When Tragedy Strikes

The Reality Check series is a set of discussion guides designed to help people from a variety of spiritual backgrounds discover the powerful life and teaching of Jesus in the context of a small group. Each six-part session opens with icebreaker questions, and then focuses on one aspect of the life of Jesus. The session concludes with application questions that help group members apply what they've learned to their own lives. (August)

Whether your tragedy is small or enormous the sting can be debilitating. Your mind is not prepared for the unexpected. You do not wake up wondering is today a great day for a tragedy? Or wonder what level of calamity is waiting for me or my children today. However, the level and the intensity of the strike will determine whether you can survive it or just give up.

“If you have suffered great tragedy and struggle to connect with God in your grief and disappointment, When Tragedy Strikes was written for you” (Wayne Jacobsen, author of He Loves Me! Learning to Live in the Father’s Affection). After the death of a child, there is no closure. It is like learning how to live with an amputation—you are forever changed and need to learn how to live a new “normal.” There can be a feeling of desperation to find someone farther ahead on the path who can understand the crushing pain that makes you feel like you can’t even breathe at times. Laura Diehl was plunged into that place with the death of her daughter, and meets the deep need to connect with others who have experienced what cannot be put into words. When Tragedy Strikes is the raw account of her journey from deep darkness back into light and life, extending a hand of hope to those traveling on the path behind her, who need to rebuild their lives after the death of a child.

"In this world you will have trouble..." We will have trouble. God has already promised us this in His Word. Tragedy is an inevitable part of life. And that means that we will also experience grief, anger, and overwhelming questions: "What do we do now? How do we respond to this tragedy? Where is God when this happens?" Dr. Charles Stanley has heard those questions-has even asked them himself-as he and those in his congregation have faced individual moments of tragedy. Tragedy, whether on a national scale or as part of a private life, has the same devastating effect. "But in the Bible there are answers," Dr. Stanley says. "God's Word shows us how to live when tragedy strikes." And we can be assured by the conclusion of John 16:33 to "take heart!" He has indeed overcome the world!

Part six of the continuing tale of the McCallister family.

What Happens When Tragedy strikes in our life, and we are unable to deal with the impact of losing a loved one? Often, one is engulfed with feelings of loneliness, desperation, and utter confusion. Sometimes this confusion can take a person to places in their mind they can't escape. This seven-day devotional is designed with the grieving heart in mind, to those who are struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one. Rather you are at the beginning of or the ending of your grieving process, this devotional will take you on a journey toward healing and restoration.

A classic novel, heartbreaking and emotional, from Sunday Times bestselling writer Josephine Cox, 'hailed quite rightly as a gifted writer in the tradition of Catherine Cookson' Manchester Evening News. A Time For Us is perfect for fans of Lesley Pearse and Rosie Goodwin. Lucy Nolan is the golden girl. The only daughter of local grocers, Sally and Mike Nolan, she's grown up in a home of total love and security. The one thing her heart desires is that Jack Hanson might ask her to marry him, and when he does eventually propose, Lucy is prepared to give up everything to be with him - even though it means leaving her beloved parents to live abroad where Jack has been offered an exciting business opportunity. But then, almost on the eve of the marriage itself, tragedy strikes. And for the first time in her life, Lucy is forced to realise that Fate, which has been so kind to her, can also be just as cruel.