she felt after her first loss.
Hughes now attends the third GriefShare course offered at Southside Baptist. “It kind of helps you face some things that you may not be able to without doing it,” she explained. The group’s format encourages participants to speak openly, journal reflections, and consider new perspectives on their grief.
Christ‑centered curriculum
Each session includes Scripture‑based reading exercises, video testimonies, and guided discussion questions. John Broome, co‑lead of the GriefShare ministry, said, “What the questions do is pull back the layers to expose your hurts, habits and hang‑ups.” The approach is designed to help members identify hidden pain and begin the process of healing.
Marsha Broome, who co‑started the program with her husband John, also shares a personal connection to the work. Her husband died by suicide, a trauma she described as “very painful” and one that took years to move beyond. After completing her own 13‑week GriefShare course, Marsha said, “It really helped me in my grief journey of healing and receiving lots of encouragement from the group that I was in at that time.”
Community reach and upcoming meetings
Southside Baptist is one of seven GriefShare locations across Tyler, extending the ministry’s reach to families throughout the city. In nearby Lufkin, Connections Counseling Services provides specialized adult grief therapy, illustrating a regional network of support for those mourning loss.
The next GriefShare meeting at Southside Baptist Church is scheduled for Sunday at 5 p.m. The focus of that session will be “finding life purpose,” a theme that resonates with participants seeking direction after tragedy.
Why GriefShare matters for Tyler families
Grief can isolate individuals, especially when it involves the loss of a child. By offering a Christ‑centered environment, Southside Baptist Church not only addresses emotional wounds but also reinforces the Christian belief that hope and restoration are possible through faith. The program’s structure—combining Scripture, shared experience, and practical tools—aligns with the values of many Tyler families who look to their churches for both spiritual and emotional guidance.
For anyone in East Texas dealing with loss, the GriefShare meetings provide a tangible way to connect with others who understand the journey, receive encouragement rooted in biblical truth, and take steps toward renewed purpose.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
