“Wise and Helpful”
In this book, Dan and Anna Martin share their grief story about the loss of their infant twin son, and they reflect on common dynamics that parents deal with as they grieve. This book also includes a chapter from a dad whose young adult son died in a tragic accident, and I am thankful that this book address the death of an older child, since few resources on child loss do.
This book will minister to grieving Christian parents in a variety of circumstances. The authors are very honest and vulnerable about what they have been through, and they offer spiritual comfort without platitudes or shallow ideas. As they unpack Bible verses and spiritual concepts throughout the book, they show how their beliefs have grounded them in the storm of grief.
The Martins share deep reflections on how Jesus has sustained them, comforted them, and given them hope, and they write about a variety of different circumstances that parents may find themselves in. They acknowledge people who are dealing with recent losses and processing ones from long ago, and they encourage parents that every child's life matters, even if they die in the womb or shortly after, and even if they have a grievous prenatal diagnosis. The authors also address common questions that people ask, such as why God didn't heal their child and what happens to babies and little children when they die.
"Near to the Broken-Hearted" is a wonderful resource for grieving Christian parents. No one ever wants to need a book like this, but this one is particularly wise and helpful. The authors avoid sentimentality and platitudes, and they also include a helpful chapter for people who want to better support grieving loved ones and are often grieving in their own way. This book is a gentle, caring, and honest guide, and I highly recommend it to bereaved parents and their support systems.
Note: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
