Why does God allow bad things to happen? When we lose a loved one-whether our loved one was a long-awaited baby still in the mother's womb or a spouse of 60 years-we feel tremendous sorrow and loss. When our sadness doesn't go away, we can lose our focus and composure. We can be left feeling desperate and helpless, wondering, "Why? Why did you let this happen, God?" Pointing to Scripture, Dr. Stacy Hoehl lets God, the diving Comforter, speak for himself and pull back the corner of the blanket of grief that threatens to smother you, allowing you to step out and wake up in the dawning light of the Lord. Purposeful Grieving provides you with 56 devotions that recognize the challenges of grief but also lift your eyes to the comforting cross of Christ. Psalm 13 outlines the powerful daily messages. Each devotion concludes with a prayer and two journaling questions-one for further thought on the devotional topic and one for personal help as you face the future. Dr. Hoehl, a professor of communication at Wisconsin Lutheran College, is no stranger to sorrow. But as she grieved, she recognized that she also grew. She came to understand that her anguish was a process through which God was preparing her to serve him and her fellow Christians. Without denying the pain of loss, Dr. Hoehl learned that she could approach her grief with purpose. In this book, she invites you to do the same.
