In an attempt to escape the unbearable pain after losing my son Ben to suicide, I would withdraw deep within myself to seek refuge, and in this isolation my screams remained silent and expression became muted. Because the pain is ever near, sadly, this silence tends to be unending and little is said about the aftermath of suicide but, I believe, many would wish to feel understood in their continuing battle with its effects, and those around us who could only express the magnitude of this loss by saying 'I can't begin to know what you are going through' might prefer to be informed. Touching all the rawness within has been a slow but determined process and if my story can help to express and validate the pain of some, give insight to others and in any way promote the prevention of suicide, I could, in the telling of it, find some gladness.

Grief counselor June Cerza Kolf is repeatedly asked for specific guidance in helping suicide survivors function and heal. Their grief is unique in that the trauma of suicide leaves them in such a devastated state that the typical coping mechanisms no longer work. With deep sensitivity, Kolf leads readers through mourning to acceptance. She helps them realize the tragedy was out of their control, release their guilt and anger, and gain the power of prayer. Standing in the Shadow covers the heart of thirty-four topics, including depression, forgiveness, and the salvation of those who commit suicide. The gentle, honest writing provides answers, hope, and comfort for the bereaved.

What does the Bible say on the topic of suicide? What does it not say? Lloyd, now professor emeritus of biblical and theological studies at Gordon College, Mass., began to ask these questions after a daughter-in-law died by suicide. He embarked on a thorough canvassing of the scriptures and church history on this topic, which helped him on his grief journey. Gwendolyn found solace in writing out her responses and thoughts in moving, sensitive poetry. Their combined efforts meld the pain and poignancy of the devastating experience of a family member's suicide. Fierce Goodbye is first and foremost a penetrating account of a family dealing with suicide, and offers solid guidance for those who worry about the eternal fate of a loved one. It also provides a reliable and readable summary of Christian thinking about suicide, useful for pastors, counselors, students, and teachers.

"In 'From the Edge Back: A Journey Through the Shadows of Suicide,' readers are invited on a transformative journey out of the depths of despair and into the light of understanding and hope. This book addresses the harrowing experience of suicidal thoughts and feelings with unflinching honesty, deep compassion, and practical wisdom. It serves as a comprehensive guide for those who have faced, are facing, or wish to understand the abyss of suicide, offering a lifeline to recovery and resilience. Through a blend of personal narratives, psychological insights, and therapeutic wisdom, 'From the Edge Back' illuminates the complex interplay of factors contributing to suicidal despair, including mental health challenges, societal pressures, and the profound sense of isolation that often accompanies these dark moments. Beyond its explorative discussion, the book provides actionable strategies for coping, healing, and finding renewed purpose, emphasizing the importance of connection, empathy, and community support. This book is not just a roadmap out of darkness; it's a call to action for society to engage more openly and compassionately with the subject of suicide. It advocates for a collective shift towards understanding, destigmatizing mental health struggles, and building a more supportive environment for those in need. 'From the Edge Back' is an essential resource for individuals seeking to reclaim their lives, loved ones striving to provide support, and anyone committed to fostering a more empathetic world." Back Book Cover Text "Where does hope reside when all seems lost? How does one find the strength to step back from the brink of despair? 'From the Edge Back: A Journey Through the Shadows of Suicide' confronts these questions head-on, guiding readers through the darkest of times towards a place of hope and healing. With a compassionate voice, this book explores the depths of suicidal despair, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative power of understanding and empathy. It offers not only a path to recovery for those struggling but also insight for those who wish to support them. This is more than a book; it's a beacon of hope for those navigating through the shadows of suicide, and a call to action for all of us to create a kinder, more understanding world. Your journey back from the edge begins here."

The press called Martin's actions a "crime spree." Already convicted of armed robbery, Martin was facing the death penalty. In less than two weeks the jury would decide his fate. Terrified that his son would be sentenced to die, Phillip did the only thing he felt he could do: in an act of faith and desperation in his garage with the car exhaust running, Phillip made the consummate sacrifice to spare his son the ultimate punishment. Ironically, his suicide presented Martin's with another chance at life; the jury, moved by Martin's loss, spared his life. Phillip's story-like those of the other parents, siblings, children, and cousins chronicled in this book-vividly illustrates the precarious position family members of capital offenders occupy in the criminal justice system. At once outsiders and victims, they live in the shadow of death, crushed by trauma, grief, and helplessness. In this penetrating account of guilt and innocence, shame and triumph, devastating loss and ultimate redemption, the voices of these family members add a new dimension to debates about capital punishment and how communities can prevent and address crime. Restorative justice theory, which views violent crime as an extreme violation of relationships; searches for ways to hold offenders accountable; and meets the needs of victims and communities torn apart by the crime, organizes these narratives and integrates offenders' families into the process of transforming conflict and promoting justice and healing for all. What emerges from hundreds of hours' worth of in-depth interviews with family members of offenders and victims, legal teams, and leaders in the abolition and restorative justice movements is a vision of justice strongly rooted in the social fabric of communities. Showing that forgiveness and recovery are possible in the wake of even the most heinous crimes, while holding victims' stories sacred, this eye-opening book bridges the pain of living in the shadow of death with the possibility of a reparative form of justice. Anyone working with victims, offenders, and their families-from lawyers and social workers to mediators and activists-will find this riveting work indispensable to their efforts.

When I returned home from my latest deployment in the U.S. Army, my life began to fall apart. My nightmares and flashbacks kept getting worse, and I reached the point where I was afraid of sleep. I decided the best days of my life were behind me and decided I was going to take my own life. One night, after heavy drinking, I placed my 1911 pistol in my mouth and said a prayer in my mind. “God, if you're there, save me,” but there was no response.I heard a metallic “click” when I deactivated the safety and began to slowly squeeze the trigger. Then I heard a BANG! I dropped the pistol and I looked around me, but there was no blood. The bang I heard was the Bible on my desk falling and hitting the floor. I fell to my knees and asked God for forgiveness. I surrendered to Jesus Christ and asked him to help me. He answered.

Police work involves the difficult task of preventing community dysfunction and preserving law and order within the community. Officers who deal with human misery on a daily basis work under a hidden danger not visible on the street: that of psychological harm. UNDER THE BLUE SHADOW was written to provide clinical cases and research in one volume in order to help provide a well-rounded view of police officers who work under these conditions. It will be a valuable resource for helping officers to survive this psychologically dangerous occupation. The authors of this book have both had experienc.