Author: H. Norman Wright
Source: Own
My Review:
I bought this book because my Mom was dying, and I had never read anything about grief, and I wanted to have some idea of what to expect. Since starting this book, she has passed away.
A common thread links us all together no matter who we are. It's called grief-the walk through the valley of shadows. It's a journey that is imposed upon us. It's not one of choice. We can fight it, struggle through it, or embrace it.
This book wasn't quite what I was expecting, although, honestly, I don't completely know what I was expecting. For a Christian, this book is heavy on Scripture and will be comforting.
You may not connect the first time you read a portion or remember it. It's all right. That's your grief. It does that to us. It overshadows our abilities and changes the way we see life. It's heavy. It weighs us down and deadens our senses.
I felt like there was good information in here, and there were also sections that don't apply to me and my situation. For such a small book, there is a wealth of information. The book talks briefly about many subjects. A few topics are: pain and denial, grief is so disruptive, the questions of grief, the invasion of fear and anxiety, complicated deaths, unfinished issues, and so many more (25 total).
I think I wanted more insight into how grief can affect you, and not so much all the other things. Again, it has helpful information, but I am left wanting something different. I don't know how else to explain it (maybe it's the grief?).
Synopsis (Goodreads):
At one time or another, we will all find ourselves facing a dark journey—the passage through grief. Experiencing Grief is written for a person who is in the wake of despair grief leaves. This brief but powerful book will help lead readers out of their grief experience through five stages of grief. At the end of the journey is peace and a seasoned, more mature faith.
Not sure what else I can offer for this post that would be adequate except a hug and prayers for your family <3
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah.
DeleteI've heard a lot of people say C.S. Lewis's book on grief really helped them. Prayers for your family as you navigate this long road.
ReplyDeleteLisa, My husband has it, and I probably should read it...hard to know the right timing, LOL!
DeleteGrief can make you feel tired, and uninterested in doing anything, and unable to make decisions...even easy ones...and it's just hard. But it doesn't always feel that heavy. But sad days will crop up unexpectedly, so don't be surprised when something small makes you miss your mom so much it brings tears to your eyes. But prayer helps. And remembering that death is not the end, and we will see our loved ones again. And remembering good times and laughing through the tears is always a good thing. And holding on to Christ's mercy and grace. Just be kind to yourself. And know it's a journey. And the missing will never completely go away, though it won't always bring you to your knees. But that emptiness...that hole they leave behind...that stays. But the love stays, too. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteLark, I have experienced all of that already, and you are right, it is hard. It's also hard to not compare to someone else's grief (like my siblings) because we do all grieve in different ways.
DeleteAnd you can't grieve wrong. What you're feeling is real and your grief is valid! And it'll be your own journey through it, too.
DeleteLark, thanks for that.
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