Standing in the Shadow: Help and Encouragement for Suicide Survivors [Paperback]

June Cerza Kolf (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2002

Grief counselor June Cerza Kolf is repeatedly asked for specific guidance in helping suicide survivors function and heal. Their grief is unique in that the trauma of suicide leaves them in such a devastated state that the typical coping mechanisms no longer work.
With deep sensitivity, Kolf leads readers through mourning to acceptance. She helps them realize the tragedy was out of their control, release their guilt and anger, and gain the power of prayer. Standing in the Shadow covers the heart of thirty-four topics, including depression, forgiveness, and the salvation of those who commit suicide. The gentle, honest writing provides answers, hope, and comfort for the bereaved.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The end of a precious life has come unnaturally. You may wonder how you can possibly survive your loved one's suicide. Anger, guilt, hopelessness, and unanswered questions may swirl wildly around in your mind while you try to hang on, searching for a sign that you will come through this trauma in your life.

With deep sensitivity, June Cerza Kolf, a veteran of hospice work, addresses the uniquely painful issues you are facing right now, such as forgiveness, depression, and the search for answers. Standing in the Shadow will lead you through mourning to acceptance and will help you release your guilt and anger and embrace the mighty power of prayer.

"Think of your grief as a journey," Kolf writes. "Like any journey, you must take it one step at a time. Travel slowly and allow plenty of time to pause and rest along the way." With her help, you can travel the road back to purposeful and meaningful living. Though it may be hard to believe, you can eventually move out of this dark shadow and back into the sunlight.

About the Author

June Cerza Kolf has worked in hospice care for years, teaches grief seminars, and conducts grief recovery sessions. She is the author of several books and lives in Quartz Hill, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books (March 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801063957
• ISBN-13: 978-0801063954
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #161,213 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #79 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Death & Grief > Suicide

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars generalizations and bible studies, May 25, 2004

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Standing in the Shadow: Help and Encouragement for Suicide Survivors (Paperback)

the author has not survived the suicide of a loved one. it shows. she talks about how someone looks nice and color coordinates her outfits. she talks about suicide and relates stories of the loss of a limb. she quotes the bible. the book is very short and gave me not a bit more hope. Don't waste your money - the book available free online from suicidology is much better. If you want to spend money - Carla Fine's book is much better - the best I've found.
From a bereaved survivor who doesn't need to be told how to color coordinate.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars activities most helpful, December 29, 2004

By 

Laura Edeen (San Francisco) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Standing in the Shadow: Help and Encouragement for Suicide Survivors (Paperback)

A lighter weight book for survivors. I found the activities she suggested to be helpful in helping me sleep at night, rid myself of some thoughts of guilt, and move forward with my life. I did find it to be religious (Christian) which didn't help me as much as Carla Fine's book, No Time to Say Goodbye. It was not judgemental however. It's openminded and offered me some comfort. Easy to read in one sitting.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple and very helpful, October 13, 2006

By 

goodforbooks - See all my reviews

This review is from: Standing in the Shadow: Help and Encouragement for Suicide Survivors (Paperback)

My closest friend found her husband dead from suicide 2 months ago. It destroyed her. I researched books, and found this one to be right on the mark for her. She reads it again and again and says it is really helping her. Yes, it is Christian, but not at all pushy about it. The book cuts through all the medical detail and presents a lesson on what to expect and how to deal with the different stages of grief on a very personal level.