Disclaimer

Last updated: October 28, 2026

Thank you for being here. Please read this page so you know what My Grief Matters is, and what it isn't.

Pastoral encouragement, not professional care

The articles, free guides, books, emails, and other resources on My Grief Matters offer pastoral encouragement, biblical teaching, and general information about grief. Pastor Howard Smith is an ordained pastor with more than 45 years of ministry and more than 15 years of leading grief groups. He is not a licensed counselor, therapist, psychologist, or medical professional.

Nothing on this website is professional counseling, therapy, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it isn't meant to replace them. Reading this site, leaving a comment, or emailing us does not create a counseling, therapy, or medical relationship.

Please get more help when you need it

Grief can affect your sleep, your appetite, your health, and your mind. If your grief feels overwhelming, if it isn't easing with time, or if you have questions about your health or medications, please talk with your doctor or a licensed grief counselor. Reaching out for help is a strong and wise thing to do.

If you are in crisis

If you are thinking about harming yourself or ending your life, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, any time, day or night. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.

Research and information

We work hard to share grief research and other information accurately, and we link to our sources so you can read them yourself. Research changes over time, though, and we can't promise that everything here is complete, current, or right for your situation. Please use your own judgment, and talk with a professional before making medical, legal, or financial decisions.

Links to other websites

We sometimes link to other websites we think may help you. We don't control those sites and aren't responsible for their content, products, or privacy practices.

Stories

When we share stories about real people, names and identifying details may be changed to protect their privacy.

Comments

Comments reflect the views of the people who write them, not necessarily the views of My Grief Matters. We may remove comments that are unkind, unsafe, promotional, or off topic.

Scripture

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Contact us

Questions about anything on this page? Email Pastor Howard at howard@mygriefmatters.com.