Longing for Healing Light in Your Grief? Get my 7-Day Devo
author, speaker, bible teacher
All throughout my grief—while pregnant and waiting for my baby to die, and after he was born and died—it was extremely difficult to be around people. Very few knew what to say to me, and interactions often hurt me, so I learned to try to avoid them. But I did want to read books. Books never hurt me, and instead they often helped me. That's why I have assembled a little “library" for you.
I hope you will find solace, understanding, and even blessing in reading some of these, too.
Laurie's Little Library:
in addition to the Bible, books to help you heal
Most of these books were gifts from friends or family. I think giving a book to a grieving heart is a wonderful way to show loving support. If you would like to purchase any of these for yourself or others, a link is provided. Please know I receive no commission for these recommendations—I share them based entirely on what their content meant or means to me.
This was the first book I received after learning my baby would die. It's a similar story to mine, about a baby with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, so I found it very helpful to read.
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This was a totally different story from mine, but I appreciated learning about another person's journey of faith in unthinkable circumstances.
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Again, this is a story of completely different circumstances from mine, yet it's centered on our same faithful God. I clearly found empathy and comfort in reading others' stories.
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One of the most comforting and healing-to-my-heart books I have ever read...about our child's wonderful life in heaven with Jesus. I have given this book multiple times to other moms in their grief.
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It'd be hard to exaggerate how meaningful and healing this book was for me. I found a spiritual mentor and desperately needed friend in Mary, the mother of Jesus.
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At a very low time after my baby died, this book provided me great comfort. I remember feeling exactly what the author wrote. And I couldn't believe our children died on the same day, though years apart.
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I've lost track of how many times I've read this devotional, but its impact on my intimacy with God cannot be measured. Thank You, Sarah Young.
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Because of how much I liked Jesus Calling, I was thrilled to learn a version existed for my kids. And because I often read both, I know that some days I liked the children's version even better. Highly recommend.
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Whereas Jesus Calling is about enjoying PEACE, Jesus Always is about embracing JOY. Though I've already read this several times, I'm sure I will again. Its daily truths for our heart are just that important.
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For sure one of my favorite books ever. After reading it, I had to read it again, but this time out loud to my kids. And even now, just thinking about it, my heart wants to read it again. Profoundly meaningful and healing.
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Informative, comforting and inspiring, and based on Scripture, I would consider this book a "classic" and "must-read" for those of us with babies in heaven.
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If you already know this book (or series), it needs no introduction. If you don't, or are new to liturgies, I encourage you to open it up and let your hurting, hungry soul feast.
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I have already read this twice, but look forward to more years of reading it again. A wonderful variety of devotionals for times of trial, sorrow, and suffering—or preparation for them.
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I am so thankful this book was required reading in my "Grief and Loss Counseling" class at seminary. It explained so much of my own grief journey to me. A truly pivotal book in my life and healing.
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How appreciative I am to have received this book as an early Christmas gift for Advent. Through stories of artists and their own dark valleys, we are reminded "we are not alone."
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One of my favorite books AND movies, The Shack is an extraordinary story of grief, loss, our Triune God, and love. I recommend it not only to grieving hearts but to every human heart.
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This section is lovingly dedicated to PEBBLES, the little one on my knee, who died while I was creating this website—only weeks shy of her “Sweet 16" Birthday. Precious Baby Pebbles, I miss you so much because I love you so much. I can't wait to see and hold you again.
April 10, 2008 - February 29, 2024
For Those of You with Pawprints on Your Heart…
The following resources are for us “Pet Parents” who know the heartbreak of losing a beloved animal—not “just” a dog, horse, or any of God’s creatures, but part of our family—our “baby,” our constant companion, our best friend. Please also note the SPECIAL RETREAT for Pet Parents on my “Speaking” page.
May God comfort and bless your grieving heart, too, fellow Pet Parent.
“YOU, LORD, PRESERVE BOTH PEOPLE AND ANIMALS."
~ Psalm 36:6 ~
Though you may enjoy other parts of this book, too, Chapter 40 is entitled, "Will Animals, Including Our Pets, Live Again?" I find the biblically-based content as informative as it is comforting.
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I am so thankful that after Pebbles died, the Emergency Room staff asked if I'd like to have a clay paw print made from Pebbles' paw. I now cherish that little paw print, which sits close to me on my desk daily.
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Also made known to me by Pebbles' ER staff, I encourage you to look at Chad Eric Keith's website and consider having him create a wonderful sketch of your beloved animal(s), too.
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