From Loss to Hope

"Living means losing," writes David James. "From the loss of the perfect environment of the womb, through the loss of childhood innocence and broken relationships, to the loss of beauty, health and life itself, life is a series of losses and searches for hope."

The storms of life keep coming--storms of financial strain, emotional turmoil, spiritual doubt, crumbling relationships, failing health, death. Sometimes there's nothing left but a tangled mass of splintered homes, shattered dreams, and financial ruins, except...the memory of a God who has helped in the past. Sometimes remembering the wideness of God's mercy is the only hope we have.

These short stories cover the full spectrum of loss: from the loss of a child to the loss of a job to the loss of faith. Inspired by James' reliance on the hymnal as a place to turn for guidance, hope, and promise, each reflection closes with a hymn quote, using verse as a bridge back to the tradition of hope that has sustained so many through so much.

A book to be slowly digested, carefully considered, and readily shared.

David L. James has served in various capacities as an Episcopal priest for more than 20 years. After a ten-year career in publishing he attended seminary at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts and The General Theological Seminary in New York City before embarking on a two decade career in parish ministry. Since taking early retirement in 2003, he has dedicated the past several years to performing weddings and pet burials. He currently resides in Mt. Cisco, NY.