The contents of this page was written by a Mom that lost her son to congenital
heart disease. As a parent, you just have so many questions. These books
certainly don't provide the answers, but they help with the isolation and
loneliness.
The Death of a Child
•
The Christmas Box – Richard Paul Evans
This is a fictional account of a woman who’d lost a child told from an unbiased
third party’s perspective. It’s beautifully written with an ending that we all
long for when losing a child.
• The Gift –
Danielle Steele
A fictional story wonderfully told about two families brought together through
terrible circumstances – both grieving losses of a different kind. There are
words and passages about losing children early in life that are incredibly
profound.
•
Confessions of a Grieving Christian – Zig Ziglar
This is a true account of the world-renowned author and motivational speaker,
Zig Ziglar. He chronicles the loss of his own daughter and struggles to
understand her suffering from a Christian viewpoint.
•
Holding on to Hope – Nancy Guthrie
What a wonderful book – easy to read, and very thought provoking. Nancy tells
the story of losing not one, but two children in infancy. She parallels these
losses with the book of Job and uses many scriptural references to help parents
travel the painful road of grief and loss.
• From
Grief to Glory – James Bruce, III
This book chronicles the incredible accounts of Christians through the ages who
have suffered the loss of a child. In most cases, these are stories of people
who were amazing pillars of faith even in the worst circumstances imaginable.
Stories include that of Martin Luther, Charles Spurgeon, John Bunyan, John
Calvin, and Hetty Wesley (sister of John Wesley) – just to name a few.
•
Roses in December – Marilyn Heavilin
Heavilin suffered the loss of two children. She describes her struggles in
marriage, in work, and in her faith. She now speaks to groups around the world
about grieving the loss of a child and has for many years been on the board of
The Compassionate Friends, the largest network for grieving parents available
worldwide.
• Safe
in the Arms of God – John MacArthur
This book is a quick read and discusses many of the feelings left with parents
after the loss of a baby. It discusses miscarriage, stillbirth, and early infant
loss.
•
How to Survive the Loss of a Child – Catherine M. Sanders, Ph. D.
Sanders is a psychologist specializing in bereavement. After losing her son,
Jim, in a waterskiing accident, she began her own journey through grief and the
loss of a child. She was astounded to find so little information for grieving
parents and ultimately has devoted her professional career to writing and
helping bereaved families. This book is profoundly helpful in recognizing the
stages of grief and the fact that you’re not losing your mind or alone in this
walk.
•
Angel Unaware – Dale Evans Rogers
Dale Evans and Roy Rogers were incredibly beloved entertainers. This book was
written after the death of their daughter, Robin, who was born with Down’s
Syndrome and multiple heart defects. It’s written by Dale from Robin’s
perspective in heaven. Although amazingly simple, it also shows a peace and
understanding that came to the Rogers family through time and faith.
Heaven – what it’s like and how our loved ones got there
•
My Dream of Heaven – Rebecca Ruter Springer
Truly this is the most beautiful book on heaven that I’ve read. Springer tells
the story of her own experience with death and her short stay in heaven. It was
written in the 1800s and is still in bookstores today. What a comfort it is for
families who’ve lost a loved one to have the mental pictures that this book
evokes.
• Heaven –
Randy Alcorn
WOW! If you only read one book on heaven – this is the one. It answers every
question that you’ve ever had about heaven, and has a table of contents that
allows easy reference to the topics most important to you. It’s truly amazing
and uses scriptural references throughout.
•
Made for Heaven – C.S. Lewis
This is a very short book of excerpts from Lewis’s writings on the subject of
heaven. These writings continually return to the theme of heaven being our true
home. Though a quick read, this one is extremely thought provoking.
• 90
Minutes in Heaven – Don Piper
This is a true account of Rev. Piper’s time in heaven. He experienced this stay
as a result of a terrible auto accident. Piper was left for dead by paramedics
and miraculously survived. This story is incredibly moving because of its truth
and honesty – even pastors are not exempt from personal tragedy and suffering.
The images of heaven are truly beautiful.
•
Life After Life and Reflections on Life After Life – Raymond Moody, Jr.
What an incredible read! Dr. Moody has a Ph.D. in Philosophy and then went to
medical school to become a psychiatrist. During his patient studies, he found
that there were extraordinary similarities in the stories of people who’d had
“near death experiences.” This is a compilation of those stories – published by
Guideposts. Although not meant to be a Christian book on heaven or the after
life, there is no way you can read this book without knowing beyond any doubt
that life does not end here.
•
A Travel Guide to Heaven – Anthony DeStefano
This book contains vivid descriptions of heaven and what we’ll be doing there.
Rather than focusing on the fear of death, it leads us to focus on heaven and
its wonders.
•
Hello From Heaven – Bill Guggenheim and Judy Guggenheim
The Guggenheims began a very large project on After Death Communication.
Although the title may sound new agey or odd to some, this book is an incredible
testament to the documented visits from loved ones who have gone through the
“valley of the shadow of death” and are very much still with us. It is truly a
gift of hope that encourages us to look beyond the grave to eternity.
Making sense of it all – Asking the tough questions
•
Why? – Anne Graham Lotz
Lotz is actually Rev. Billy Graham’s daughter. She’s had numerous experiences in
life that have led her to help others coping with the question of “why.” This is
a quick and easy read.
• When
God doesn’t make Sense – Dr. James Dobson
This book also attempts to answer the nagging questions about why suffering and
bad things happen to good people. It’s written in very plain language and gives
the reader a sense of comfort upon reading.
• If God is
so Good, why do I hurt so Bad? – David B. Biebel
Biebel has personally suffered the loss of a child – and through his journey has
heard just about every platitude or polite cliché on grief and loss. With a
Christian outlook, he tells the plain truth about death, illness, divorce, and
financial ruin. Through his honesty, he helps turn the pain into a meaningful
journey back to hope.
•
When the Enemy Strikes – Charles Stanley
In times of our greatest weakness, Satan seeks to capitalize on our fragility.
Rev. Stanley discusses ways to recognize thoughts that are not of God, but of
Satan. He covers many spiritual battles and gives us the insight we need to win
those battles even in the toughest of times.
• A Grief
Observed – C.S. Lewis
This book chronicles Lewis’s own struggles with meaning after the death of his
wife. It’s a perfect gift for anyone struggling with the loss of a loved one –
extremely thought provoking.
• The
Problem of Pain – C.S. Lewis
Once again, C.S. Lewis shows his incredible gift for tackling some of the
toughest questions that we face in our Christian lives. This book is certainly
not a quick read, but it is one with incredibly deep theological discussion.
Lewis won’t answer the question of “why?” but he will undoubtedly give you sound
biblical insight into pain and suffering. The title says it all.
Daily Devotionals on Grief and Loss
•
A Time to Grieve – Carol Staudacher
This is a daily excerpt with advice on how to get through the day that you’ve
been given. It’s very easy to read and uses many quotes from notable people on
the subject.
•
Chicken Soup for the Grieving Soul – Jack Canfield and Victor Hansen
What a wonderful book to give as a gift to someone who’s suffering. This tells
many, many stories of people who’ve lost loved ones. Although sometimes
difficult to read, the stories show an extraordinary amount of the Holy Spirit.
DVDs / CDs
• “Homesick” – Mercy Me
This CD, when bought from a bookstore, is also a DVD and can be played as such.
The words of the group’s leader are incredibly moving as he discusses his own
struggles with the loss of loved ones. You’ll listen to it over and over again.
• “Angels
Among Us” – Alabama
Again, when bought from a bookstore, this CD comes packaged with a group of
stories about angels on earth. It’s a beautiful group of short stories and a
perfect gift.
Children’s Books – to help the youngest understand
• Just
in Case you Ever Wonder – Max Lucado
It’s a sweet, sweet book that reassures a child how much you love them, how much
God loves them, and briefly talks about heaven in a very loving way.
•
The Angel with the Golden Glow – Elissa Al-Chokhachy
Wonderfully illustrated, this book won the Benjamin Franklin Award for
publishing. It tells the story of a child who was born and ultimately went back
to heaven in easy to understand language and beautiful sentiments. This one is
especially good for siblings born after the death of a brother or sister.
•
Someday Heaven – Larry Libby
This is a great book that in an easy question and answer format – tackling the
questions that children have about heaven. Very helpful!
•
Mommy, Please don’t Cry – Linda DeYmaz
Bring the tissues when you read this one. It talks about the beauty and wonder
of heaven through a child’s eyes. This one is extraordinary.
Support Groups – Local and National
The Compassionate Friends
This is a wonderful group supporting bereaved parents, grandparents, and
siblings. The local groups usually meet monthly. The national organization each
year conducts a national conference, a “Walk to Remember,” a worldwide candle
lighting service, and many online support groups.
Quarterly Newsletter: We Need Not Walk Alone
This newsletter is a wonderful outlet to read the stories of others who have
lost children. They submit poetry, pictures, letters, etc. It’s very well put
together and helps so much with the isolation and grief that parents feel after
losing a child. Call the national office for a copy.
Website:
www.compassionatefriends.org
National Office Phone #: (877) 969-0010
