Grief Walk: Experiencing God After the Loss of a Loved One

by Gary Roe

A loved one dies. Your world is upended. The emotional pain can be intense.

Your heart begins asking questions. "Am I going crazy? Am I going to make it? Where is God in all this?"

Many of the people around you don't know what to say or do. They utter cliches and platitudes.

"It's okay. You're strong. You'll get through this."

You need something more than this - far more.

You need to know that it's okay to hurt, to be sad, and to grieve.

You need to know that you're not crazy and that your grief is "normal."

You need to know that you're not alone in this.

You need to know that you will get through this, even though you will not be the same person you were before.

And most of all, you need the comfort of God's presence. You need to experience his compassion and love. You need to know he is walking with you in your pain and grief.

And that's what Grief Walk is all about.

Multiple award-winning author, speaker, hospice chaplain, and grief specialist Gary Roe has become a trusted voice in grief recovery who has been bringing comfort, hope, and encouragement to wounded hearts for more than three decades. A former missionary and pastor, Gary knows the spiritual questions that tug at your heart during this time of loss.

Loss invaded Gary's life early. His childhood was riddled with sexual abuse, bullying, disappointments, failures, deaths, estrangements, and divorce. He grew up feeling damaged, sad, and lonely. He was functionally orphaned by the age of 15.

Gary wondered if he was going to make it. He said to himself, "If this is what life is like, I must find a way to handle the hits that come. Then, I must find a way to use the pain for good, or else what is this all for? God, only you can do this. If you don't, I'm history."

The losses kept coming. Some were deep and even debilitating. Over time, they piled up and threatened to crush Gary's heart.

"Even in my darkest moments, God was there, embracing me in my pain and whispering to my wounded heart. He kept me alive. He has led me through the valley of the shadow of death many times. He continues to bring healing to my injured soul, though never quite in the way I ask for or anticipate. And, true to his loving nature, he continues to take my losses and use them for good, in my life and in the lives of those around me."

God meets us in our pain and embraces us. He journeys with us through the emotional upheaval, mental confusion, physical distress, spiritual questioning, and relational changes. Jesus has personally experienced more pain, suffering, and grief than we can fathom. He knows. He gets it. He is the best grief companion imaginable.

He walks with us in our stuff. That's what Grief Walk is all about.

Grief Walk is designed to be read one chapter a day. Consider it a grief devotional. Take your time. Open your heart. Be honest about your thoughts and emotions. Allow Jesus to meet you in each day's reading.

God is with you in your pain and grief. He loves you where you are, as you are. If you're willing, He will bring healing and growth to your broken heart. He will somehow use this loss for good in your life and in the lives of those you touch.

Let the Grief Walk begin.

Grief Walk is a 2021 Book Excellence Awards Winner.

Genres: Grief

336 pages, Paperback

Published June 24, 2020

About the author

Hi. My name is Gary.

My story began with a childhood of sexual abuse and numerous other losses. When my life began to unravel as a teen, another family took me in and changed the trajectory of my life. My healing journey began.

Eager to help others heal and grow, my heart turned outward. Over the next three decades, I served as a campus minister, a church-planting missionary in Japan, an entrepreneur in Hawaii, and a pastor. I'm currently work as a writer, speaker, and hospice chaplain.

After walking through deep valleys with thousands of people, I can say the following with confidence:

• We've all been wounded
• Healing isn't for sissies
• We’re all designed for impact
• The world needs us
• We must heal

I'm here to help. I'm no guru or master of anything. I'm a fellow struggler. I still bear the scars of my wounds. I grieve, get anxious, worry, and battle fear regularly. But I'm healing, and I'm growing.

Stop by my website. Drop me an email. I’d love to hear from you.

Reviews

[Rod McCallum]

Gary Roe has done it again with his book, “Grief Walk. Experiencing God after the Loss of a Loved One.” This book is special, however, in that it approaches grief from a Christian perspective, making it valuable to believers as well as non-believers that are seeking truth. It is a superb resource for those grieving loss but is also applicable to professionals providing support for those grieving. The 154 various vignettes span the early stages of grief (stunned, shocked, crushed) through the process of acceptance and peace. Particularly useful is the importance Gary puts on God’s grace in the healing process. I lost my spouse suddenly five years ago and I thought I had worked through the stages of grief. This book, however, caused me to reconsider the importance of Jesus Christ in my complete healing. A tremendous book! Rod McCallum, Bethel Lutheran Church, Bryan, TX.

[Judi Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best grief book I've read up to this point. Gary Roe understands grief and all of the state's that continue to circle in your head. He mentions grief bursts that rip you heart out when something reminds you of your deceased loved.

He also covers so many of rhe experiences I've had on this journey of grief as and makes me realize others have dealt with them-people not wanting to say my granddaughter 's name after her death, mental and physical exhaustion, sadness, depression and many others. Compassion should be Gary's middle name. He offers validation of grief and scriptures that offer encouragement!

I highly recommend Grief Walk.

[Susan C. Beabout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Empathetic, Compassionate,, Christ-Centered Grief Dynamo!!

Gary let God do the talking in this dynamic book, and showed me how God sees and understands my grief, as I lost my husband over a year ago. He covers every topic with empathy and convincing Scripture, including why some other Christians don't understand, why grief hurts so much, why I questioned EVERYTHING, who am I, and who is God and where is He! This book showed me how God knows and understands all that grief entails, and God is there for me, whether I know it or not. One repeated phrases helped me: "now is not forever!". This book is a necessity for Christians going through grief and feels no one understands. God does--rest in Him! "His love endures forever!"

[Eric Swecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very helpful in its spriritual guidance. The author encourages the grieving reader to "be real with God" and to share everything. Your pain, your anger, your doubts. Mr Roe encourages his readers to have an ongoing daily conversation with God, which I found very helpful. The chapters are short, and the messaging tends to be somewhat redundant- Roe's answer to everything is to Trust God, Love Him, and He will eventually (but maybe not in this lifetime) see you through the pain and give you new purpose. The author tends to breeze over the part about why God does what He does, but I have found that consistent with most of the authors I have read. Praise God, but give Him a hall pass when the proverbial sh*t hits the fan. All in all, I am glad I read the book and will consider purchasing more of Mr Roe's work

[Sylvia Stock · Rating 5 out of 5]

When my husband went home to heaven I had a sudden realisation that even with a deep faith in God I still had questions about how a Christian walks the grief path and adjusts to a new you. If I cast my cares to Jesus, why am I still feeling so bad and listless? Has God taken my carers? I am confused about it all. Reading Gary's book gave clarity and understanding to the path of grief. I realised I could both grieve and trust God to be with me on the journey. As someone who deals with the emotional roller coaster with those in Caring, this book has opened my eyes to new and positive ways of approaching the roller coaster of emotions associated with greiving. Gary is a blessing to humankind - a real gift from God. Anyone walking in grief needs to read this book!

[Pat H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Know That God is With You During Your Time of Grief

It is almost 5 years since my last loss and I continue to grieve because I never got the help I needed early on. I have often wondered "Where has God been all this time?" as I sank deeper and deeper into despair. This book is truly what I have needed. I have experienced everything Gary describes in this book during my grief walk especially the parts about being abandoned by family and friends and feeling sick all the time. It was so comforting to be reminded that God listens, God comforts and He wants me to heal instead of "getting over" my grief. This book will help those grieving souls who believe, as I did, that God has abandoned them. After you read this book, you will see that he has never left your side.

[C Lerch · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off you should know that Grief Walk comes to the reader from a spiritual viewpoint. So if that offends or is not the genre you are looking for, Gary Roe, has some other great resources that are more main stream. But for those who are looking for a book on grief that includes the Lord in it, this is the one. It really helped me to realize that I am not alone in this even during those times when there are no people around me or when the time i've been 'given' by friends and coworkers to 'get over it' has expired. The chapters are short and make great devotionals. They refocus the griever on the Lord in the midst of the sorrow and heaviness of loss. The topics are applicable and no topic is off the table. The book covers it all. I would definitely recommend it.

[SPKarenO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grief walk is an excellent, insightful, encouraging read for anyone dealing with grief. Whether the grief is fresh or well worn, complicated, compounded, or decades old, there is something for you in this book. In its pages, you will find acknowledgment of your pain and a safe place to question your doubt and process through the hurt, anger, and bewilderment that is part of grief. Written as daily devotionals it is easy to consume, though I found it best to let my heart work slowly through it. The included scripture and prayers were like soothing salve to my soul. Whatever stage, portion, or depth of your grief, this book will be a comfort, a solace, and encouragement.

[Jude]

A wonderful devotional that helps you on your private journey through grief. Capturing the plethora of emotions this book reminds you that amidst even the darkest of feelings we are not alone. Religious or not, this book gave me a sense of acknowledgement, solidarity and comfort. Since losing my son Sam just over a year ago, Gary's work has given me a renewed sense of hope and even helped me find some joy in remembering to be ever so thankful for having him in our lives. Gary's gift and desire to be of comfort to the grieving heart through sharing his interpretation of God's word is sure to help you on the path to peace.

[R. Isaacs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary's words in this book are comforting and encouraging. He covers the span of issues and doesn't hold back to address those that touch deep on the heart during the grieving and coping process of living. The tone of the book is comforting, authentic, genuine. This author validates the pain and the reality of living through the turbulent emotions and daily living following the loss of a loved one. Scripture verses in each chapter are carefully selected to bring comfort, hope, and courage in order to provide the solid ground and an anchor point in God through Jesus Christ that is essential during the upheaval in daily life and emotions that follow losing a loved one.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought several books about grief after I lost my father in November of 2020. I read the first few pages of each to decide which to begin with and this was the only one that resonated with me. The others seemed to assume that I was feeling a certain way or to imply that I should be feeling a certain way.

This one didn’t do that and was the only one that really captured with words the grief I was experiencing and sat with me in it.

We all grieve differently. This was the book that helped me most. I highly recommend it for others with hurting hearts and it will be the book I now give to others who face deep loss.

[Colleen Smock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grief Walk. Whoever you are, wherever you are on your Grief Walk, your personal journey, this book is eye opening, inspirational and a necessary guide to finding your way into the light from loss. Grief presents itself in so many shapes and forms, just like people, but we all have at our core, the desire, the need for God to help us on our journey. This is a wonderful guide to invite Him in and just inhale and drink in His presence as we experience physical and spiritual healing at the Mighty Hand of our Lord and Savior...In Jesus Name, AMEN

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the loss of my husband by suicide 9 years ago and reading every grief book I could find I thought I had this journey down. Then I lost my 32 year old son to a brain tumor in March and realized I didn't have it as together as I thought. Grief Walk has helped me so much by adding scripture to think on as I struggle with all the anger and hurt that keeps resurfacing. Forcing me to depend on God and not myself. This is a book you can read cover to cover or as a daily devotional. This will be a book I use over and over on my grief journey.

[Lynette McCombs · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are grieving, you will find this book a treasure. I lost my husband of 35 years in January, and this book speaks to the depth of my grief with compassion and the truth of God’s Word. The passages are short and easy to read in just a few minutes, which is a blessing if you are also dealing with loss of concentration that comes with intense grief. Each reading entry is honest and thought provoking, guiding you with Christ-centered direction and Scripture that draw you to the very heart of God when suffering through devastating loss.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you or someone you love is grieving and trying to find God in their grief, Gary Roe’s new book, Grief Walk, can be helpful. From his years as pastor and Hospice counselor, he mirrors the feelings and understands the difficulty one can have in finding God after a loss. His words can guide you to be able to sit quietly with God in your grief and can be a balm for the aching soul. The book is an excellent guide for those on a grief journey. It also can be a guide for those wanting to help someone after a loss.

[Linda Nottoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read half this book, so far, and have found it to be an excellent resource for guiding me through my grieving process. Grief Walk offers passages from the Bible and exercises that pertain to the emotions you go through as you grieve, which allows you to stop and really talk and get to know God as a healer and a comforter. It made me realize I don't have to work so hard by myself, as I have Someone who is always there for me. The exercises and passages in the book have changed the way I look at things, for the better. I highly recommend this book!

[Therese Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opens our eyes to the fact that God does understand how we feel, even if we turn away from him in the depths of our grief. Also that anger, guilt and regret are natural aspects of grief and that walking with God on our side can only have a healing effect, though we may not understand this at the time. Reading this book teaches us that we're not alone, and that walking this path with God has to be the only way to go for us all. Am certain that readers will be grateful for sharing beautiful thoughts with us on every single page. Wish you the best in your future writing.

[Juliet Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary gathered real thoughts and feelings of everyday people grieving the loss of a loved one. Reading their honest and sometimes raw feelings and words made it clear to me that I am not alone in my crazy world of grief. Bringing God’s word, that offers clarity and hope, helps the healing begin. The entries are short and concise but packed full of affirming thoughts and each ends with a short prayer. This is aimed for loss of a loved one but I found it could pertain to any sort of loss a person might experience.

[Marie]

This is my third book I have read by Gary Roe since I lost my son 8 months ago. Gary's words have provided me with comfort, hope and encouragement and made me feel like I was not alone in my grief.

Gary's book provides daily scripture and is a reminder of God's presence. It’s a devotional that can help you grow closer to God through daily reminders that He truly does love and care for you.

Gary continually amazes me with his dedication and Godly strength to help others. I would highly recommend this for anyone going through a loss of a loved one.

[Katherine]

Even though it has been a year since I lost my husband "Grief Walk" by Gray Roe is excellent. It has explained the emotions and questions that I have been through on my grief walk. It is written like a daily devotional with scripture which has helped me to understand what I am feeling and why. "Grief Walk" has reassured me that God is there walking beside me on this journey and He wants me to tell Him how I feel. He already knows but He wants to hear it from me. It is easy to read. "Grief Walk" will help anyone dealing with any kind of loss.

[Richard D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son, my only child, passed away 3 years ago. He was my life. Grief Walk helped me to accept where I am, as I am, and be kind to myself. It helped me realize that my grief honors my son and is my heart expressing my love for him. My grief varies from day to day, even some days unbearable. Only God can comfort me as I walk with Him on this grief journey. Grief Walk will help others know why they're feeling the way they are after the loss of a loved one and how grief effects every part of their life. I wish I'd had Grief Walk 22 years ago when I lost my Mother.

[Melissa Hammerquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not alone

God is with us in this walk we call Grief, we just need to remember that. Gary through God reminds us of this. Grief has no order or timeline. My husband died last year and this book has brought me much comfort and peace with the reminder that I'm not alone in this journey. God is with me and he has puts people I need in my path. My heart is still heavy with my loss but lighter because I know I'm not the only one that has these feelings and that God is walking with me.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an insightful, comforting and hopeful companion for grieving Christians. It is perfectly formatted in a daily devotional approach. Simple, concise and profound. Many of the struggles, questions and challenges that grievers carry are addressed with honesty and compassion. Grief can be isolating, painful and devastatingly sad. I highly recommend Grief Walk for all who are seeking solace and peace as they live and walk with grief.

[Martha B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all experience the loss of those we love. When we do, having a resource to turn to can give us the reassurance that we are not alone. Grief Walk, by Gary Roe, does that and more. Gary offers understanding and comfort as you journey through you own unique grieving process day by day. Take it from someone who has experienced loss and found comfort within these pages. Is your heart broken? Search no further. Grief Walk is for you.

[K.A. Tieszen · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the beginning of the book, being reminded to breathe is helpful. It's such a simple first step, and it encourages a move forward. Farther into the book, beginning to walk with my grief, I hear in my head the familiar childhood song, "He walks with me, and He talks with me ..." I am reminded that God has been there all along, and I am thankful. P.S. Bring your highlighter. You will likely read this more than once.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has helped me understand what I was feeling and thinking after the death of my husband nine months ago. His death has been the hardest thing I've ever faced. I've been missing him so much and felt I was stumbling around alone in a dark valley but this book reminded me that God is with me ever hour, minute and day of this journey. Thank you Gary Roe for this wonderful, insightful book. God bless you and may this book bless many lives as it has mine.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary's words are balm to the grieving heart. There is real honesty; every thought and feeling you'll experience on this painful journey gets a mention. It's an emotional read yet so full of comfort and hope reminding us that we are never alone.
Knowing that grief fog robs us of the ability to stay focused, each entry is just long enough with helpful prayer pointers and a relatable bible verse which can become the mantra for the day. This book is a must read for every grieving christian.

[Angela Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until the loss of my Service dog, Brother, Father, and his wife all within 6 months I had never read a book about grief and loss, until now. Grief Walk helped me each and every chapter giving me a gold nugget to cherish; and the chapters were short, to the point, and extremely insightful. Regardless of where you may find yourself on the journey through loss and grief; and if that loss and grief is even other than a death this book will give you the survival tools to make it through.

[Rita]

I wished I had this book during the early days of my grief as I tremendously struggled and continue to struggle with the recent loss of my son. Grief Walk brings peace and healing and it allows you to know and feel that you are not alone, and that God is walking besides you. The author does a stellar job in validating and identifying with the range of emotions that one is experiencing during their grief. A must read for anyone who’s on the journey of grief.
Rita R. CT

[Donna Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grief walk hits on all the thoughts , emotions , fears, and experiences you have during your grief journey.
The book bives spiritual guidance as you go through the various emotions and experiences. I wish this book was out when my son first died. It would have helped me realize I wasn't crazy. My feelings and fears were normal and shared by most grieving. An easy read. Grief Walk provides comfort on your journey.