Confessions of a Grieving Christian Hardcover – January 15, 2004

I'm a long time admirer of Zig Ziglar. He has a warmth, depth and sensitivity that makes me marvel at how often he does it. This is another book I intended to glance through and keep in my library. For personal reasons, I found the subject matter so painful. Instead, I have spent a weekend deeply immersed and wishing I'd had this book in past times when I've been nearly ripped apart by grief that wouldn't quit hurting. It's plain that his wonderful family ties give him roots, but Zig's roots, as do those of all of us, go back to God. And it is in these beautiful and healing passages about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit that I wept and found solace that I will use again and again.I cannot recommend Confessions of a Grieving Christian highly enough. Mr. Ziglar lays out steps he took trying to heal an almost impossible grief at the death of his firstborn, Suzan, taken unto God's bosom in her prime. It is beautifully written, rich with deep emotion and he shares the wealth of his big heart, his love of God, family and the world he lives in and contributes so much to. It is one of a few books I've seen lately that has a cover that announces its beauty and proceeds to open that beauty out like a blossoming rose. He helps heal as only one can who has deep and abiding faith, true belief and soul-deep trust in God.

After the deaths of my 15-year old daughter Elizabeth in February of this year (unknown causes) and my Mom in May (lung cancer), I have been searching for good books on grieving for my own personal reading as well as for sharing in my GriefShare group. After searching and tossing aside a number of book on the topic I found another great book in Zig Ziglar's Confessions Of A Grieving Christian, which could have also been titled Confessions Of A Grieving Father. Ziglar's oldest daughter, Suzan, went home to be with the Lord after a prolonged illness. Grief can be overwhelming, even for a mature Christian, but as Ziglar shows us in this touching book we can navigate our way through grief with God's help. I cannot recommend this book highly enough! If you've lost a loved one buy it for yourself. If you know someone who's lost a loved one buy one for them. They'll thank you for it. I've purchased extra copies to give away to those I know who've lost a loved one.

One of the books that has really helped me through grief is the book Confessions of a Grieving Christian by Zig Ziglar. The author explores the grief process from a spiritual aspect, with many references to scripture. He writes "I encourage people who are buying the book as a gift for a grieving loved one to wait from six to eight weeks after the death before giving them this book. I believe that the message in Grieving Christian is most effective when the reader has had time to ride out the roughest waves of their initial emotions."Each chapter explores a phase of the grief experience, from the initial shock of losing someone you love to the wave of emotions that follow. Ziglar points out that people grieve differently and this is helpful in responding to family members who may express their emotions different from yours. He teaches the reader not "how to get over it" but rather how to live with grief. He says "No one is immune from the fact of grief. Grief is woven throughout the tapestry of life. " The most obvious form of grief is through death, and the more we love the more we grieve, according to Ziglar. Yet many people also grieve the loss of a marriage, loss of a home, loss of fertility or loss of ability through illness. It's crucial to recognize and acknowledge grief in ourselves and in others."If our departed ones could come back to us and tell us about their experiences with the Lord in heaven, I feel certain they would tell us three things. First, they would tell us to concentrate on the way they were when they were at their best in this life. Second, they would tell us to enjoy our lives to the fullest and choose to fill them with the best memories and experiences possible. Third, they would tell us to spend more time getting to know Christ better." Zig Ziglar, Confessions of a Grieving ChristianPlease read this book if you are grieving, or give a copy to a friend and on the inside cover write "I'm sorry for your loss." I've very glad that it was recommended to me by my Christian friends.

Shortly after I bought this book, several people I knew passed on and Zig's words and insights about comfort, peace and wisdom were a real shining light for me - helping me write and say things that brought comfort to others.It is a powerful book that is worth reading and re-reading. It is definitely a foundational book for every Christian's library.The only reason I didn't give it FIVE stars was because he didn't address a loss that stings even worse than death - and that is rejection by a loved one.With spousal and parental abandonment going on in record numbers, I think there is a great need for a work (like Zig's Confessions of a Greiving Christian) on healing the grief occasioned by rejection and abandonment.He spoke frequently about how much love there was (and is!) in his family and I loved hearing about it and I love his openess in sharing his heart with all the world, but there are a lot of families that don't have that strong anchor of love at their core, and they need healing and support too.Nonetheless, Zig's book is a treasure. It's too good to borrow at the library. This is something you'll want for highlighting and referring back to - again and again.

I needed to hear what Zig Ziglar had to say about grief. Since Ive also read most of his book and he inspires me. Well this book is also filled with inspiration and hope that there will be better days to come. I read it during a time that my friend was grieving to try and understand her a bit better. I do recommend this book