When we lose a loved one--whether the loved one was a long-awaited child still in the mother's womb or a spouse of 60 years--we feel tremendous sorrow. When the sadness does not subside, we can lose our focus and composure. We can be left feeling desperate and helpless, wondering, "Why?"

Purposeful Grieving provides 56 devotions that recognize the challenges of grief but also lift your eyes to the comforting cross of Christ. Psalm 13 outlines the daily messages. Each devotion concludes with a prayer and two journaling questions--one for further thought on the devotional topic and one for personal help as you face the future.

Pointing to Scripture, author Dr. Stacy Hoehl lets the divine Comforter speak for himself and pull back the corner of the blanket of grief that threatens to smother you, allowing you to step out and wake up in the dawning light of the Lord.

Dr. Hoehl, professor of communication at Wisconsin Lutheran College, is no stranger to sorrow, but as she grieved, she recognized that she also grew. She came to understand that her anguish was a process through which God prepared her to serve him and her fellow Christians. Without denying the pain of loss, Dr. Hoehl learned that she could approach her grief with purpose. In her book, she invites you to do the same.