Discover a transformative journey through grief with our compelling study guide. Grief knows no timetable, and sometimes, the second year of mourning can be even more challenging than the first, with emotions fluctuating unpredictably. This study guide is designed to help you navigate the unique and personal journey of grief, offering insights and support from those who have walked similar paths.
The guide emphasizes the profound healing power of sharing your experiences with others. By connecting with those who have different perspectives and insights, you can process your pain more effectively while simultaneously inspiring and supporting others. This connection can alleviate the isolation and loneliness that grief often brings, reminding us of the promise in Revelation 21:3-4 (NIV): "God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
The author reflects on their personal journey through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, marking three years since the loss of their beloved spouse, Tim. They share how the physical symptoms of grief have mostly faded, resurfacing only on significant dates or during trigger events in a much-diminished form. Though they will always miss Tim, they now live in the sunlight of God's promises.
Gratitude fills the author's heart as they remember the decades shared with Tim and the belief that he is now reunited with their son and God's Son in heaven. Much of their healing is attributed to the loving support of a group of widows who stood by them during their darkest moments. This study guide highlights the transformative power of community and faith in navigating the painful but ultimately hopeful path of grief. Let this guide be your companion in finding solace and strength through your grief journey.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Naomi Rhode (pronounced Rhode E), CSP, CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame®, a graduate and alumni of the year of the University of Minnesota, speaks annually before thousands of health care professionals and their team members, corporations, conventions, non-profit organizations, and Christian ministries, sharing her expertise on leadership, team building, life and interpersonal relationships. She stimulates her audience to achieve new levels of professional and personal growth. She has spoken in all 50 states and 15 foreign countries.
Kim Harms has been around the block in life. She has served as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Public Health Service, a dental school professor, a grief counselor, a death doula, a civil mediator, a clinical dentist with her late husband Jim in Farmington MN, a school board Chair, President of an international women's organization, the first woman President of the Minnesota Dental Association, a National Spokesperson (21 years) for the American Dental Association, an award-winning, bestselling author and international speaker on the topics of grief, conflict and legacy planning. Her Latest book Are You Ready? How to Build a Legacy to Die For helps readers set their families up for success after they are gone. She has also suffered many personal losses, including the deaths by suicide of her mother and son and the death by broken heart of her husband after their son's death. Her most important role now is mother to her two surviving children and grandmother to 6 precious grandchildren.
