loved baby review and giveaway
Yesterday, I shared my story of loss with you. If you missed it, you can read it here. First let me say, that if yesterday's post struck a chord, if you are navigating the sorrow of loss, I am so sorry. I've kept my story very private for a long time. But I wanted to share it after I read this book. It was given to me at the Declare Conference a couple weeks back and as I read it I knew I need to share it, so...my first ever book review here on belove(d).
Loved Baby was written by Sarah Philpott after she experienced her own losses. I can tell you that for me, four years after the fact, this book has soothed over scarred soul tissue, a healing balm I didn't even know I needed.
After my loss, I gathered several books on the topic of loss and miscarriage, because often that is one of the ways I cope. I couldn't make it through one of them. That's not to say that they weren't good, and I'm sure others were met in their need, but in the state I was in, I just couldn't focus long enough to truly glean anything.
Loved Baby is compilation of 31 devotions. Each devotion is a few pages. This is a book I could have handled! And while the devotions are short, the content is not only incredibly thorough, but it is spoken so sweetly.
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”
Sarah addresses so much in this little book! Miscarriage, ectopic pregnancies, and stillbirths are all explained and the specific needs of each discussed. The reader's feelings are handled so gently as the many emotions of loss are dealt with. Options for issues ranging from how to tell others what has happened to expanding your family (or not) are lovingly presented.
From dealing with the question of "why?" from both a spiritual and medical standpoint to learning to laugh again, Sarah encourages her reader to seek the Lord. From teaching how to ask for what we need and offering practical suggestions to dealing with the jealousy that so often accompanies these deep feelings of loss, Sarah will walk you through communicating with those around you. Sarah beautifully deals with how to help those around you, including dads and siblings, who are grieving as well. You will find strength to guard your heart against words that hurt. While acknowledging that you will never be the same person you were and that your sweet baby will always hold a special place in your world and your heart, Sarah gently points the reader toward her future and her hope.
Each devotional ends with a section called "Soul Work" that allows the reader to process what she has read. Whether a question to think or journal about or a task to do, the "Soul Work" that Sarah lays out is thoughtful and helpful and doable. She also includes a short prayer at the end of each section, an incredibly helpful thing for a time when words so often escape us.
I wish I'd had this book when I worked through the hard grief of my loss. I wish I'd had it to give to a friend so many times. Sarah's words are Biblical, her experience is real, and her loving heart can be felt through the pages of her book. My prayer is that as you work your way through it you will know how loved you are.
I truly believe that this book should be available to anyone who needs it. I would encourage MOPS groups, churches and even midwives and doctors to keep some on hand as needed. I have two copies of this book that I would like to give away. If you would like to win a copy of Loved Baby, all you have to do is click on the Rafflecopter below and follow the instructions.
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