Resources:
Grieving the Loss of a Child
Find Focus on the Family broadcasts, best-in-class books,
referral recommendations, and more.
Choosing to See: A Journey of Struggle and Hope by Mary Beth Chapman
Chapman shares her struggle with the tragic loss of her daughter Maria Sue, and her journey to healing through faith and hope.
Grieving the Child I Never Knew by Kathe Wunnenberg
“A Devotional for Comfort in the Loss of Your Unborn or Newly Born Child”
Healing Hearts: The Journey From Grief to Life by Hisashi Nikaidho
This book shares the stories of eight mothers who lost their children. They vulnerably share their pain while also pointing to healing and hope.
Holding on to Hope: A Pathway Through Suffering to the Heart of God by Nancy Guthrie
Sharing Scripture and personal experience after the death of her infant daughter, Guthrie compassionately addresses the emotions and questions that come from loss—and she guides readers to the heart of God.
Hope for Today, Promises for Tomorrow by Teske Drake
“Finding Light Beyond the Shadow of Miscarriage or Infant Loss”
I Will Carry You by Angie Smith (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
Angie was 18 weeks pregnant with her fourth daughter when doctors discovered conditions that would leave baby Audrey “incompatible with life”—but the Smiths chose to carry Audrey as long as she lived. Angie weaves the story of Audrey’s brief life outside the womb with biblical hope to illustrate God’s sustaining grace during loss and disappointment.
I’ll Hold You in Heaven by Jack Hayford
“Healing and Hope for the Parent Who Has Lost a Child Through Miscarriage, Stillbirth, Abortion or Early Infant Death”.
Life After the Death of My Son: What I’m Learning by Dennis Apple
With understanding and compassion, Apple offers grieving parents insight from lessons he’s learned—and continues to learn—after the death of his son. His gentle and honest words will guide and give hope to those who are grieving.
Safe in the Arms of Jesus: God’s Provision for the Death of Those Who Cannot Believe by Robert P. Lightner
For parents who have lost pre-born children—or those too young or mentally unable to believe in Christ—Lightner explains God’s provision and offers sympathy, solace, and strength for the journey toward healing.
Silent Grief by Clara Hinton
Writing primarily to those who have suffered miscarriage, Hinton also provides hope and encouragement for those who have given birth to a stillborn child, lost an adult child to accident or illness, or whose child is missing.
Surviving the Loss of a Child by Elizabeth B. Brown
“Support for Grieving Parents”
A Symphony in the Dark: Hearing God’s Voice in Seasons of Grief by Rebecca Rainey-Mutz and Barbara Rainey (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
A mother and grandmother share their emotional and spiritual journeys through the birth, brief life, and death of their little one to speak to the unique grief that accompanies the passing of an infant. They encourage others with the ultimate hope we embrace in Christ’s victory over death.
When Your Family’s Lost a Loved One by David Guthrie and Nancy Guthrie
Reminders are everywhere—a silent crib, an unused pillow… There’s no avoiding the pain, and each family member will grieve in his or her own way. But it is possible to find hope, joy, and unity together again. Sharing from their personal journey through loss, the Guthries offer practical, compassionate help.
Choosing Life in the Midst of an Adverse Pregnancy – Part I, Part II (Todd and Angie Smith)
Advised to terminate the pregnancy of their fourth daughter because she likely wouldn’t survive outside the womb, the Smiths chose life instead—and were blessed to love on Audrey Caroline during the few hours she lived after birth. They share their story and faith to encourage others who face difficult pregnancies or who have suffered the heartrending loss of a child.
Coping With the Loss of a Loved One (David and Nancy Guthrie)
Losing two infants to the same genetic disorder, the Guthries share candidly about their journey through grief—and about the importance of faith in God’s sovereignty.
Dealing With Loss and Grief in an Adverse Pregnancy (Josh and Laura Huene)
The Huenes share the heartbreaking story of the death of their baby daughter shortly after birth. They offer hope and encouragement to other parents suffering a similar loss.
Seeing God in the Wake of Loss (Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman)
In 2008, singer-songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, lost their 5-year-old daughter, Maria Sue, in a tragic accident. Together, they share their heartrending story and describe how God has sustained and comforted them in the wake of their loss.
Focus on the Family Counseling Consultation Line
If you need someone to talk to, Focus on the Family offers a free phone counseling consultation with a licensed or pastoral counselor. Call 1-855-771-HELP (4357), Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (MT).
Focus on the Family’s Christian Counselor Network
Search for licensed Christian counselors in your area.
BASIS and C2H2 (Handi*Vangelism Ministries)
These programs minister to parents who have lost a child to death, as well as to children and teens grieving the loss of a loved one. They offer individual contacts, grief support groups, retreats, newsletters, and other resources.
The Compassionate Friends, Inc.
Compassionate Friends assists families in processing grief following the death of a child of any age, and they provide information to help others know how best to support a hurting family.
A Quiet Refuge
Families who have experienced pregnancy loss or early infant death can preserve memories and mementos in an illustrated photo-journal album.
SHARE
This organization provides support through events, resources, and support groups to come alongside those who have lost a baby to miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death.
Umbrella Ministries
Umbrella Ministries offers comfort, hope, and encouragement to mothers who have suffered the loss of a child.
