Let's Read: What Grieving People Wish You Knew by Nancy Guthrie
February Book Pick
Our first book of 2023 is going to be such a good one. A book for the grieving mom and those who love her. Practically helpful, What Grieving People Wish You Knew was written by Nancy Guthrie, a mother who has experienced loss herself and offers words to the grieving mom about what it’s like to experience loss and grief.
To keep our book club simple, this month we will only be reading Chapters 1-4, covering these topics:
What to Say (and Not to Say)
Typical Things People Say (and What You Can Say Instead)
Assumptions We Make That Keep Us Away (and Why We Should Simply Show Up)
What to Do (and What Not To Do)
What Grieving People Wish You Knew, Chapters 1-4
by Nancy Guthrie
“This book is tender, compassionate, clear, honest... and practical.”
Paul David Tripp
Quick Summary
We want to say or do something that helps our grieving friend. But what?
When someone we know is grieving, we want to help. But sometimes we stay away or stay silent, afraid that we will do or say the wrong thing, that we will hurt instead of help.
In this straightforward and practical book, Nancy Guthrie provides us with the insight we need to confidently interact with grieving people. Drawing upon the input of hundreds of grieving people, as well as her own experience of grief, Nancy offers specifics on what to say and what not to say, and what to do and what to avoid. Tackling touchy topics like talking about heaven, navigating interactions on social media, and more, this book will equip readers to support those who are grieving with wisdom and love. Description via Amazon
About The Author
Nancy Guthrie teaches the Bible at her home church, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Franklin, Tennessee, as well as at conferences around the country and internationally, including her Biblical Theology Workshops for Women. She is the host of the Help Me Teach the Bible podcast from the Gospel Coalition and the author of numerous books, including Even Better than Eden and Saints and Scoundrels in the Story of Jesus. She and her husband are cohosts of the GriefShare video series and lead Respite Retreats for couples who have faced the death of a child.
Nancy and her husband, David, make their home in Nashville, Tennessee where, according to Nancy, life is less about professional pursuits than about the ordinary aspects of being a wife, mother, friend, and follower of Jesus, with clothes to wash, e-mails to answer, and a friend to listen to. Author bio via Amazon
From The morning team
Why we chose this book
meg walker
I first picked up this book to see if it was something I'd want to recommend to friends but I ended up learning so much about my own grieving journey in turn. It quickly became one of the most practical books in understanding my own grief, what I needed from others (that I didn't know how to articulate), and why those things were helpful!
Ashlee Proffitt
This book is so helpful to the grieving mom and to those who love a grieving mom. The book very practical and relatable and yet so simple. It is the perfect read for a grieving mom trying to understand what she is going through and for those who want to tangibly love her.
the morning
book club
LEARNING, GROWING & HEALING TOGETHER
The Morning Book Club is here to provide support and thoughtful conversation about what we are reading and learning. We’re here for the books that will offer insight on navigating grief, life after loss and finding hope.
We will do so in a super simple way — because as fellow grieving moms, we know how hard it can be to read more than a few words at a time. We’re here for you and can’t wait to learn, grow and heal together.
xo,
ashlee