I Will Not Leave You Desolate: Some Thoughts for Grieving Parents

by Martha Whitmore Hickman

This book provides help for parents in dealing with the pain and trauma associated with the death of a child. Simple and appropriate, the book contains short sections that are easy to read and easy to understand.

To help you make that journey from overwhelming grief to a person still aware of that poignant loss, but cherishing the memories, relishing a full life, and grateful for both, is what this book is about.

Pastors will find it helpful to keep a quantity on hand to give to people during grief experiences and in grief counseling.

Check out books on the subject of grief and appropriate Bulletins (see the Related Products Section below).

Did you know. . .
Grief is the normal response of sorrow, emotion, and confusion that comes from losing someone important to you. The word "grief" comes from the same root as "grave."

Although many times focused only on emotional responses to loss, grief also has physical, cognitive, behavioral, social, and philosophical dimensions. Grief responses are influenced by personality, family, culture, and spiritual and religious beliefs and practices.

While many who grieve may be able to work through their grief independently, accepting additional support from counseling and support groups may promote the process of healing.

The Book of Ecclesiastes reminds us "For everything there is a season...
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance..."

65 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1982

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in 1994, Hickman's short thesis for grieving parents is beautiful and inspiring. Having lost a 16 year-old daughter during a horseback riding accident on a family trip, Hickman speaks from a deep place of understanding and healing. Although this book makes some references to the "Christian faith", I simply accepted that and replaced it with my own version of spirituality. An intense read for any grieving parent in any stage of grief; six years after the death of my son, I still felt the lessons and advice were incredibly powerful and relevant to me.

[Delores · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an older book written from a Christian perspective. The author's 16 year old daughter died unexpectedly and this book captures her thoughts on grief. It is short and I read it in one sitting. I did earmark several pages that I anticipate rereading them in the future. I appreciated the scripture that was quoted and found it helpful. Surviving a child's death is unfathomable and yet, I like so many others am doing it. I will keep this book in my tool kit.

[Sheri Sellars · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many a time during middle-of-the-night hollowness after the death of my son I found myself reaching for this book. I don't agree with everything in it, but enough of it comforted me that it remains in my nightstand.