These are the books that I'm currently reading or have read recently during this time of life. I can't say enough about these books.
- Michael Card has spoken into my hurting heart with the many ways God has used times of lament and great sorrow in throughout history and all over scripture. I need to hear that. Thanks Eric SO much for sending it to us... I never would have found this source of daily comfort otherwise.
- I read Stepping Heavenward way back when I was in cosmetology school 12 years ago... but a friend of mine recently gave it to me and I have been reading this amazing story of a woman's journey to godliness back in the early 1800's. Thanks Dana for thinking of me and knowing what a great read this would be for me right now.
- Safe in the arms of Jesus is just a great read about the subject of losing a child and the great provision God's grace has for a child who dies. It has helped reinforce what I believe and also hear how so many Believers have gone through times like this and benefit from the questions and experiences of their lives
- I've also found much comfort in the verses of 1 Peter. 5:10 is posted on my computer screen right now for me to read often " And after you have suffered for a little while, The God of all grace who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you"
- Your Turn....Have you found a book that has helped you or others through a hard grieving time? Let me know, leave a comment on this post. There are many books out there on the subject of grief, but so many just want to tell their sad story of losing their baby or a loved one and although it's helpful to know others have been through the same thing as us, when it comes to books, I want something that will strengthen my heart and educate my head while understanding where I am at. (tough requirements I know!)
Hi Casey,
I'm a friend of Kathryn Rose's and I visit your site regularly. I think if you all often and pray for you.
One book that I read this summer after losing a baby in the first trimester (after a nearly 2 year battle with infertility) is called A Grace Disguised, and is by Jerry Sittser. It really meant a lot to me and spoke to my heart. This guy lost his mom, daughter, and wife in a car accident at one time and rather than focus on his story, he talks about how he walked through the pain and how God met him in it. I totally reccomend it.
Blessings to you both...
Posted by: Sarah Iseley | September 07, 2008 at 06:21 PM
When this latest pregnancy began to get very physically hard and painful, i began reading the bruised reed by richard sibbes. he has such a pastor's heart and a deep understanding that even in our tough times He is showing us so much grace. I highly recommend it!!
Posted by: Larissa Douglas | September 06, 2008 at 05:11 AM
Casey,
Not that this is even remotely the same thing, but when I was told I couldn't have children, the Lord really impressed upon me how this "loss" was a sanctifying experience in my life, and it became clear that I was called to motherhood through a different path with its own issues to work through. Books that helped me to solidify and rejoice in that knowledge and new beginning were not even really about loss. Chapter 12 from Ryles "Holiness" increased my faith and showed me that there was so much more faith in Christ to be developed. The Intriduction to Jerry Bridges' Disciplines of Grace about preaching the Godpel to myself was fantastic. The chapter "My Redeemer Livith from Spurgeon's All of Grace is wonderful, too. And The Valley of VIsion helped me find words when I didn't have any.
Our God has done great things, and great things are still come. That's part of my prayer for you today.
Posted by: Charity | September 05, 2008 at 03:02 PM
The Hidden Smile of God, by Piper. Tells of the fruit of affliction in the lives of three godly men- John Bunyan, William Cowper, and David Brainerd. Let me know if you want to borrow. We have 2 copies.
Posted by: kari breed | September 05, 2008 at 02:04 PM