Customer Reviews

Inside the Broken Heart

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Inside the Broken Heart" is a unique combination of spirituality and psychology. Julie Yarbrough brings hope and comfort to anyone experiencing the realities of the grief journey. The book is especially written for those who are grieving the loss of a mate.

Yarbrough understands grief experientially. At the age of 55 she became a widow, when pancreatic cancer claimed the life of her husband. She knows first hand the loneliness and the pain of those early dark hours of uncertainty, fear, anger, sadness, and loneliness.

In a sensitive and understanding way Yarbrough reminds the reader that, although each individual experiences their own personal grief in different ways, there are similarities that may be experienced in each stage of the journey of grief. Her concerned, caring counsel helps the reader identify their own person progress on each step of this emotional journey. She goes on to help those grieving to recognize and draw on the resources available to them, such as: rest, courage, and attitude. She addresses survival strategies, fitting in, and encourages the reader to move on to live a new life that honors the life of their loved one.

In Part two covers topics of: faith, prayer, adjustment, acceptance, hope, and healing. These chapters also provide some excellent materials and action plans for financial management and preparing a legacy for your heirs.

Julie Yarbrough's writing resonates with heartfelt empathy, is well organized, and sensitive. "Inside the Broken Heart" is essential reading for surviving spouses, grief counselors, pastors, and hospice caregiver.

When I was asked to review this book, I agreed with hesitation because I haven't (thank the Lord) lost my spouse. I have however, recently lost my mom, so I agreed to read it thinking it could even help me in that process. There are parts that deal with grief of any kind, but it is definitely written with the loss of a spouse at the forefront. I think this book is a wonderful resource to anyone who has lost a spouse. It is so full of God's Word and insights as to how to begin, walk through, and live out the healing process. It covers just about everything you need including a financial section to help remind you of the things easily forgotten when you are dealing with such grief. I would definitely recommend this book to those it was intended for, a grieving spouse.

Thank you Julie for blessing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Inside the Broken Heart will help widows and widowers through the experience of grief because it is topical and experiential. The author writes from a spiritual depth that has the power to comfort because it is authentic and universal. Read it and be blessed!

This book was of tremendous help to me after my husband died. Rather than give a floral memorial, I will certainly give this book instead to comfort one who has experienced a spousal loss.

Because it is becoming an increasingly important issue for many of the baby boomer generation, more and more books are coming out on grief and dealing with it. One of the more recent entries in this area is this book written by Dallas resident Julie Yarbrough and published by Tate Publishing & Enterprises.

Dedicated to her husband she lost and in appreciation of her grief support group at Highland Park United Methodist Church, Julie Yarbrough takes readers through the long valley of grief and out the other side. She lost her husband, Dr. Leighton Farrell, Senior Minister of the church, ninety days after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. "I was destroyed; my soul shattered into one million small pieces. At fifty-five, I was young and very old. I was alone." (Introduction, Pages 13-14)

The 217 page book is split into two main parts. "Part 1: Inside the Broken Heart" begins on page 15 with a biblical passage and definition for grief. The author then moves readers through the various stages of grief using a biblical perspective showing readers how their lives will change and how the bible and religious teachings provide strength at this painful time. Grief is a full time occupation and people travel through it at different speeds and often face setbacks before continuing on.

Author Julie Yarbrough explains this and much more including survival strategies designed to help the widow or widower to keep going. This can be especially difficult during the holidays and that issue is covered in this section. At some point for every person, one moves on to a love that celebrates the past union and reaches out to touch others. That is the theme of second section titled "Part 2-Beyond the Broken Heart." This section revolves around the idea of an enduring love that surrounds the living and the missing partner. There is a reason for what has happened in that "God uses grief to teach us more of his faithfulness and steadfast love." (Page 149)

Like the first half of the book, this part of the book has stages that revolve around going forward in the aftermath of losing the partner. Moving on in terms of healing, finding hope and happiness, coping with money issues, planning for the future, etc. are all parts of this process.

There is an old and clichéd adage advising writers to write what they know. As a widow and a lay grief facilitator, the author has experienced grief in many ways. She brings that knowledge and a deep religious faith to bear in a book that provides compassion, support and hope in what has to be one of the most painful times in any life. In a time of need, this book can be a powerful aid while also serving at other times as a helpful planning guide to a future we all face.



Material supplied by the author in exchange for my objective review.


Kevin R. Tipple © 2010

When our lives have been shattered by the death of a spouse, we desperately need the wisdom, support and hope that Inside the Broken Heart offers. Ms. Yarbrough, who has lived the experience, immediately forms a deep bond with her readers. Her description of grief as a journey resonates with those who grieve amid a sense of lostness and disorientation. In short chapters designed for stressed minds, she guides through the onslaught of seemingly untamable emotions, moving towards the reality of healing and hope. Each chapter is based solidly on Scripture and the writer's abiding faith in God's strength and unending love. Questions and suggested worksheets help personalize a wealth of insightful material.
A powerful surprise and bonus is the audio version of the book which is included in the purchase price. Listening to Ms. Yarbrough speak from Inside the Broken Heart is like sitting with a friend who offers hope and a path toward new life! (The last page of the book provides easy to follow instructions for audio download to computer, CD or various listening devices.)
This is an extraordinary book, designed to be read, reread, and shared with others who grieve!