Coping with / advice about death and bereavement Books

Trade Review“An arresting and deeply moving memoir.” —People“A brave, candid, moving and very well-written memoir of Mary Rockefeller Morgan’s life struggle with ‘twin loss’ after the tragic disappearance fifty years ago off the New Guinea coast of her twin brother Michael.” —Peter Matthiessen, two-time winner of the National Book Award“A master storyteller. Be prepared for this book to make you less afraid of loss and of life.” —Rachel Naomi Remen, MD, bestselling author of Kitchen Table Wisdom“For anyone who has loved another deeply and lost them to death, this book is a boon. It reaches deep into the psyche and illuminates the soul.” —Ann Belford Ulanov, professor at Union Theological Seminary and author of The Unshuttered Heart

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Book SynopsisDiscover what it means to be blessed and challenge the false beliefs many in the church hold about the good life and what it means to walk in communion with God.American Christians have developed a long list of expectations about what the life with God will feel like. Many Christians rightly deny the prosperity gospel-the idea that God wants you to be healthy and wealthy- but instead embrace its more subtle spin-off, the emotional prosperity gospel, or the belief that happiness and spiritual euphoria will inevitably follow if you believe all the right things and make all the right choices. In this view, frustration is deemed unholy, fear is seen as a failure of faith, and sadness is a sign of God''s disfavor. In Holy Unhappiness, Amanda Held Opelt, author of A Hole in the World, grapples with her own experience of disillusionment when life with God didn''t always feel the way she expected it to feel. She examines some of the historic, religi

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Book SynopsisFor most people, the thought of dying or caring for a terminally ill friend or family member raises fears and questions as old as humanity: What is a “good death”? What appropriate preparations should be made? How do we best support our loved ones as life draws to its close? In this nondenominational handbook, Richard F. Groves and Henriette Anne Klauser provide comfort, direction, and hope to the dying and their caregivers through nine archetypal stories that illustrate the most common end-of-life concerns. Drawing from personal experiences, the authors offer invaluable guidance on easing emotional pain and navigating this difficult final passage. With a compelling new preface, this edition also features an overview of the hospice movement; a survey of Celtic, Tibetan, Egyptian, and other historic perspectives on the sacred art of dying; as well as various therapies, techniques, and rituals to alleviate suffering, stimulate reflection, and strengthen interpersonal bonds. The American Book of Living and Dying gives us courage to trust our deepest instincts, and reminds us that by telling the stories of those who have passed, we remember, honor, and continue to learn from them.

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Book SynopsisA HANDBOOK FOR THE BROKENA valuable guide for anyone dealing with PTSD, trauma and tragedy, family members of trauma victims, clergy who seek a better understanding of psychology, and for counselors who seek a better understanding of the role of faith in healing from trauma.THE CHRIST CURE is comprehensive handbook of healing for victims of trauma and their families, guiding the reader through a unique path of true restoration, inspired by the life and works of the Apostle Paul (a survivor of multiple traumas), by modern day mentors, the humbling personal experiences of the author, Psychologist, Navy veteran and former Member of Congress Dr. Tim Murphy, and reinforced by solid scientific research.Dr. Murphy’s book is a faith foundation guide for healing the psychological problems in the wake of trauma. Awakened by his own failures, the author grasped for ways out of his deep depression and re-discovered inspiration in the life and works of the Apostle Paul, who himself lived a life filled with major traumatic experiences. It offers new insights into how life threatening abuse, chronic stress and self-inflicted trauma affects us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, and most importantly, how we can heal.In the book, Dr. Murphy candidly describes his own fall from grace, his battle with depression and his humble confession that while he was trying to save the world he was losing his own soul; disconnecting from his faith and family. He walks the reader through his return to the Bible and his discovery of a great mentor for healing from trauma—the Apostle Paul.Paul the Apostle suffered several dozen severe traumas including whippings, stoning, shipwrecks, trials, imprisonment, abandonment, and a looming death sentence. Modern psychological research suggests any one of these traumas should have been emotionally crippling for him. Instead, Paul grew stronger and more courageous. Unique to this book is the foundation of biblical pillars for healthy treatment of trauma all supported by research and scripture including fitness, sleep, healthy eating, healthy relaxation, resilience, resistance, recovery, and renewal. Within each stage the reader is challenged to choose between sets of dichotomies, one leading to healing, while the other worsens our problems. Throughout, the reader is empowered through their own suffering to become stronger in their relationships and faith: Building Strength instead of Weakness Courage over Fear Vigilance over Vulnerability Hope over Despair Guilt over Shame Forgiveness over Condemnation Acceptance of Faith, Trust, Grace and Mission Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) effects tens of millions with symptoms of depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, broken relationships, isolation, and suicidal thoughts. Current treatment approaches include counseling and medication, but this often leaves many still struggling in darkness for years. Here, readers are guided on a very different path lit by a beacon of faith. THE CHRIST CURE: 10 Biblical Ways to Heal Your Mind from Trauma, Tragedy, and PTSD provides much-need help and guidance to “the broken” from secular to scriptural; illustrated with inspirational stories of those who are winning their own battles.Trade ReviewPraise for THE CHRIST CURE: 10 Biblical Ways to Heal from Trauma, Tragedy, and PTSD by Dr. Tim Murphy"Both a refreshing perspective on the power of faith to heal and a logical, straightforward approach for incorporating faith into healing from the devastating impacts of PTSD. This gives us another important tool in our toolkit for successfully helping people to conquer PTSD, giving them hope and their lives back. This book is invaluable in tackling this very tough issue." — Forrest Faison, M.D., 38th Surgeon General, U.S. Navy“Powerful and indispensable, THE CHRIST CURE is a must-read for Christians seeking answers to help them heal, physically, mentally and spiritually." — Pete Earley, Author of Crazy: A Father’s Search Through America’s Mental Health Madness“Through thoughtful case studies of resilience and character and a close reading of the Apostle Paul, Dr. Murphy posits a truly radical (so old it is new) theory: God’s gift of infinite grace means we are never powerless and never alone.” — Keith Burris, PhD, Columnist, Former VP and Editorial Director, Block Newspapers“Dr. Murphy wisely weaves together psychological and medical knowledge, clinical and personal experience, and biblical truth to provide an immensely helpful guide for those who have experienced a variety of traumas. I heartily recommend this uniquely wise and helpful book!” — Timothy A. Sisemore, Ph.D., St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute“I recommend THE CHRIST CURE without reservations for all who have ever slipped into the devastating darkness of depression, anxiety or PTSD and for those seeking answers to our societal woes — therefore, for all!” — Joseph C. Maroon, MD, FACS, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Author of Square One: The Secret to a Balanced Life “An essential guide for clergy who want to better understand trauma, for counselors to understand the role of faith, and for those who want to heal.” — Rev. Tom Hall, Colonel, USAF, Retired, Senior Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh“A must-read for all, given that 70% of adults in the United States have suffered from trauma and 50,000 Americans annually die from suicide. More than a self-help book based on a return to religious principles, THE CHRIST CURE offers a comprehensive approach to the science of healing after trauma that is rich with examples from others Murphy has treated, as well as from his own recovery.” — Joseph DiSarro, PhD; Professor of Political Science, Washington and Jefferson CollegeTable of ContentsTABLE OF CONTENTS to THE CHRIST CURE: 10 Biblical Ways to Heal from Trauma, Tragedy, and PTSD by Dr. Tim Murphy Introduction Part One: Trauma Is Everywhere 1. You Are Not Owned by Trauma 2. Trauma Does Leave a Mark 3. How Trauma Affects You0 Part Two: Steps to Healing 4. Step #1—Build Your Own Resilience 5. How to Apply Your Resilience 6. Step #2—Arm Yourself with Resistance 7. How to Apply Your Resistance 8. Step #3—Embrace Your Recovery 9. How to Apply Your Recovery 10. Step #4—Accept Your Renewal. 11. How to Apply Renewal Part Three: Six Steps to STAY Healthy 12. Step #5—Get Fit 13. Step #6—Strengthen Your Attitudes 14. Step #7—Get Enough Sleep 15. Step #8—Train Your Mind 16. Step #9—Eat Healthy 17. Step #10—Learn to Relax Conclusion.

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Book SynopsisWhere Have I Been All My Life? is a compelling memoir recounting one woman’s journey through grief and a profound feeling of unworthiness to wholeness and healing. It begins with the chillingly sudden death of Rice’s mother, and is followed by her foray into the center of mourning. With wisdom, grace, and humor, Rice recounts the grief games she plays in an effort to resurrect her mother; her efforts to get her therapist, who she falls desperately in love with, to run away with her; and the transformation of her husband from fantasy man to ordinary guy to superhero. In the process, she experiences aching revelations about her family and her past—and realizes what she must leave behind, and what she can carry forward with her.Trade Review“Inspired and enlightening…” —Forbes.com

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