Judy Brizendine - Stunned by Grief: Remapping Your Life When Loss Changes Everything

Contents

Praise for Stunned by Grief

Just as graduation is called a commencement and not a termination, ones life is about the never-ending beginnings we all experience through loss and change. The courageous recreate themselves and their lives and enter loves service because of their wounds. Read and learn from Judys experience.

Bernie Siegel, MD, author of 365 Prescriptions for the Soul and Prescriptions for Living

From loss to renewal, STUNNED by Grief provides clear, inspirational steps to manage the death of a loved one. There isnt a single solution, or prescription; rather, a series of personal thoughts and actions derived from Brizendines own experience and those of others. Everyone, from military spouse to parents and friends, will find calm, steady guidance that resonates. Definitely a book worth reading, as we all need inspiration to overcome our personal loss, and reminders of the joy of life and the strength of the human spirit.

Scott Rutter (LTC, U.S. Army, Ret.), national spokesman, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)

STUNNED by Grief brings purpose and direction to the painful grief process from someone whos been there. Judy shares real life as she reveals how God can give you strength and courage to overcome tragedy. STUNNED will meet you right where you are. Its a book about grief unlike any other.

Darrell and Stevie Waltrip, founders of Motor Racing Outreach FOX Sports commentator and former NASCAR Winston Cup champion

This book is a true gem and a must read for anyone who has experienced the grief of a close personal loss. The author opens her heart, mind, and, most importantly, her soul to examine the devastation of her husbands death and her ultimate triumph through her faith in God. This book is a true inspiration. She is painfully honest, open, and extremely uplifting in her writing.

Gary L. Malone, MD, board certified psychiatrist and psychoanalyst author of Five Keys for Understanding Men: A Womans Guide

Ready or notthe experience of the death of a loved one is stunning. Like being left blindfolded in a deep dark jungle, finding ones way to a safe and familiar territory will overwhelm you with hopelessness. You might ask, If only someone who has been here could walk me through this ? Well, your map and guide are within your grasp.

More than just answers, Judy Brizendine will red dot your hearts location and give you a clear sense of direction and renewed destiny. My wife Jeannie and I serve as pastors to Judy. She is a joy to work closely and passionately with, and we love doing life with her and Jon. We both trust Judy, and the God she has come to know in a deeper way through her pain. Pain that can now become your gain. You will laugh, live, and yes, love again!

Phil Munsey, founding pastor, Life Church author of Legacy Now: Why Everything about You Matters

Out of her tears and personal grief, Judy Brizendine has created a warm and sensitive message that is filled with great wisdom, practical helpand a pathway of hope for the future. Make this book a gift to every person you know who is in the midst of grief.

Paul A. Eshleman, vice president, Campus Crusade for Christ, International

Judy has so eloquently portrayed the process of grieving and of subsequent healing. Reading her excellent book has released a river of Hope that springs eternal. I am amazed at the insights and clarity that she projects. Many will be blessed who read it.

Moses and Betty Vegh, Ambassadors of Hope to the Nations

For anyone who has ever walked through the dark days of griefor knows someone who is there right now STUNNED by Grie f is a must. Youll find hope, help, and honesty between these pages. Written by one who has been there, STUNNED will encourage and equip those caught in the throes of loss.

J.P. Jones, senior pastor, Crossline Community Church

Donna Jones, speaker and author

Also available from this author

STUNNED by Grief Journal

STUNNED

BY GRIEF

Remapping Your Life When Loss Changes Everything

Judy Brizendine

Lake Forest, CA

STUNNED by Grief: Remapping Your Life When Loss Changes Everything

Copyright 2011 by Judy Luttrell Brizendine

Published by BennettKnepp Publishing

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwithout prior written permission from the publisher, except for brief quotations in printed reviews. Send inquiries to: info@

Printed in the United States of America

Scripture quotations marked ( NIV ) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION . NIV . Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ( MSG ) are taken from THE MESSAGE . Copyright by Eugene H. Peterson 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ( NLT ) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation , Copyright 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ( Gods Word ) are taken from the GODS WORD Translation . Copyright 1995 by Gods Word to the Nations. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ( TLB ) are taken from The Living Bible . Copyright 1971 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ( NKJV ) are taken from the New King James Version . Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ( Good News Bible: TEV ) are taken from the Good News TranslationSecond Edition . Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked ( AMP ) are taken from THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE , Copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Used by permission. ( www.Lockman.org ).

Reprinted by permission. The Great House of God, Max Lucado, 1997, Thomas Nelson Inc. Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permissiLife Is Hello: Grieving Well Through All Kinds of Loss by Alla Rene Bozarth, Ph.D. Copyright 1994 by HAZELDEN FOUNDATION. Reprinted by permission of Hazelden Foundation, Center City, MN.

Extension of Copyright Page appears on page 257

DISCLAIMER: Please read page 259.

Publishers Cataloging-in-Publication Data (Prepared by The Donohue Group, Inc.)

Brizendine, Judy.

Stunned by grief : remapping your life when loss changes everything / Judy Brizendine.

p. : ill. ; cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN: 978-0-9831688-1-2 (paperback)

ISBN: 978-0-9831688-2-9 (ePDF)

ISBN: 978-0-9831688-3-6 (ePUB)

ISBN: 978-0-9831688-4-3 (Kindle/Mobi)

1. GriefReligious aspects. 2. GriefPsychological aspects. 3. BereavementReligious aspects. 4. BereavementPsychological aspects. 3. Loss (Psychology) 4. Adjustment (Psychology) 5. Spiritual healing. I. Title.

BV4905.3 .B75 2011

248.8/6/62010917535

Credits: Cover and interior design by DesignForBooks.com . Cover photos: Author photo, Jon Kreider 2011; clouds, iStockphoto dusipuffi; silhouette image, open source art by Lu Feng. Editor: Susan Malone, Malone Editorial Services.

Preface

Do what you can with what you have, right where you are.