Аннотация

Grief may be the most difficult «work» that we as human beings must do. When a loved one, especially a child, dies through suicide, the tasks involved in that journey require a different perspective. Ronald Higdon shares with us his experience in Surviving A Son's Suicide. With loving but unapologetic candor, Pastor Higdon shares the questions and thoughts that often will continuously circle in our minds. He brings notes, book resources and inspired ways of helping from people who were supportive. If you are looking for something that makes it possible to avoid the three great words in life and faith – mystery, paradox, and ambiguity – then this book is not for you. If you have lost a family member through suicide or are seeking ways to be a comfort to those who have and are searching for a painless and less confusing way to do it, you will be disappointed in what you find in these pages. The title for this book is in the present tense: Surviving a Son's Suicide. This continues to be a work in progress. This is not a book about triumph or resolution or «now it's okay.» It's not okay; it never will be okay. Our pain and our questions remain but Pat and I are surviving in the sense that we are attempting to go forward with our lives without Mark's presence. On occasion, there is some degree of tension as we seek to understand how the other is making the extremely personal grief journey. – Ronald Higdon, father

Аннотация

Being in ministry means dealing with change. In fact, living itself means dealing with change. Church leadership, however organized, will have to deal with change. This book looks at the types of change that might occur in ministry and the difficulties involved and presents practical approaches to dealing with conflict and change in a postive, affirming, edifying way. Chapter titles such as «The Big Picture Provides Perspective,» «The Dangers of Listening for the Applause,» and «Major on Conversation, Candor, and Compassion» tell a story of practical experience applied to real-world situations. Each chapter includes suggestions for activities and items for reflection. Dr Ronald Higdon, author of Surviving A Son's Suicide , brings his five decades in ministry, including ten years of intentional interim ministry and ten years as an adjunct seminary professor, to extend his hands of encouragement and experience to other pastors. His is practical encouragement because he has lived what he teaches. This book is suitable for individual study, small group study, and particularly colleague fellowship groups.