Markings on the Windowsill: A Book about Grief That's Really about Hope

By Ronald J. Greer

Book Overview

"Grief permeates most of the waking moments of those who are mourning. This book is a Christian message about the hope and fulfillment that can be known at the far side of that journey."--Ronald J. Greer Ron Greer and his wife lost their two-year-old son Eric in a tragic automobile accident many years ago. In this brief, moving book, the author draws on his experiences as a father and as a pastoral counselor to offer hope, help, and healing to people who are grieving. "Ron Greer has helped my wife and me grapple with many tough issues over the years. But all of them pale by comparison to his own personal tragedy. The loss of a child is the most devastating, life-changing event a parent would shudder to even envision. But as I have learned through the years, Ron has an uncanny ability to dig deep into our dark, unexplored emotional mines--turn on some lights--and then find those precious veins of hope. There are no good answers to why bad things happen to good people. But there are good people who are able to use bad things as a lever to learn something profound about themselves and--in rare cases--to help others find the same emotional tools. Ron Greer has that tremendous gift. Thank God he is willing to share it with us."--Miles O'Brien, CNN anchor "For many years Ron Greer has skillfully counseled folks whose turn it was to 'walk through the valley of the shadow of death.' Then it was Ron's turn. By faith, transforming a terrible tragedy into a time of deepening faith, Ron shows the rest of us the way, when it's our time to walk through the desert of grief. All of us are either preparing for grief, or dealing with past grief, and we need all the help we can get. Ron can show you how to do grief with faith, hope--and love too."--William H. Willimon, author and United Methodist bishop "Ron Greer touches our hearts and gives us some great insights into healing and hope with this book. Ron writes from the depths of his own grief and his journey to healing as he and his wife dealt with the death of their two-year-old son. I have known Ron for thirty-five years, and he is made of the 'real stuff.' He enables the reader to deal with 'real stuff' with his book. The reader will be amazed at the hope the book produces on each page."--Don Harp, senior minister, Peachtree Road United Methodist Church "Markings on the Windowsill is sacred ground. When a person of Ron Greer's depth and compassion bares his soul, and that of his amazing wife, Karen, one treads with reverence and rapt attention. Be careful with this book... When you pick it up, go to a very quiet place, and plan to be there awhile. God will speak to you. Your life will be changed. I promise."--Bill Curry, ESPN sports analyst and speaker

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0687333636
• ISBN13: 9780687333639
• Release Date: September 2006
• Publisher: Dimensions for Living
• Length: 71 Pages
• Weight: 0.22 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 5.0" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

Outstanding blend of a healthy perspective on loss and a practical process to work through it in our

The author's professional credentials to write this book are impeccable. He has been well known for years for successfully helping many clients - including me - deal with loss. By combining his professional expertise with his personal parable of loss and hope he has written perhaps the most useful book available for anyone facing a loss of any kind. Although the book is based on the story of the tragic death of the author's 2 year old son, it has much broader value - for example losses not only from death, but also losses of other things like money, health, job, prestige, position, marriage, relationships. The book is also a valuable tool for anyone - professional or individuals - assisting another with their loss. In summary, this book is a must read for all of us and a ready reference to be treasured and used for years.

Wish Everyone Could Read This

I wish there were no such thing as the loss of a loved one, especially my child. This book is about a long journey to be with the loss of a very young son, not necessarily managing the loss or recovering from the loss. This book will hit any feeling person like a hard blow to the stomach. It is remembering the blow as it morphs over the years. It is about coming to grips with an unspeakable loss that never goes away. This is a lovely book about an unlovely event. I wish everyone could read this book. I knew I had added another strong step in my process of growing up when I finished the book with tears in my eyes yet smiling with hope.

Wonderful book on healing

I picked this up recently. Great heartfelt book. I would certainly recommend to anyone in need of a little warmth grieving or not.