Knowing what to say when you talk to someone who has just lost a loved one can be a challenge. You want to say the right thing, but you don’t know what the right thing could be. If the idea of using quotes to convey your condolences bothers you, you should know that the best words are quoted for good reason. The words have real meaning. They acknowledge the loss. They lift up with hope. They offer support. The top rule to keep in mind is that every quote should be appropriate to both the situation and the feelings of the bereaved. Quotes can stand on their own or be used as an introduction to further discussion.
When used correctly, condolences quotes for death can show support and help empower friends and family.
Faith, Hope, and Comfort
Once the symbolic rug has been pulled out from under someone, a few words of hope and comfort are most suitable. Here are 2 simple phrases that shine with real meaning:
“They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies.”~William Penn
“Death is nothing else but going home to God, the bond of love will be unbroken for all eternity.”~Mother Teresa
Appreciation
If you knew or respected the character or actions of the deceased, convey your appreciation to the bereaved. When you lose someone close to you, it is always uplifting to hear that those around you appreciated them and will miss them, too. Here is one quote you might consider:
“Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never ever the same.”~Flavia Weedn
Support for Feelings
There are times when those left behind need empathy and understanding for their feelings. Too often, the grieving feel pressured to keep their anger and devastation to themselves. They may even be embarrassed to show it through words or tears. Assure them that they have every right to cry and yell about it. Then, if you can, be there as a shoulder to cry on and the listening ear. Here is one quote used on Grey’s Anatomy:
“The very worst part of grief is that you can’t control it. The best we can do is try to let ourselves feel it when it comes and let it go when we can.”
This last quote expresses frustration. There is a time to say such things as “God needed another angel”, but that comes when the loved one has expressed it themselves. Many find the angel and similar phrases to be dismissive of their feelings.
“Easy for you to say God needed another angel, since God didn’t ask you for yours.”~Angela Miller
