Help for the grief of suicide

Fierce Goodbye: Living in the Shadow of Suicide G. Lloyd Carr and Gwendolyn C. Carr. Herald Press, 2004. 167 pages.

This book is the documentary edition of an earlier version of Fierce Goodbye, by the same authors (InterVarsity Press, 1990), republished to accompany the made-for-Hallmark documentary by the same name, produced by Mennonite Media. It is written by a couple who are survivors of a loved one’s suicide.

The story of the Carrs’ daughter-in-law’s suicide is told throughout the book, in both prose and poetry. The middle of the book is devoted to an exploration of what the Bible says about suicide, as well as what the church and theologians have said about it throughout history. Readers may be surprised at some of the findings in this section.

The final chapters focus on how to help others who have experienced the pain of a loved one taking their own life. Finally, the appendix provides several key writings from ancient extra-biblical texts.

I recommend this book for those involved in caregiving, as well as for those who wish to know more about how to help those who grieve the suicide of a loved one.

Mark Johnson is conference minister for the Ontario Conference of MB Churches, and author of “What should we think about suicide?” in the pamphlet series published by the Canadian MB Board of Faith and Life.