Joy's Little Book of Hope: A Mother's Grief Journey After Losing Her Firstborn Son - Healing and Comfort for Bereaved Parents

Product Description

The story of a mother's grief journey at the loss of her first born son. "Joy's Little Book of Hope" was written to help and inspire others who are facing seemingly insurmountable difficulties as they grieve the loss of a child. July 27, 1996, we received a call in the middle of the night, every parent's worst nightmare -- our son was shot and did not make it! Thus began my terrifying and ultimately fascinating journey through the valley of the shadow of death. Grieving the loss of a child is a treacherous, emotional minefield! There are just so many obstacles to trip you up and bring you down. My book is designed to help others who are navigating the same minefield. The reader is walked along my crooked path to find hope in the midst of such a horrific tragedy. Throughout the book, I try to help others avoid emotional pitfalls and learn to keep their focus on grace, mercy and forgiveness. Basically, it is learning to "lean on love." "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." Romans 8:26As we "Walk through the Wilderness," I share how the Holy Spirit strengthened and sustained me as I learned to incorporate my grief into my life. The reader is also given a view of my dark valley and how it upset our whole family structure. My intentions are to help the reader summon strength for their grief journey through my testimony of stumbling through the darkest of valleys.Miracles are shared as we explore the "Wonder in the Wilderness!" "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit," Romans 15:13We then move to the big question, "Where is God?" Here I share my theology, which includes: Eternal joy is much different than temporary happiness. I have found a deep, abiding joy, through this most difficult journey. Although it was the most horrific of times -- so much so that you would not wish it on your worst enemy -- the fire that I have passed through has left me with a deeper relationship with my Lord and Savior. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27Finally, I close with the question, "Where is Love?" This love story reveals the details of how my obedience to God led to wonderful rewards!It is my prayer that others will find strength and courage for their journey to faith, hope and love from my walk."And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13