When Your Family's Lost a Loved One: Finding Hope Together

by David Guthrie, Nancy Guthrie

All families eventually face the loss of a loved one. When it happens, it can place great strain on a marriage, as well as on other relationships. That's partly because we don't know what to do with our feelings and partly because every family member grieves in his or her own way. In this book, Nancy and David Guthrie explore the family dynamics involved when a loved one dies―and debunk some myths about family grief. Through their own experiences of losing two young children and interviews with those who've faced losing spouses and parents, they show how grief can actually pull a family closer together rather than tearing it apart.

Genres: Grief, Christian Non Fiction, Christian, Counselling, Self Help, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 11, 2008

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

married to Nancy Guthrie

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of good perspective... not a lot of new content from what I’ve read before - but helpful to be reminded again. Also, reading is a helpful way for me to take focused time thinking about grief and remembering Jaden.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems weird to enjoy a book on grief, but I couldn’t put it down. Very thankful for the Guthries sharing comfort out of the comfort they themselves have received from Christ.

[Joyce Rubina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books helps you see the different faces of grief from losing a loved one  and the long process it takes to really move on in the light of the hope of God's sovereignty amidst uncertainties and the sadness it entials.. Praise God to have found this book and read it.. It helps me to share and mourn with those who mourn to those who have lost a family that I too have experienced.

[Unchong Berkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very practical, hopeful, and personal. David & Nancy are such trustworthy companions in grief. They offer Biblical comfort and perspective, while putting to words honest pain and disappointments. The book is short, and it addresses not only child loss, but the loss of parents, siblings, and spouses.

[Betsy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was OK. It tried to cover all of the different kinds of family grief; losing a child, losing a spouse, losing a parent. I suppose it had some good things to say but it didn't feel complete, or altogether applicable to our loss. But probably that's just the nature of loss, no one can write a book about yours specifically. So I'll say it was OK.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend!! For anyone who has lost someone, on any point on their grief journey. Helpful, informative and encouraging without being formulaic. The chapters about Heaven did not, however, speak to those who do not know if (or do not believe) they will see their loved ones again.

Grief is complicated and painful. This book helps.

[Rebecca Krug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. I will be recommending this to others for the rest of my life probably.

Incredibly practical. Incredibly real. Guthrie manages to empathize with the reader while pulling them (yes pulling not pointing) towards Christ.

I feel I am much better suited to minister to those grieving having read this.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!! So practical and encouraging! Left me feeling like I wasn't the only one who struggles with grief.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was helpful personally and pastorally. I will likely re-read it in the future and buy copies of the book to give away.

[Dottie Parish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very insightful book about the difficult topic of grieving and loss. The book is written out of the Guthrie’s own experiences in losing two babies. In addition to telling their story, the Guthries interview several others who have faced a difficult loss and they include information from experts. There are chapters on Her Grief, His Grief, Helping Kids Cope and ideas about handling birthdays, holidays and deathdays – and on remembering. This is a valuable resource for Christian families.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, very practical, thoroughly biblical book on coping with grief. Nancy and David Guthrie have had their fair share of grief and write honestly about their struggles as well as interviews with others coping with different types of grief. Recommended for Christian's coping with loss.