Overcoming the Overcast: Navigating the Storms of Grief with God

by Amanda McNeil, Jeffrey Smith (foreword)

Where is God When Grief Clouds Your Faith?When grief overtakes your life like an unexpected storm, platitudes and well-meaning advice can feel like salt in an open wound. Loss doesn't just break your heart—it can shatter your faith, leaving you drowning in questions about God's goodness and wondering if healing after grief is even possible.

But what if there was a path through grief that led to more than just survival? What if understanding God's perspective on death, Heaven, and healing could transform your pain into profound hope? As both a Christian grief counseling expert and someone who has walked through the valley of loss herself, Dr. Amanda McNeil offers something radically different from traditional grief and loss healing guides.

Drawing from groundbreaking neuroscience research and deep biblical wisdom, this powerful book

Why our brains weren't designed to process deathHow God's character anchors us in life's fiercest stormsWhat true healing after grief actually looks like ( it's not about "moving on")Practical exercises and reflections for your healing journey
This isn't just another Christian book about grief or a collection of quick fixes. It's a compassionate roadmap for processing your loss while holding both profound pain and authentic hope. Whether you're in the raw aftermath of bereavement, feeling stuck in your grief healing process, or walking alongside someone who is grieving, Overcoming the Overcast offers a grace-filled path toward genuine healing.

192 pages, Paperback

Published November 15, 2024

About the author

Connoisseur of oat milk lattes, aspiring 3.5 pickleball player, and sore loser of board games, Dr. Amanda McNeil is passionate about helping others find hope in the darkest of seasons. After experiencing a family tragedy Amanda learned how to draw near to God in the middle of it. Overcoming the dynamics of being raised in a blended home, personal tragedy, grief, and facing infertility have given her an authoritative voice of hope. Amanda is a Licensed Pastoral Counselor and pastor with over a decade of experience. Amanda, her husband, Justin, and their miracle son are Florida natives.

Reviews

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overcoming the Overcast is a deeply moving and practical guide for anyone navigating the murky waters of grief. Dr. Amanda McNeil weaves her personal experiences with faith and neuroscience, creating a roadmap for healing that feels both compassionate and empowering. Her insights into why our brains struggle with loss and how God’s promises anchor us are eye-opening, and the practical exercises were a lifeline for me. This book reminded me that grief and hope can coexist and that healing is possible, even when the pain feels insurmountable.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, real talk: Overcoming the Overcast isn’t your average “grin and bear it” grief book. Dr. Amanda gets it — the heartbreak, the questions, the “God, where are you?” moments. Her mix of science, Scripture, and raw honesty felt like a warm hug and a firm nudge all in one. I loved how she didn’t just slap a Bible verse on grief but gave actual steps to process it. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the storm, this book is the lighthouse you need. 🌦️🙏💛

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda so beautifully guides people through their losses by weaving her own personal experience of loss. This book is not only spiritual, but also focuses on the brain and how it functions during our times of grief. The loss of loved ones, jobs, relationships, are so devastating because we are physical beings created with eternity knit into our spirits. Eternity doesn’t make room for grief, and Amanda has brought hope and eternity into a place where we as beloveds of the Most High King experience loss in a fallen world. There is sunshine above the clouds. We just have to be willing to look up toward the Father.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an INCREDIBLE book! Every page is full of incredible insight, knowledge and hope! It’s a must read for anyone navigating or overcoming grief or loss.