SOUL CARE WHEN YOU’RE GRIEVING – Book Review

We’ve all had those moments when we wish we had something more to offer to those who are grieving. Now, we have Edie Melson’s book, SOUL CARE WHEN YOU’RE GRIEVING. Reading this book prompted me to get copies for four friends whose husbands passed away this year.

The Author of SOUL CARE

Author of numerous books, this is Edie Melson’s third book in her SOUL CARE series. The series includes a book for when you’re weary and a book for writers.

Melson is an accomplished author, blogger, and speaker. She’s the director of one of my favorite writing conferences, the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference.In addition, Melson is a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and a regular columnist for Guideposts.org, Just18Summers.com and PuttingOnTheNew.com.

She and her husband, Kirk, have been married 35 years and raised three sons. They live in the Upstate of South Carolina.

And, Melson empathizes with those who are in the midst of grieving. Mourning the passing of her dad and her best friend was a day-to-day process.. Then, in 2021, her daughter-in-law died in a tragic farming accident, leaving Melson’s son and a three-month old infant.

“In this exquisitely written book, Edie Melson, a fellow sojourner, speaks heart to heart with those who grieve. As a survivor of personal tragedies, and horrific life altering losses, Melson shares her raw honest reactions, deep soul-searching questions and a myriad of pathways back to a feeling of closeness with the Great Healer who never let her go.”   

Deborah McCormick Maxey, PhD Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Traumatologist (excerpt of endorsement for SOUL CARE When You’re Grieving

The Contents of SOUL CARE WHEN YOU’RE GRIEVING

Published by Bold Vision Books, this softcover book embodies five “chapters.”

1 Moving Past Denial

2 Letting Go of Anger and Choosing Peace

3 Learning to Live with What Cannot Be Changed

4 Welcoming Joy After Loss

Embracing a New Attitude

Each “chapter” includes an introduction and approximately five devotions. Each devotion is followed by a thoughtful prayer.

The devotions are appropriately short. Each begins with a scripture from various versions (NIV, ESV, HCSB, NASB, and others).

One of my favorite devotions was “Peace with the Plan B.” Through unexpected circmstances in one of her sunrise photography shoots, Melson reminds us that God doesn’t have a Plan B. She shares a beautiful story about how she had to recalibrate her vision of Plan B.

“It’s far too easy to be tied to common misconceptions about grief. By reframing those misconceptions, we can learn to give ourselves more grace as we process loss. Each chapter is designated by the opposite of one of the five experiences of grief and can help you start that course to reframing through: devotions, prayers, and creative exercises.” 

Edie Melson, Soul Care When You’re Grieving

Creative Exercises

After every devotion, Melson has included a unique Creative Connection which provides a creative outlet for readers. Usually, all that is needed are colored pencils, a journal, or a camera. Sometimes other supplies are needed, but they are things most readers will have on-hand.

An Example of a Creative Connection

One example of a Creative Connection in Melson’s book is about learning to be gentle with yourself. She suggests taking two stones. On one stone, use a permanent marker to write out one of your frustrations in the grieving process. Melson expressed her frustrations about crying at everything.

Then, she asks readers to take some time to seek God’s truth, to “ask Him to reveal a word or a verse that releases you from that failure.” On the second stone, write what you learned from God during those quiet moments. Throw away the first stone and place the second stone where you’ll see it often.

My Thoughts

I think SOUL CARE WHEN YOU’RE GRIEVING is a well-written and meaningful book. It’s comforting. Yet it’s not sugar-coated, cookie-cutter steps to healing. Melson gently comes alongside readers understanding each person’s grieving process is unique. She encourages you with valid biblical wisdom and heartfelt prayers as you move forward and out of your grieving journey.

I highly recommend this Christian book of devotions for those who are grieving.

A freelance writer, Sally Matheny’s writing is published in worldwide, national, regional, online and print publications including Appleseeds, Clubhouse Jr., Homeschooling Today, and The Old Schoolhouse.

As a writer, blogger, and speaker, Sally encourages parents to live victorious and to courageously tell the next generation wondrous things. Connect with her on several social media sites, but her favorite hangouts are at SallyMatheny.com and Pinterest.