When Grief Comes: Finding Strength for Today and Hope for Tomorrow [Paperback]

Kirk Neely (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2007

Sooner or later, each of us journeys through the valley of the shadow of death. Kirk H. Neely has been through that valley, including the unexpected death of his twenty-seven-year-old son. He has also been a pastor and counselor for forty years, helping others journey through their own experiences of grief.

Full of compassion and wisdom, When Grief Comes helps readers understand how to come to terms with death, whether expected or sudden. It also walks readers through the process of grieving as we experience life as a series of attachments and separations. Through this journey of grief, readers will learn that God gives gifts of grace and symbols of hope to bring strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

God's tender mercies will embrace you in the midst of grief.

The death of a loved one sends us on a lonely and painful journey, one Kirk Neely knows well. Not only does he counsel the bereaved as a seasoned pastor, in a few months' time he faced the death of three loved ones--including his son. Now, in When Grief Comes, he offers personal stories and practical information to help you understand each stage and phase of grief. He also suggests symbols of hope to assure you of God's care and concern along the way and includes a special section on the needs of grieving children. Neely always points you toward the ultimate hope for Christians--eternal life in heaven, including a joyful reunion with those who believe.

For yourself or a bereaved friend, When Grief Comes is a wise, strong companion to take along on grief's journey as you heal into a more hopeful tomorrow.

"When Grief Comes is a truthful book, written from the center of this pastor's own broken heart. . . . It will be a book of encouragement for those mourning the death of a child, a grandparent, a parent, a spouse, a friend."--Stephanie Paulsell, Houghton Professor of the Practice of Ministry Studies, Harvard Divinity School

"When Grief Comes will be helpful to all who aspire to give comfort to those who walk through the valley of the shadow of death."--Cliff Barrows, music and program director, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

"Kirk Neely is a worthy successor to his mentor and teacher, Wayne E. Oates. Both speak from Scripture to the human condition. If you read only one book on grief, I recommend it be When Grief Comes. Such a joyful read should be shared."--Clarence Y. Barton, retired chaplain

Kirk H. Neely is senior pastor of Morningside Baptist Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He holds a doctor of ministry degree in pastoral counseling and psychology of religion from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Neely has been a pastor and counselor for over forty years.

About the Author

Kirk H. Neely is the senior pastor of Morningside Baptist Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He holds a D.Min. in pastoral counseling and psychology of religion from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He lives in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books; Reprinted edition (July 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080106760X
• ISBN-13: 978-0801067600
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #998,297 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent book!, July 4, 2007

By 

Kathy Hensley (Spartanburg, SC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: When Grief Comes: Finding Strength for Today and Hope for Tomorrow (Paperback)

With the strong heart of a pastor who has ministered to grieving friends, but more importantly with the broken heart of a parent who has experienced the grief of losing a son, Kirk Neely leads us through the grief process in this special book. His personal walk with grief makes this not just a book with facts about sorrow, but a book that touches and teaches the heart. Neely writes with tender love and care and just enough humor to provide relief. This is a book to keep!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Encouragement, Comfort, and Hope, August 12, 2007

By 

Richard R. Blake (Bridgman, Michigan) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: When Grief Comes: Finding Strength for Today and Hope for Tomorrow (Paperback)

Pastor and counselor, Kirk H. Neely, writes with compassion and empathy. In "When Grief Comes", Kirk shares from a heart of understanding and brokenness as he relates the tragic loss of his young adult son, Erik. In his over forty years of ministry, Pastor Neely has counseled hundreds of bereaved and their families, as he conducted services for their deceased loved ones.

The format of the book lends itself to reading as a whole or in small portions. The comprehensive table of contents enables the reader to choose a specific area of interest, for personal comfort, for information, or for use in offering encouragement and comfort to others.

Part one covers the six stages of the grief process and the phase's of grief during extended illness. Part two deals with attachments and separations, grief in adulthood, and helping children with grief. Part three reminds the reader of the gifts of grace and the tender mercies of God as well as offering hope in the midst of grief. Another unique feature of the book is a compilation of selected Scriptures which offer comfort and encouragement in the bereavement process.

In recent years my parents as well as four of my siblings have preceded me in death. Earlier this year, I lost a grandson in a tragic death. This book has given me insights which are helping me through the healing process and sorrow of grief. Of the several books on the subject I have read during these ensuing months, I would put Kirk Neely's "When Grief Comes" at the top of the list as most helpful.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical Help in a Time of Need, February 12, 2008

By 

Robert Whitlow - See all my reviews

This review is from: When Grief Comes: Finding Strength for Today and Hope for Tomorrow (Paperback)

I read Kirk Neely's book following the death of my twenty six year old daughter in law. Katie was pregnant with a baby boy when she succumbed to an aggressive form of leukemia. Like Dr. Neely, I've lost numerous relatives over the years, but this particular death devastated me like no other. When Grief Comes provided an understanding of the grief process and God's place in it that I found invaluable. The first section of the book specifically addresses issues unique to sudden death scenerios and enabled me to release myself into a healthy grief, realizing that the river of sorrow flows where it wills until finding its place in God's comfort. The yearning for a departed loved one never completely goes away, but we can eventually live in a new reality. When Grief Comes makes its points succinctly yet contains effective and poignent anecdotes from Dr. Neely's life and ministry. Every pastor or person touched by deep loss should have this book available. It remains on my night stand.