It is estimated that each suicide directly affects at least six other people, meaning that one in every 65 Americans are directly affected by suicide. As a pastor, Rev. Dr. J. Bruce Sofia has seen too many lives “hijacked” by suicide. In his book, Hope Beyond Suicide, Sofia compassionately calls attention to one of the most important and controversial questions facing the Church today. “‘Will a person who commits suicide go to Heaven?’ Or maybe the question is better worded: ‘Will a person who commits suicide go to Hell?’” Rev. Dr. Sofia offers the biblical perspective to accompany the true life stories of parishioners who took their own lives while also incorporating the stories of six biblical figures who took their own lives: King Saul, King Saul’s armor bearer, Ahithophel, King Zimri, Judas Iscariot and Samson. If you or someone you know is struggling to cope with the suicide of a loved one, or to answer the difficult questions about the relationship between suicide, Jesus, and eternal life; Hope Beyond Suicide, then this book will undoubtedly prove itself to be an invaluable gift and resource.

A 2003 Finalist in the United Kingdom Christian Book Awards "Albert," the neighbor said, "your mom needs you to come home." That's how it began for Albert Hsu when his father died. Anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide experiences tremendous shock and trauma. What follows is a confusing mix of emotions—anger, guilt, grief, and despair. Suicide raises heartrending questions: Why did this happen? Why didn't we see it coming? Could we have done anything to prevent it? How can we go on? Many also wonder if those who choose suicide are doomed to an eternity separated from God and their loved ones. Some may even start asking whether life is worth living at all. After his father's death, Hsu wrestled with the intense emotional and theological questions surrounding suicide. While acknowledging that there are no easy answers, he draws on the resources of the Christian faith to point suicide survivors to the God who offers comfort in our grief and hope for the future. For those who have lost a loved one to suicide and for their counselors and pastors, this book is an essential companion for the journey toward healing. This revised edition incorporates updated statistics and now includes a discussion guide for suicide survivor groups.

When someone takes their life, those left behind struggle desperately to put together the pieces; the aftermath is devastating. It is unlike any other death or grief. The ensuing questions are relentless, demanding answers: Why didn't I see this coming? What could I have done? How could God let this happen? Where is my loved one? Is there a heaven? A hell? Is there hope beyond suicide? Bruce Sofia has walked with those who have gone through this valley of the shadow of death - the pain is real and it hurts deeply. He doesn't beat around the bush, pretend there is an easy way out, or default to simplistic spiritual cliches. There are answers. They are real and equal to the questions that defy healing. Is there hope? Yes. Can peace be found in these circumstances? Yes. Is there healing beyond suicide? Yes. The hope Dr. Sofia shares is real. If you have been touched by suicide in any way, then it's our desire that you'll find this book to be a source of light piercing the clouds of despair that may be shrouding your heart.

For anyone who has experienced the suicide of a loved one, coworker, neighbor, or acquaintance and is seeking information about coping with such a profound loss, this compassionate guide explores the unique responses inherent to their grief. Using the metaphor of the wilderness, the book introduces 10 touchstones to assist the survivor in this naturally complicated and particularly painful journey. The touchstones include opening to the presence of loss, embracing the uniqueness of grief, understanding the six needs of mourning, reaching out for help, and seeking reconciliation over resolution. Learning to identify and rely on each of these touchstones will bring about hope and healing.

When people die by suicide, they leave behind family and friends who suddenly find themselves mourning the person's loss and wondering what happened. This guide addresses many personal issues related to a death by suicide, including telling others, working through the grief, finding what helps people to heal, and grieving in children and youth. This Ontario guide also outlines practical things that need taking care of, such as arranging a funeral and dealing with the deceased's personal, legal and financial matters. A resource section lists organizations, websites and books that may help.

Whether you are struggling with fresh grief at a loved one’s death by suicide or your loss happened years ago, you should know that you are not alone. 5 million Americans are affected—directly or indirectly—by this tragedy each year. And it sends us on a lifelong search for answers, both to the practical questions and the deepest question of all: Why? In this definitive guide book, Michael F. Myers, MD, a leading psychiatrist, and Carla Fine, author of the acclaimed No Time to Say Goodbye: Surviving the Suicide of a Loved One, combine their perspectives as a physician and a survivor to offer compassionate and practical advice to anyone affected by suicide.