Grieving God's Way

 

Grieving God’s Way:

The Path to Lasting Hope and Healing by Margaret Brownley

Margaret Brownley uses what she has learned through her own journey of grief to help others that follow the same path.  After losing her son, Brownley lost her way.  Brownley, who has written more than twenty novels, found herself unable to write – thus, she began her journey.  Knowing how the way the bereaved mind works, she divided her writing into four sections.  This book, a 90-day devotional, is perfect for the grieving heart, leading the reader to begin to find hope after loss.

After losing my own daughter in January, I was looking for answers when I picked up this book.  As I was reading, I felt that I had finally found someone that completely understood what I was going through at the time.  The small sections were perfect for my new shortened attention span.  Writing as someone who has been through this process, Brownley gave names to my feelings, allowed me to know that I was not alone and certainly not the only one to feel these things after losing a child.  Combining scriptures, haikus, explanations and examples for each day, Brownley provides something for each individual to companion with the steps of grieving.  I have read many books on grief.  However, this one proved to provide the most insight for me.  I find myself referring back to many passages often, and referring friends who have also suffered a loss to read this incredible guide through the most unimaginable pain.

 I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

I am trying to learn to be thankful again - do you know how hard it is to be thankful when your only child has died?  When you have no idea what you are even here for?  But, as always, my response remains the same: "I'm trying."

I am also trying to keep a journal full of things I am thankful for - many days, I just stare at the blank page and cry.  But, some days, I am successful - today, I am successful.

I am thankful that somehow I have the ability to get up every morning.  I am able to do so without physical pain and I do it.  I am not always happy when it happens, but, I realize that just being able to get up every morning - and to do so without pain - is definitely something to be thankful for.

Yesterday, I was told my life could get better if I tore down the walls that surround me - but, I was also reminded that I have often put my heart into the hands of people that are not very trustworthy.  My job for the week is to try to figure some of that out.  And, as always, I AM TRYING...

Grief is the boulder you can never put down
It is the thought that never let's your mind rest
It's the unanswered question that keeps you up at night
It's the robber of all your dreams.