The Beautiful Battle

Mary DeMuth's book "The Beautiful Battle," releases tomorrow, February 1st. I am so excited to get a copy into my hands and read it. From what I've heard from Mary's book trailer, it is such a needed book about women and spiritual warfare. And it sounds like the spiritual warfare that I've undergone as a mother of three children.

If you wish to enter her contest for a chance to win "The Beautiful Battle," click on Mary DeMuth's name up above and read her blog.

God bless you, Mary!

When Someone You Love Grieves

Recently, someone stumbled across my blog and sent me an E-mail. They said within the last few days, they had lost their son. I'm not sure how. What matters most right now is that they are hurting.

I can't stress enough how important it is to reach out and love someone who has lost a child. And if it's by suicide, then that can matter more to everyone involved: you, family, friends, acquaintances.

Here's where the problem lies.

Some people are so afraid to say something wrong they do nothing at all. Noticed I said do, and not say, for to say something helps little, but to do something is a gift. The hurting parent or sibling can barley think let alone ask for help.

Don't kid yourself, they need help.

People from our neighborhood showed up with food. They didn't ask, they showed up. I so appreciated them. Friends called and wanted to know what time to drop by a meal. I needed that, because it showed they weren't afraid to associate with me. The taboo of a suicide, in my home even, didn't stop them from coming around.

These are the people I will always remember and love.

Send the hurting one a living plant, a card, a book on grieving.

We received the sweetest, heart-felt cards and I've kept them all.

One friend took over a month to come to my house. When she did, her sorrow for me oozed. I could tell that was one of the hardest things she's ever done. To visit me. I loved her all the more, and I found myself acting strong, so she wouldn't feel worse.

It's what we do when we love and we're able. If she had caught me on a horrible, no good, bad day, nothing could have stopped my tears.

Another dear friend had just lost her father. She could not go to Joshua's memorial. What she did do? Met me for lunch over a period of six months. I cried during our lunches, and she listened. I drew strength from her, and we talked about our losses.

What I want to say to the person that contacted me by E-mail after her son died?

Know that I am praying for you. Every day. That I care about you. That I've walked in your boots, am walking. There are no words, just that I can listen if you wish to call.

When you're ready.

And just because it's been over seven years since my son died, it feels like yesterday and I still remember.

God bless you, Dear Mother, and I hope you come back around to read this.

Until next time . . . breathe . . .

Tear Soup: A Recipe For Healing After Loss

I own a copy of Tear Soup: A Recipe For Healing After Loss by Pat Schwiebert & Chuck DeKlyen.

I can't say enough good about this picture book for all ages.

This is a perfect first book to read after loss of a loved one. There are so many great books out there on loss and my shelves are filling up with them, but this book is genius in its simplicity and honesty.

I adore the illustrations, where each page is warm and inviting, a balm for those who need a rest.

About Tear Soup. Grandy, a wise older woman, is having to walk the way of loss. She decides to make tear soup, which helps her on the path she must travel.

Here is one of my favorite quotes in the book and so true: "All Grandy really needed from them [her friends] at that moment was a knowing look and a warm hug."

Tear Soup is not just for those who've suffered loss and need guidance, but for those friends and family members close to the sufferer and want to help.

If you can get this book from the library, please do. If you can afford to buy it, you won't be disappointed. You can order it at Amazon, where Tear Soup has 262 five starred reviews. Wow!

Thank you, Pat and Chuck, for writing Tear Soup to fill a need for those of us who have walked the Valley of the Shadow. And thank you, Taylor Bills, for your cozy illustrations.

God bless you!

Until next time . . . take the time to listen to someone who's hurting.

Introducing Prayerful Pondering

My dear friend, Pat Rowland, has a blog she recently started called Prayerful Pondering. I want to tell the world about her blog, and so the reason for my post.

Why, you may ask? What does this have to do with loss of a child? A lot.

Pat writes about the Gift. The one that Jesus left for us when He went up into heaven. The Gift is One that keeps giving each day, each hour, each minute of our lives. No matter the situation that we are struggling with, loss of a loved one, divorce, loss of a job, the Gift is here to help.

To quote Pat from her blog post titled, The Spirit of Truth: He gave us a gift no one else could give, a gift that meant eternal salvation and not eternal damnation.

Please take the time to drop by Pat Rowland's Prayerful Pondering, and read the January 12th post. You will not be disappointed. Oh, and be sure to check out her other postings. She will bless your heart.

Until next time . . . pray and seek.

Let My People Go – Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Today, January 11, is Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Please take a moment to read Daniel Darlings blog , with guest Kathi Macias, author of Deliver Me From Evil, and learn more about Human Trafficking.

Thank you for stopping by.

Until next time . . . let's learn what touches our heart and pray.

Book Review: "Deliver Me From Evil"

 

 "Deliver Me From Evil" by Kathi Macias, was by far the most riveting story I've ever read for young people. I must be honest and say I had to go into the story slowly, digesting it bit by bit. This topic of modern day slavery is something I have heard very little about. It's heartbreaking, we already know, that so many children around the world turn up missing and some end up slaves in our modern times.

I felt for all the characters, especially the slave girls. Mara, the tough one, Chanthra, the one willing to reach out and help another slave girl, and Lawan, who's faith in God was unwavering. She made me smile.

I rooted for the hero toward the end, so was not disappointed.

I'm glad Kathi has a sequel about Mara, as a free woman.

Anyone wanting to know about modern day slavery, without the sordid details (Kathi handled that especially well), you'll want to read "Deliver Me From Evil."

Thank you, Kathi, for writing a much needed book that will surely make a difference in our world.