Recovery from Loss

Sooner or later, we all experience a loss in our lives that brings great pain, suffering, and sorrow. Loss may come to us in many forms. The loss of a loved one may be the painful means by which we descend into the ashes of life. Like the biblical Job, we sit alone in the ash pile grieving our loss and wondering if there can be any meaning to our suffering.

Many forms of loss may lead us to the ash pile of life. The loss of one's health due to a debilitating illness or a devastating accident is a well-traveled road by which many descend into the ashes of life.

Others experience loss in ways that are less tragic, but, nevertheless, bring sorrow and suffering. Some descend into the ashes of life because of the loss of a job or career. Others experience ashes because of financial ruin that may be related to events completely beyond their control. To be sure, there are many ways to descend into ashes.

Those who are hurt, disappointed, and perhaps even angry with God because of their loss are called to the journey of spirituality in the wilderness of change and growth. To be sure, the wilderness encounter with God is an invitation to a struggle. Those who encounter God in the wilderness of change and growth wrestle with God; we struggle, argue, complain, and cry out that God is anything but a loving, caring Father. All these legitimate and understandable emotions are part of the wilderness encounter with God.

Ashes into Gold: The Journey of Spirituality is a dramatic and detailed portrayal of the wilderness encounter with God. If you have experienced loss and find yourself in the ashes of life, I hope that you will read this book. In its pages you will find hope, encouragement, and, perhaps, a strengthening of your faith.      more . . .