Saturday, August 18, 2012

Aftermath, An Amazing Book For Those Who Are Grieving!



About the Book:
Growing in Grace Through Grief

Loss is a four-letter word that grips our hearts and gridlocks our lives. Grief can hold us captive until we surrender it to God. How do we find the necessary grace to journey through the mounting process?

Juxtaposed to the outpouring of her mother's words about grief, the author shares her practical journey from the emotional abyss of grief after becoming an adult orphan. With candor, the author shares her own emotions experienced along the spectrum of loss after her parents' deaths: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance - adding interactive options for readers.

Five sections cover these common emotions and provide
~ comfort Scripture lists
~ counsel section from grief experts
~ chronicling section with detailed helps
~ tangible handles on dealing with grief during holidays, capturing loved ones' legacy, and more.

About Margaret:

Magaret McSweeney is a well-published author often writing online articles for Make It Better (the former North Shore Magazine) and freelance articles for the Daily Herald, the largest suburban Chicago newspaper. In addition, she has authored and compiled several books including A Mother's Heart Knows, Go Back and Be Happy, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace and most recently, Mother of Pearl.

Margaret has a master's degree from the University of South Carolina in international business. As the founder of Pearl Girls, Margaret collaborates with other writers on projects to help fund a safe house for WINGS, an organization that helps women and their children who are victims of domestic violence, and to build wells for schoolchildren in Uganda through Hands of Hope. For the past 10 years she has served on the board of directors and leadership advisory board for WINGS. Margaret lives with her husband and 2 daughters in the Chicago suburbs. Learn more about Margaret and the work of the Pearl Girls at www.margaretmcsweeney.com.

What I Thought About the Book:

As a Pastor's wife I wish I had this book several years ago. The main part of our congregation is elderly and many are widows or widowers. Knowing how to communicate with them while may of them are still grieving the loss of the spouse has been difficult. I have always felt inadequate in what to say or do and how much to say or do. Honestly it was all a guessing game for me and trusting God to help me through it. Having a resource available like this book is invaluable in my ministry to the people. I have experienced some grief in my life having lost my grandparents when I was young. But as a young child I didn't completely understand what was happening. As an adult I have watched some of the dear people of my church go through a struggle I can only begin to imagine. My heart would ache for them. I feel now I am more equipped to help them, truly help them. Margaret took me down a path that was difficult for me, but so needed. I read, no devoured the words she and her mother both wrote. And yes, I cried along with them. Some of the words hit home as I remembered times when I was so inept at what to do. I am very thankful for this book to be in my library now and I would highly recommend it for anyone who ministers to people. I also think it would be a good gift for those who have lost a loved one. 

You can buy the book HERE!!

I received a copy of the book for review purposes only. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. All of the opinions expressed here are my own and in no way influenced by the author or publisher.

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