Melissa: A Father's Lessons from a Daughter's Suicide

by Frank Page, Lawrence Kimbrough

Desperately hurting people take their own lives every day throughout the world, yet the church is not on top of the epidemic and often seems ill- equipped to address it biblically and effectively.
Frank Page, a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, learned this firsthand when he and his wife Dayle lost their daughter, Melissa, to suicide in 2009. Writing from personal experience, he examines the biblical truths that carried him through such a painful time and that minister to him on dark days still known to come around.Ultimately, A Father's Lessons from a Daughter's Suicide is beauty from ashes, a book of wisdom and hope that Page wishes he could have read before going through this valley, and a resource the church can use to directly address an all-too-real problem.

Genres: Faith

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2013

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

My cousin committed suicide. “Why?” That was always the big question. This book is beautifully written, offers hope, encouragement and answers some questions regarding suicide. It would be a hard read, however, if your loved one wasn’t a Christian. Where would the hope be then? I don’t know how to answer that.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the author's way with words. Some of the lines in this book jumped right off the page and stuck with me long after I finished reading the page. As a member of this broken, hurting world I can honestly say that some of the things he said really resounded with me and will stick with me when comforting those dealing with this and other tragedies.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this book up at T4G last year. Heartbreaking yet transparent account of one family's walk through suicide. Gospel centered with constant reminders of sinfulness yet hope in Christ. I appreciated the author's personal address to the reader through each chapter. A difficult read yet filled with encouragement. Will be one of my go to books to give to those who experience familial suicide.

[Lane Corley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book in the fall, because of my admiration for Frank Page and because of a project I was working on about Depression. It has sense become very personal as depression and suicide has reared its head in the lives of those very close to us. Frank Page does an incredible job of bringing you into the raw emotion of overwhelming tragedy and then helps the reader see the possibilities of healing and recovery that will be life long. His words are Biblical all the way through, immensely practical, and fresh off the front lines of his families personal struggles. Would be good for anyone that has experienced a suicide or tragic death of a loved one or who has a loved one that deals with suicidal thoughts and despair. Would also be good for Pastors who will face the realities of depression and despair in communities that face escalating rates of anxiety, stress, and so many influences that weigh heavy on the hearts and minds of people.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book over seven years ago before sending it to dear friends after the loss of their 25 year old daughter. I would never give a book like this to someone without reading it first especially under such difficult circumstances. This book touched me in deep ways that I had never considered. I prayed over sending it on that God would touch my friends through it. They were ever so grateful. It ministered to their hearts and souls. Now I find myself sending “Melissa...” to an extended family member whose 39 year old son has recently left this world. The Bible tells us that we live in a fallen world and this place is not our home but yet we as followers of Christ live with hope because of the resurrection of Jesus. We WILL see our family members again. 🙏♥️🙏 - C

[NathanLauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in a couple sittings. It was deeply emotional and deeply encouraging as well. If you know someone who has contemplated, attempted or even succeeded in committing suicide and you wonder how you might biblically think, process and interact w/family, friends or your own emotions this is a tremendous resource. Frank Page is honest about the unbearable hurt and grief suicide has brought to his heart, marriage, and family, but he also provides comfort and wisdom as he points the reader to the truth of God's Word.

[Sophia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Powerful read. Couldn't stop crying.

[Rachel Wall · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I have no experience dealing with suicide, I found this book to be overwhelmingly helpful in understanding the loss of my brother 3 years ago. Like Frank, the roller coaster started with a phone call, included dreams, sickening feelings of hopelessness yet a closeness to God that I had never in my life felt. I now understand the panic attacks, depression, 6 different medications I tried, etc were nothing against the Spiritual Warfare that happens to a believer during a tragic loss. The enemy begins to work hard when we are weak, I'm still in the fight. To Frank, I thank you for sharing, so boldly, your experience. I will never forget Melissa's story and will hold you and your family forever in my prayers.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suicide doesn’t just affect only one individual; it affects everyone! Frank Page pulls back the curtain and reveals his heart from a unique perspective as a grieving father… He and his family are still grieving from this fairly recent catastrophic event in their lives. What are the red flags to look for? As parents, what can we do to learn from this? I’m appreciative of his candidness and his vulnerability expressed in his book… May no parent go through what they went through.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing from his own agony surrounding his daughter’s suicide, Page bares his soul to those who are entertaining thoughts of suicide and those who are dealing with the aftershocks of suicide in their own families. Page emphasizes that suicide is never the best option, noting that it doesn’t answer questions but only leaves them for others to answer—alone. Thoroughly honest and candid, this book is not only a father’s memorial but a timely, sage counselor.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who has been touched by suicide or even touched by loss, this book is a must read. Frank Page, CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention and former senior pastor, shares transparently about the loss of his daughter to suicide. Makes me want to hug him and his wife. This is also a must read for any pastor or ministry leader who may face counseling those who have lost loved ones through suicide.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite line in the book is, "His love for my daughter was so great that He chose, while His own Son was hanging on the cross between life and death, to restrain His all-powerful hand from initiating a rescue. That's how far He was willing to go to make sure Melissa's fallen nature could not ultimately consume her. Not forever."
My mother is with that same loving God.

[Bret Legg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Know the author. This is a honest and heartfelt book about a pastor's very troubled daughter, her eventual suicide, and it's effect on him, his family, and his faith. It deals head on with the situation in a very honest, yet hopeful way.

[Tbsorrells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply disturbing because of the harsh reality of suicide yet full of hope because of Immanuel, God WITH us.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging for those who struggle with depression.