Good Grief Now – Rae Karim (MDiv ’14, DMin Student)
Rev. Rae Karim, certified grief coach and founder of “Good Grief Now!,” is creating spaces for healing in Indianapolis. This past month, she was highlighted in the local community for facilitating community conversations around grief in response to recent gun-related tragedies impacting young children. After seeing a surge in grief expressions on social media, Karim organized an event to provide a safe space for individuals to share their grief, find resources, and seek comfort. The gathering, which welcomed community members affected by gun violence, is part of Rae’s mission to help people grieve freely and live fully, offering support for those grappling with loss.
A CTS alumnus, staff member, and current Doctor of Ministry student, Rev. Rae embodies CTS’ dedication to fostering spiritual growth, healing, and social justice in her community-based work. Her journey toward becoming a grief coach is exemplary of the core belief that theology is a force for transformation in both individual lives and wider society.
After completing her theological training at CTS, Rae recognized the need for spaces where people could openly process grief—particularly in the face of a rising number of tragedies in her Indianapolis community. The recent surge in gun-related incidents affecting young children deeply impacted her. In response, she took a leap of faith and hosted Safe Here, a community gathering which seeks to offer a compassionate and inclusive space for individuals to come together, share, and heal.
This work resonates strongly with CTS’s focus on justice, empathy, and compassion. CTS promotes theological engagement as a way to address critical social issues, and Rev. Rae’s efforts are a direct embodiment of this mission. Her initiative to provide grief support aims to nurture faith leaders who not only serve within the walls of the church but also make meaningful contributions to their communities. Karim’s work is driven by her desire to help individuals experience healing after trauma, offering a path toward living fully even in the midst of profound loss and complex emotions.
The story of Robyn Dixon and her daughter Symfhani, who attended one of the recent grief support conversations, was recently featured in a news article by WRTV and is a powerful testament to the impact of Rae’s work. Like many in their community, Robyn and Symfhani were seeking ways to process the profound grief they had experienced after being affected by gun violence. Robyn, who holds a degree in psychology, initially thought she could work through the trauma on her own. However, after attending the event hosted by Karim, she realized the importance of communal support and how important grief processing is for caregivers and care providers. For both mother and daughter, the opportunity to be part of a safe, healing environment was transformative.
Rev. Rae has structured her grief support events to ensure that clergy, clinicians, and caregivers are not left behind in the grieving process. By inviting not only therapists and grief coaches but also everyday community members, Rae creates a space where everyone is welcome and participants support one another, sharing the emotional work of grief regardless of their background. She is blazing a trail by fostering open, non-judgmental dialogue in the service of healing and reconciliation.
Rae’s vision extends beyond one-time gatherings. She plans to make “Safe Here” a regular event, offering ongoing grief support to her community. This effort is vital, particularly in light of the mental and emotional toll that repeated trauma has taken on the people of Indianapolis. As the challenges of violence and loss continue to impact families, particularly children, Rae’s work provides a critical outlet for processing and healing.
As a student in the Doctor of Ministry program, Rev. Karim’s work also illustrates CTS’s commitment to lifelong learning and the practical application of theological education. Her work is grounded in both her academic experience and her deep sense of calling to serve those who are suffering. In addition to her grief coaching work, Rae continues to contribute to CTS’s mission by mentoring students and collaborating with faculty on initiatives that seek to address the intersection of faith and social issues.
Doctor of Ministry degree program co-director Dr. Scott Seay shares, “Rae is exploring a crucial issue in the practice of ministry: how clergy grieve their own losses and receive ministry from their congregations. Her research will help guide clergy and their congregations in grieving well together, and in so doing, embodying true Christian community.”
CTS encourages its students and alumni to respond creatively and compassionately to the needs of the world, and Rae exemplifies this call to action. Through “Good Grief Now!” and her ongoing ministry, she is actively contributing to the well-being of her community, offering a model of how faith leaders can engage with some of the most difficult aspects of human experience.
Rev. Karim’s work is an inspiring example of the impact that a CTS education can have, not only on individual lives but on entire communities. Her dedication to offering grief support is a vital contribution to the ongoing struggle for justice and healing in Indianapolis and beyond. In her own words, she aims to help people “live fully, grieve freely, and joy often,” offering hope and guidance to those who need it most.
Ultimately, Rev. Rae Karim’s ministry of grief coaching offers a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, community, and healing in times of loss. Her work exemplifies compassion, justice, and a commitment to nurturing spiritual and emotional well-being. As she continues her studies and her ministry, Rae’s work will undoubtedly remain a source of strength and hope for all those she encounters, reflecting the transformative power of faith in action.
