I Will Not Leave You Comfortless: Finding Peace In Times Of Grief (reviewed by Trudy Thompson)

Review
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Title: I Will Not Leave You Comfortless: Finding Peace In Times Of Grief
Author: Various
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Genre: Non-Fiction
Year Published: 2014
Number Of Pages: 80
Binding: Hardcover
ISBN10: N/A
ISBN13: 978-1-62108-809-7
Price: $11.99

Reviewed by Trudy Thompson for the Association For Mormon Letters

We have all found ourselves at a loss for words, and what to do, when we hear the tragic news that a family member, neighbor, friend, or business associate has died. We are in a state of shock, often numb, and we mentally and sometimes physically freeze. Especially when it is a sudden passing, or the loss of a child, a young person or someone we were especially close to, we stumble through expressions of sympathy, meek offers of , “let me know if there is anything I can do”, and the automatic response of bringing in food.

As the days, weeks and months go on for the bereaved, they are often left alone, too alone, after the initial rush of sympathy, support and help from well meaning relatives, friends and neighbors. It is often at these times, when the grieving loved ones of the deceased truly need support and friendship. It is then that they are searching for answers and comfort. ” I Will Not Leave You Comfortless” is the perfect gift to give at just this time, or anytime someone is working through the deeply profound experience of grief.

This small book, complete with stunningly beautiful and calming photography of various nature scenes, will soothe the troubled mind and soul of all those who read the brief passages of comfort and look at the pictures.

The short, but uplifting and hopeful writings of comfort, are from a wide variety of authors and from the scriptures. General Authorities, past and present from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, philosophers, poets, world leaders, authors, and verses from songs are all used.

Some of my favorite passages include the following:

From Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “As we wait with those who are dying..we brush against the veil, and goodbyes and greetings are said almost within earshot of each other.”

From Laura Ingalls Wilder:” Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that is how I will remember all of you. If you can only remember me with tears, then don’t remember me at all.”

From Leonardo da Vinci: “While I thought that I was learning how to live, I have been learning how to die.”

From Helen Keller: ” What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”

From Gates of Prayer, Judaism Prayer Book: In the rising of the sun and in its going down, we remember them; In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter, we remember them; In the opening of buds and in the warmth of summer, we remember them; In the rustling of leaves and the beauty of autumn, we remember them; In the beginning of the year and when it ends , we remember them; When we are weary and in need of strength, we remember them; When we are lost and sick at heart, we remember them; When we have joys we yearn to share, we remember them; So long as we live, they too shall live, For they are now a part of us as WE REMEMBER THEM.

Having a few copies of this excellent book on hand to give to those who mourn, is more meaningful and lasting than flowers that wilt and die or casseroles that are consumed and forgotten. This is a book to be treasured and read and re-read.

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