When God & Grief Meet: Comfort and Courage for Your Journey

Grief.It's safe to say that we've all experienced this to some degree in our lives. And it's virtually guaranteed that it will arrive on our doorsteps at some point again in the future. And while the manner may differ in which grief presents itself to each of us -- expected or sudden, through illness or tragedy, young or old -- one common thread is generally true: life takes a sudden turn and we are forever changed.What do we do when faced with this life-altering event? How do we respond? What enables us to keep breathing and putting one foot in front of the other when we want to pull the covers over our heads and say "Stop the world! I want to get off"? What do we do when the very foundations of our faith are shaken and it seems our prayers disappear unanswered or even unheard into the vastness of space?This book is full of hope and encouragement for anyone walking the dark road of sorrow. As comforting as a hug from a friend, this book is not one full of theological gobbledy-gook or cliches but instead offers many warm words of encouragement and comfort. Reminding the reader that "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed" (Psalm 34:18), this book is filled with the stories of real-life people like you and me who have experienced the depths of grief. . . .and who have discovered God's strength and hope in the midst of their pain.I love what the author says about why she (reluctantly!) wrote this book:". . .as I share with you God's words to the brokenhearted, I believe you will see that when God & grief meet, His power, peace and presence are bigger and more real than our uncertainties, sorrow, and loneliness." (p. 10)In chapters with titles such as Feeling Your World Fall Apart, Throwing Rocks at God's Windows, Preserving a Memory No One Can Steal, Hoping for Heaven, and Continuing On When It Doesn't Seem Possible, Lynn Eib and the stories she shares cut straight to the raw emotions of grief. Whether you cry every time you look at applesauce or you aren't sure of your loved one's eternal destination, this book will let you know that 1) you are not the only one experienceing this and 2) God's word is full of tender comfort to lean on.I was so touched by this book that I ordered a previous book of hers, When God & Cancer Meet, which she wrote as a result of being diagnosed with advanced colon cancer at the age of 36. It is tremendous as well.If you are struggling with grief, if you know someone who is in this difficult season, or if your spiritual gift is caring and ministering to those who are hurting, I highly recommend this book.

I waited a few months after my loss to delve into this book and highly recommend it!! The author spoke right to me using stories from other's broken lives to explain feelings and to encourage. Her insight is amazing. Please read it from cover to cover. It did take me a while to get through because of the many emotional times when I had to put it down for a while. I always got something out of every page and found, in the end, that I had thoroughly marked it up. I finished the book 3 months ago and just recently picked it back up and am SO GLAD I had marked many of the places that touched me because going back now and reading those passages has been very therapeutic. Blessings to you and peace as you grieve your special loss.

The author uses a lot of true life stories, which helps, since you are the only person going through this tragedy. Her bible verses are so soothing and helpful, I believe she truly does understand.

When I lost my husband a few years ago, I received many books on grief (most of them I have not read.) So I can't compare this book to the ones I have because I didn't read them all. But all I know is that this book is phenomenal. I have the whole thing highlighted, it made so many good points, hit home with so much that it said. I truly loved this book. I just ordered it again for a cousin who had lost her husband also...I hope it helps her because it was sure a help to me.

I lost my Mom in March of this year unexpectedly. She was not sick at all so this is why it has been so hard. My Mom was on Hospice for only three days. My Chaplain suggested that I purchase this book...I thought that it was going to be just another book about losing a loved one....well, I was so wrong...I could not put the book down..It was like the author was sitting beside me telling me these real-life stories...I cried at first but then I noticed myself smiling because these real people were finally going to meet their maker...Every now and then when I find myself getting alittle down, I read a few stories from this book....It is such a comfort..If you decide to purchase this book, I guarantee you that you will have a hard time putting it down...

Filled with stories of comfort through the painful loss of loved ones....I highly recommend this book and have purchased many copies for friends and family through our loss of my 29 year old son in a tragic car accident caused by a drunk driver a few months ago...very comforting and encouraging...experience close to being in a support group for grievers.

The truth is written in this book. I lost my only son and best friend 6 months ago. This is by far the best "grief" book I have read and I have read more than several. (never finished any - as they came up short for me) The difference for me now is that I let go of my self-created guilt, and know truly and lovingly in my heart that God knows what comes next. I know my son is pain and worry free. I know that God softened his heart before he called him home. I know that he will lead me to my new normal........Thank you for speaking the truth. I have highlighted many passasges, stories, and hopeful messages so I can refer to them often. The truth is written in this book.

I lost my sister to suicide three years ago. She was just 45 years old, and left behind two small children. I don't think I will ever "recover" - I feel like part of me was ripped away and destroyed, and this book addresses that feeling. I particularly like the chapter on "Throwing Rocks at God's Window". And I so relate to what she says about crying out my questions to God, beating my clenched fists on His chest as He holds me in His loving arms. Every chapter made me feel that the author had listened to me talking about my sister's death as she addressed all the feelings that are so common to those of us grieving

My wife's Auntie, aged 86, has had a real problem coming to terms with the loss of her husband of 60 years. This book has helped to find comfort and reassurance, and come terms with her loss. I have read several books by Lynn Eib on various topics,all have something to offer.