Clarence Y. Barton

When Grief Comes

Christian Living

“When Grief Comes covers most of the ways in which we encounter loss and manage grief. What sets this book apart from the many self-help books on coping with grief is the personal journey this writer has made with five generations of his family. He demonstrates the strengths that come from serving in a community which has known him and his ancestors. Unlike Gertrude Stein, who found no ‘there’ there, this author has a strong sense of place and loss. All of which is put in perspective by his profound understanding of the Old Testament and New Testament writings. He leads the grieving person to discover sources of strength and hope. He has listened attentively to the stories of children, youth, adults and elderly persons who have faced differing sources of loss. Their voices are clearly heard and faithfully reported. One of the repeated joys of this book is the succinct style in which he writes, bringing solace, insight, humor, and new light to the grief journey we all make. Kirk Neely is a worthy successor to his mentor and teacher, Wayne E. Oates. Both speak from Scripture to the human condition. If you read only one book on grief, I recommend it be When Grief Comes. Such a joyful read should be shared.”