When
we enter into a time of grieving a loss, we often feel totally hopeless,
not being able to fathom that the grief could possibly ever end. However,
we can learn acceptance, especially if we allow ourselves both to
grieve and, when the time is right, to accept the grace of God that
brings peace.
Going
from a grieving state to the acceptance of God's grace is a journey.
Author Chaz Gaut, a professional hospice worker and grief counselor,
uses the metaphor of an automobile trip to take us through different
portions of the journey.
One
of his main points is that, notwithstanding the often-quoted Five
Stages of Grief, originally presented by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, grieving
cannot be characterized by set stages. Instead, it is a process that
is different for each individual.
Chapters
in the book include:
Chapter
1- Preparing for the Journey
Chapter 2- Mapping Out the Journey
Chapter 3- The Journey Through Grief
Chapter 4- The Journey to Grace
Chapter 5- Destination: Grace Expressed
Through
these chapters, Gaut addresses those who grieve and those who support
them, offering not only gentle and loving suggestions during each
part of the journey, but also describing ways various world cultures
handle grief and presenting the thoughts and ideas of philosophers,
poets, and religious leaders from around the world. He also shatters
myths about grieving and offers advice about what to say or not say
to a person who is grieving.
Exercises
throughout the book encourage readers to get in touch with and fully
experience their journey. The book is designed to be used in a workshop
setting, but is also useful for individual readers.
If
you are grieving, if you are supporting someone who is, or if you
plan to host a grief workshop, you will find this marvelous workbook
to be very useful.
From
Grief to Grace- $19.95 plus shipping.
Click
here to download an order
form. Please print the form, fill it out, and send it with your check
to the address on the form.
Questions
or comments?- email BarbaraTHuffman@gmail.com.
