Can one truly traverse the bumpy, painful road of grief recovery by studying runaway pigs, dead horses, roller skating librarians and an addiction to Hostess CupCakes? As an innovative approach to grief recovery, "Joy Comes with the Mourning", a new book by Janis Shanahan Miller, does just that. Miller shares hilarious anecdotal stories of her life that lead to particular insights into the healing process after loss, and a deeper relationship with God in Christ. After losing her husband of fifty years to a tragic car accident, the author read numerous books on the grieving process, books which often did more to deepen her depression and sorrow, and that were frequently written by people who had not suffered the losses about which they had written. After six months of reading, praying and willing herself to achieve a better frame of mind, she made the decision to write a book about losses of all kinds and their accompanying grief but from the aspect of joy rather than sorrow. The author's reliance on God's guidance is in every page, displaying the truths she has learned. The judges at the 2021 Asheville Christian Writers Conference described "Joy Comes with the Mourning" this way after presenting Miller with one of two Sparrow Awards for non-fiction: "This is such a great way to come at the grieving process. It is beautifully written and lives up to its title; it's a fresh voice speaking eloquently yet authoritatively on a sensitive subject." It is hoped that anyone who selects "Joy Comes with the Mourning" will find the enjoyment of good storytelling and inspiration forged by God's presence in the life of the author. The stories of lives touched by loss will eventually come to all, believer and non-believer alike, but "Joy Comes with the Mourning" can lead the way to a "happily-ever-after" ending. Addiction to Hostess CupCakes is purely optional.
