Grieving the Child I Never Knew: A Devotional for Comfort in the Loss of Your Unborn or Newly Born Child

I was given this book by a dear friend following the unexpected stillbirth of our daughter Skylar in October 2016. I went into labor the afternoon before her due date. We arrived at the hospital to the unbelievable news that she had no heartbeat. Skylar would be 6 months old today. I finally made it through this book a few days ago.

The biblical view provided in this book by a woman who truly understands the range of emotions experienced by such a loss was so helpful. The scriptures, thought provoking questions and suggested prayers throughout this devotional promotes emotional and spiritual healing.

I chose to journal in a separate book vs writing in the book itself. As I looked back at sections already completed, I discovered my thoughts and prayers changed. Interesting but no surprise that the journey of grief is ever changing; each day is unique.

I have no doubt I will reference this devotional, its 'Prayer Guide for Special Days,' and my journaled thoughts as I continue to heal and honor my daughter.

If you're looking for a helping hand out of the depths of sorrow, inspiration to put one foot in front of the other, and hope to guide you on a path forward in life, I encourage you to read this book.

If you have reason to buy this book for yourself - my heart aches for you! If you have reason to buy this book to graciously help someone else - thank you!

God bless.

The author divides grief into six parts: Hiding, Suffering, Questioning, Forgiving, Relating, and Seeking, with five devotionals in each section. Each devotional has a verse of Scripture, a prayer, and several questions for the reader to work through called 'Steps Toward Healing.'

At the back of the book the author has written 'A Prayer Guide for Special Days.' This is a unique and lovely addition to the text, in which she notes a passage of Scripture for numerous special life events, with blanks for the reader's name. This is a wonderful personal practical application tool toward healing. What better than personal prayer?

I have to honestly say that I have not experienced the loss of a child. I hope that is not offensive to those who have. I know that I do not understand your grief. But I hoped by reading this book to be better able to understand what is helpful for those who have lost a child before or at birth.

The author is well-qualified to write on this subject. She gives personal testimony, Biblical truth, permission to feel, and thought-provoking questions which spur the reader to action. This book is not intended as a fix-and-forget tool, but as a guide to be used throughout the reader's life as grief issues present themselves.

I recommend this book for all women whether they have grieved the loss of their baby or not. It would be a great gift for grieving moms. It can be used individually or in a group setting.

My Rating: 5 stars

I received my copy of Grieving the Child I Never Knew from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.

I was very happy to run into this book on a website. I didn't want to read it but knew I just had to. I needed help. I needed to not feel so alone. And most of all I needed God to help me through it. Grieving the Child I Never Knew is an amazing tribute to lost babies. While acknowledging the loss, it helps one grieve properly and in a healthy way. There are 31 devotions included in this beautiful little book that has a ribbon bookmark attached. I honeslty cannot do the devotional every day so it has taken me longer to finish than just a month. It digs deep into the real issue, the real anger and the real part of the loss. I really felt that Kathe Wunnenberg really did know how I felt; well because she lived it. It is SO nice to have someone helping who actually KNOWS and doesn't pretend to know. She has been there so she understands the deep issue of hurt contained in this loss.

The book is broken down into 7 parts: Hiding, Suffering, Questioning, Forgiving, Relating, Seeking and Sharing Your Story. Different parts hold a different step in the process of healing and I appreciate that it goes in depth to each part.

Every devotion contains a scripture and a prayer as well as questions to answer to help yourself delve more into the healing process. Honestly, if I just read this without asking myself the questions it wouldn't have done as much good as it has. I personally kept a separate notebook to write my answers in so that I could keep the book in great condition and it helped me be able to write a little more free instead of in the spaces in the book.

Not only does this have devotions it also contains a section that is entitled A Prayer Guide for Special Days. Special days can make child loss that much harder, such as getting ANOTHER negative pregnancy test, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas and the one of the hardest of all when someone close to you announces a pregnancy or you have to face a baby shower. These are all very difficult days for those who have experienced loss and these prayers can definitely help get through them easier.

There is also a discussion guide if this so happens to be a part of a Grieving Support group, which it could very easily be used for. It would open others up who have been down the same road or who are going down that road heal.

This book for me is truly a God send and I am very grateful to have been able to read through it. I will definitely refer to it on those darker, harder days to help bring myself up. As we all know, healing from such deep wounds doesn't happen overnight.

This book helped me through the worst of my days when i was grieving my 3rd miscarriage. This is a devotional but I needed so desperately the support and understanding that this book gave that I read it in one day. It truly helped me to have a sense of peace. It hit every emotion and question I was asking myself. I highly recommend.