The Unwanted Gift of Grief

by Tim P Van Duivendyk

Learn how to embrace the painful gift of grief and use it for transformation and healing as you journey through the wilderness to a promised life

The Unwanted Gift of Grief is a passionate, practical guide through the grieving process for those who have suffered lossand those who suffer with them. Rather than talking people out of their grief and pain as a way to make them feel better, this unique book invites them into the grief and pain as a way to healing, transformation and hope. Using real and in-depth ministry and counseling conversations, it identifies the journey through the wilderness of grief.

This powerful book is equally valuable as a gift from a minister to a grieving person, as a professional guide for ministers and counselors, and as a training tool for lay ministers and congregation members. Built on the ministry concept of sojourning, The Unwanted Gift of Grief offers guidelines to be used in helping people in their journey through the adjustment period that follows a loss, a time that may include the darkness of disbelief, frustration, anger, sadness, depression, and healing light as they make their way through the wilderness of grief.

Topics examined in The Unwanted Gift of Grief The Unwanted Gift of Grief is an essential resource for anyone lost in the wilderness of loss and grief, and for professionals, lay ministers, family, and friends who care for them.

208 pages, Paperback

First published July 26, 2006

Reviews

[Beez Beasley]

A book written for someone who is in the wilderness of grief or for a person walking alongside someone in grief. The gift of grief seems an oxymoron, but the depth of our grief comes from the depth of our relationship with the one we've lost. The grief can remind us of how much we loved someone and what they brought to our life.

[Becky]

A helpful resource for people going through the grief journey as well as those who wish to support a grieving person.

There is a very helpful list at the back of the book that sums up many of the ideas contained in the text. For me, this was a slower read, and not what I suggest for the first book to read when grief hits, but at 6 months into the grief journey, it was affirming and insightful.

There are great suggestions for sojourners to follow as they guide and support others in the grief process.

[Barb]

Lots of helpful advice for the person grieving or the sojourner who is walking beside that person. Also addressed effects of grieving on marriage and other close relationships.