A Simple Gift of Comfort: Healing Words for Difficult Times

by Jane Kirkpatrick, Lisa Hollister Sorensen

Gently crossing the wilderness of sorrow to the shelter of encouragement, Jane Kirkpatrick shares compassionate meditations and promises of Scripture. Tranquil photographs — a child’s trusting hand, sunrise over a glass lake, a colander of bright berries — create a lovely expression of caring for those wishing to walk beside a friend or family member who hurts.

64 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2002

About the author

Kirkpatrick brings us a story of one woman's restoration from personal grief to the meaning of community."

Reviews

[Linda]

This book was first released as "A Burden Shared: Words to Encourage Your Days." "A Simple Gift of Comfort" is a revision with photographs.I have an original first issue with the ragged edges, but the edges are much more ragged and dirty because of the use. This book has accompanied me on many visits with friends in need of a shoulder to lean on, to cry on or to have someone just sit and listen. Many phrases in this book "fit the bill" when you just can't think of the right words to write on a note or add into an update status on Facebook. This book is also a very appropriate gift for someone who is experiencing grief in their life. It may be a loss of a spouse, family member, friend, job, move to another area. The book is written in short paragraphs and thoughts which is very helpful to someone who is going through a stressful time and has a short attention span or is very busy with some difficult issues. If you do not own a copy, purchase two, for once you begin to read the book, you will want to give a copy away to a friend or someone you know who is in need.

[Ronna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book free from a blogger. This is my honest review.

This lovely, compassionate, small little book is something that I will now be giving to people who are suffering loss of one form or another. Having lost a grandson when he was 4 1/2 almost 20 years ago, I know this book would have been a much greater comfort, with empathetic and encouraging words of hope, than a mere sympathy card. Now that time has passed, I also realize that Kirkpatrick speaks truth through stories from life and scripture.

It is short--60 pages-- thus not overwhelming for people in suffering. It is also full of lovely, meaningful photos. Can be read all at once or in the small chapters. It speaks to the griever, rather than about what psychologists describe as the "grief process". Excellent book!

[Georgia Herod · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of meditations, Scriptures, and stories—gifts, words of comfort to ease the pain of the day. “The rhythm of every day is a testimony to God’s faithfulness. And deep in this moment of grief, a seed of promise begins to sprout and blossom in the light of God’s hope—it is the promise and the gift of a new beginning.” I’d like multiple copies of this lovely book to share with others. Beautifully written and illustrated.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Jane Kirckpatrick and everything she writes.