Title: Finding JOY In the Midst of Grief: Continuing in God’s Loving Grip Through Loss of a Loved One
Author: Kay E. Thomas
Publisher: Xulon Press
ISBN/ASIN: B004PYDHZC
Pages: 115
Genre: Death, Grief & Spirituality / Christian
Reviewed by: Christina Avina

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No matter what anyone says or how many books, films, podcasts, or lectures you may listen to in order to prepare yourself for the grief which follows the loss of a loved one, there is nothing a person can do to prevent that pain. While in the long run, loss is a sign you had someone in your life that you not only held close to your heart, but loved deeply and loved you in return, the pain which stems from that loss is overwhelming, and can have deep emotional and psychological scars which never fully heal. In the darkness that overwhelms a person, questions of faith and the fairness life deals us if a creator is involved come to us all naturally.

In author Kay E. Thomas’s Finding JOY In the Midst of Grief: Continuing in God’s Loving Grip Through Loss of a Loved One, the author explores this pain and confusion during a crisis of faith after the loss of a loved one. Having lost the love of her life, her husband of 44 years, the author felt pain and the feeling that God himself has taken someone from your life unfairly. Yet through the author’s work, they showcase the path that illuminates how God did not take anyone away, but instead gave them the path through their heart and mind to accept what he has left to teach them in what remains of their journey, and that God’s grace will always keep those who serve God’s will safe.

The personal and emotional toll this author’s story takes can be felt in the very thoughtful writing style. The heartbreak and tragic circumstances of the author’s loss will be something many people will be able to relate to, and yet the author’s persistent optimism for her faith leaves an impression of inspiration for those who seek to maintain their relationship with God and the faith that has seen them through so much in their lives. The personal writing style and engaging commentary on what loss does to a person made this read so incredibly compelling as well.

This is the perfect read for those who enjoy non-fiction books, especially those who enjoy religious and Christian books that deal with grief, loss, and spirituality as a whole. The author does a remarkable job of embracing the faith aspect of this book without it feeling like a sermon, and more like a personal look into the author’s mind and heart as they wrestled with this grief, and overcame it to find their way back to their faith once more.

Insightful, emotional, and carefully yet powerfully written, author Kay E. Thomas’s Finding JOY In the Midst of Grief is a must-read and engaging non-fiction read which will really resonate with people of faith, and those who are looking for the means to bring their faith to the grieving process. The emotional depth of the author’s journey and the storytelling aspect of the author’s writing style make this a truly compelling book.