Grief Resources



Grief Resources

In the weeks, months and even years after the death of our son, Mark, I desperately searched for someone to help us in our grief.  I found great solace in those who were further along in the journey.  Here you'll find some of the resources that helped me as well as some of my own thoughts and resources that we have developed in response to our desire to offer help and hope to the hurting.  Whether you're looking for help for yourself or how to comfort a friend, it's our prayer that you'll find something that will help turn your heart toward our God. Check back often for more resources.


Loss of a Loved One

A one hour interview with Chuck and Sharon Betters in which they share their own grief journey.  Free Download or Free CD

Books
After Mark's death, I longed to read a journal of the early days of grief, desperate to know I wasn't crazy in an insane sort of way.  I kept a journal and realized that my transparent thoughts might help someone else.This book includes many of my journal entries from the first years.  It gives a glimpse into the shattered heart of a broken person and not only applies to the loss of a loved one but grief over any loss.  For more Information and to Buy Now

Treasures of Encouragement was published in September 1996, and is a celebration of how God used biblical encouragement to help turn our hearts toward Him as we tried to find a new level of normal after the oss of our son, but it is a handbook on how to offer the treasures of biblical encouragement to others in a way that helps turn their hearts toward Him.  This book is designed for individual or small group studies and a Leader's Guide is available.  Buy Now

Treasures of Encouragement Blog Posts on Grief



Websites

GriefShare - A Journey From Mourning to Joy

You'll find many recommended resources on this site.  Click GriefShare - A Journey From Mourning To Joy to sign up for a daily comfort email.  I found this site late in my journey and wished I had been receiving the daily emails - they are designed to meet you right where you are in that first year of deep grief.

Camp Braveheart , Ridge Haven - For Children Walking the Pathway of Grief

Camp Brave Heart is a Christ-centered camp designed to meet the unique spiritual and emotional needs of youth who are walking the journey of grief after the death of someone they dearly love. Ridge Haven is offering a week of summer camp to support children and teenagers, 3rd through 12th grades, with these diverse needs at this time in their lives.

Books That Helped Me

Everyone grieves differently - I wanted to read everything I could about this strange Land of Grief.  Here are a few books that helped guide me.  I'll add more as I come across them on my shelves.  I'm so thankful for those who recorded their thoughts and journey for people coming behind them. God used each one as a unique means to help turn my heart toward Him - a phrase, a word, a scripture, a story.....I felt loved by the fact that before I was even born, God planned for these writers to touch my heart in the darkest night of my soul.

When Heaven is Silent, Ronald Dunn
A Grace Disguised, Gerald L. Sittser
Roses in December, Marilyn Heavilyn
A Grief Observed, C.S. Lewis
Lament for a Son, Nicholas Wolterstorff
When God Weeps, Joni Eareckson Tada, Steven Estes
Heaven, Your Real Home, Joni Eareckson Tada
A Path Through Suffering, Elisabeth Elliot
Tracks of a Fellow Struggler, John Claypool


Sermons Coming Soon
Check back for links to sermons Chuck preached in the first year after Mark's death.  Chuck transparently shares his own wrestling to reconcile God's love with His sovereignty.
Sharon BettersComment