"Grace and Grief: A Widow's Journey with Family and Friends" from Christian Faith Publishing author Paula McVay is an encouraging collection of personal testimonies that relates a clear, raw honesty about what it is like to lose a spouse.
MEADVILLE, Pa., Jan. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- "Grace and Grief: A Widow's Journey with Family and Friends": a potent look at the intimate connection between husband and wife and how losing that connection changes everything. "Grace and Grief: A Widow's Journey with Family and Friends" is the creation of published author Paula McVay, a graduate of Southern Nazarene University with degrees in elementary and secondary education. Her master's work was completed at Syracuse University in New York. Being certified in K–12, she has taught at all grade levels, including some adjunct work at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she now resides. Her main focus, however, was being a mom to three wonderful sons and a gramma to five delightful grandsons. She loved being a pastor's wife and being involved in children's, women's, and music ministry, which always included her children.
McVay shares, "What do you say to someone who has just lost the love of their life? How do you act around them? How long do you try to comfort them? What if they seem to reject your attempts to console them? If you are the person who lost a loved one, how do you grieve and for how long? How do you handle those waves of depression? How do you relate to your children? Why can't your adult children and friends understand? Where do you go for help? How long does it take to travel this journey of grief? The author helps to answer these and other questions as she tells stories of her own journey and the journeys of others.
"This book is short, practical, and can be read in any order according to the needs of the reader. The author begins by describing how she cared for her husband during his illness and gives helpful guideline for handling life for herself and her family…not wanting to think about his coming death but knowing she must be realistic. She tells of how her family and friends helped and sometimes hindered. Practical suggestions are given at the end of each chapter with the author, making sure that readers need not feel they must do everything at once or exactly like someone else has done. Although she puts strong emphasis on God's grace and His word, she makes it clear that professional help is sometimes needed.
"Going places alone, making financial decisions, handling those special days, facing more difficulties, growing in confidence, and ministering to others are just a few of the topics addressed. The widow not only learns who she is but begins to grasp who God is as He strengthens and guides her with his mercy and grace. Paula wants readers to know that she truly grappled with when to write and which stories to tell. She often cried out to God for discernment, asking, 'Am I being too vulnerable? Do I really want people to know some of these experiences?' She was reminded how others could receive help through a scripture or particular story. Readers will be thankful that she completed the book and find hope for their own journeys no matter the length or challenge."
Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Paula McVay's new book will resonate with many who have experienced the earth-shattering loss of a loved one.
McVay shares in hopes of helping others facing similar trials to overcome the unexpected challenges and diverse emotional toll of death.
Consumers can purchase "Grace and Grief: A Widow's Journey with Family and Friends" at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.
For additional information or inquiries about "Grace and Grief: A Widow's Journey with Family and Friends," contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
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