Blessings for a Grieving Mother: 52 DEVOTIONS FROM THE PSALMS

From E.L., a recent reader, "I had spent Thanksgiving through December 31 re-reading grief books on death of a child and still felt a hole. This book is filling that hole - you understand the death of a child and hit the felt emotions perfectly! Thank you for finding the courage to write this book. It is definitely God's work through you. Other books lacked that quality." (Added later) "This is such a blessed book. Each page hits a target. The author was so capable of finding the best words for each thought and feeling with clarity. I don't know how she managed to do it. This is not a book to read in one sitting."

From the author: When a mother's worst fear happens, she finds very few sources of help and understanding for this particular grief. This was the author's experience when her two daughters died of cancer, so she turned to the Psalms for answers and comfort. There she discovered: - HELP to navigate the many phases of deep grief, - UNDERSTANDING of God's plan for our lives and the unique qualities of a mother's grief, - SUGGESTIONS for keeping memories alive, - HOPE for managing a life of loss, - REASSURANCE about the future, and a deeper FAITH in Christ. She found grief to be a time of gentle spiritual awakening—when eyes are opened to new realities and hearts find peace and answers. These blessings became devotions and eventually, this book. It includes real-life stories which will lead the reader to discover the beautiful work Christ is weaving in her life and the hope to which she's been called. The book's format of Psalms, devotions, prayer and reinforcing questions lends itself to individual use or study with a friend or group. In the "Afterthoughts" section, family members and friends will find suggestions on BEST WAYS TO HELP a grieving mother. Readers' comments: This is a freeing and STRENGTHENING devotional, proving that only God can heal us, and he is more than willing. I find this to be an ESSENTIAL, comprehensive and beautiful book. It is a guide to the COMFORTING relevance of the Psalms as messages of reassurance that God is with us. This book invites itself to be given as a GIFT to women who need its message of hope. As a Biblical counselor and senior pastor, I see this as a good RESOURCE which I highly recommend. It will be good to have several copies of this book on hand to give to grieving mothers (from a licensed grief counselor). It points to the true HEALING that comes from our Lord, so that the reader can receive this same comfort and hope. Truly written with LOVE. It helped me through my grieving and I was excited to share copies with friends and relatives. Filled with gentle healing, caring exhortations, and wise GUIDANCE from a God-fearing mother who understands child-grief. Make sure that every grieving mother you know receives the BLESSINGS of this book!

Joan Moss is a graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo and the University of New Mexico. She is a wife, mother and grandmother, retired art teacher and women's health educator. She has also written From Fairy Tale to Tragedy for Heritage House '76 (hh76.com).