The Good Grief Devotional - by Brent D Christianson (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

A companion to the bestselling book Good Grief, these wise and honest meditations are for anyone on the journey through grief and loss.

Whether you are struggling with your own loss or walking with a friend or family member who is grieving, you know the journey is not smooth or straightforward. The Good Grief Devotional offers wise, honest companionship to those who are struggling with a divorce, the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, or another major life transition.

Pastor Brent D. Christianson's fifty-two devotions follow the ten stages of grief outlined in Granger Westberg's helpful bestseller Good Grief. First published in 1968, Good Grief has helped millions of people find comfort and validation for their grief, a deeper understanding of their feelings, and helpful ways to live with loss while moving toward a new reality.

Each section of the book begins with a reflection on a particular stage of the grief process and then considers what that stage means for our self-understanding and relationships with everything around us, including creation and God. Each devotion ends with questions to think about and discuss with another person, healing actions to consider, and a prayer.

The Good Grief Devotional provides inviting, pastoral care, helps us face the reality of loss, and points toward hope. You will return to this collection of meditations year after year as you progress through your journey.

Review Quotes

"In The Good Grief Devotional: 52 Weeks toward Hope, Christianson has crafted a delightful companion to Granger Westberg's seminal Good Grief. Christianson writes that his wish for this book it to brings its readers hope. And it does. Through a healing recipe of Scripture, poetry, wisdom, and prayer, Christianson brings an offering that I would have been delighted to give to each grieving family in my thirty-plus years as a parish pastor. I can offer no higher praise than that." --Rick Hoyme, retired ELCA bishop and pastor

"For years I had a supply of Granger Westberg's classic Good Grief in my pastoral office. I gave one to people who were going through rough waters. Brent D. Christianson's devotional book will be even more helpful for those who have been struck by divorce, death, or another form of loss. Through poetry, lyrical prose, and story, the book speaks openly about the pain of grief and points the reader in the direction of comfort and grace. If read slowly and savored, the fifty-two short chapters promise to bring healing and even joy." --Bill White, ELCA pastor, Madison, Wisconsin

"Grief work is indeed good and holy, as Christianson notes. He is a compassionate, hopeful companion for those in the midst of that work. The poems, lyrics, stories, and prayers he has gathered will provide comfort and encouragement in the first year of grief and beyond." --Carla Dahl, Luther Seminary

"Brent D. Christianson has written a book of devotions that is an articulate, thoughtful, and helpful response to Granger Westberg's now classic book on the ten stages of grief, Good Grief. Drawing from his personal experience of grief and loss, Holy Scripture, and a deep well of verse written both by him and others more widely read or sung, Christianson invites us to reflect on and share our own experience of grief and loss.Christianson's prose is concise and clear. He uses words and imagery that draw us in and help us clarify our own thoughts and feelings about loss and grief. Perhaps what I appreciate most is his faithful dialogue with the biblical texts and the short prayers that close each devotional chapter with a light touch to help heal the grieving heart.As a chaplain and director of spiritual care at a retirement community, I am moved to invite him to share this book and his experience with our residents, family, and staff." --Kristine Braaten-Lee, chaplain, Northfield Retirement Community