Christian Book Notes

Taylor, Ruby L. No More Good-Byes. Pennsylvania: Joy Will Come Ministries, 2009. 100 pp. $24.99. Purchase at Amazon for $18.99 or less.

Introduction

Ruby Taylor took a tragedy from her life, the death of a close cousin, and has turned it into a ministry to help others cope with the loss of a loved one. She has a ministry, Joy Will Come, that offers help and support to those who are experiencing grief. She is a social worker and an educator who loves working with inner city children and adults. Ruby has an enthusiastic personality. She shows how to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul while loving your neighbor as yourself.

Review of No More Good-Byes

More than a book to sit down and read, No More Good-Byes is a study resource designed to show those left behind to deal with the loss of a loved one just how God is speaking to them during this dark time in their life. The book begins with Ruby’s story of how losing her cousin led to the writing of this book and the founding of her ministry, Joy Will Come. It certainly helps to know that she is writing from experience and not from the isolated world of a home or church office.

The study is divided into three parts and is for twenty-one days though all three parts are not of equal length. In part one Ruby leads the reader down the process of grief and loss. She moves through the stages of grief and shows from Scripture how these stages are normal. Part two moves directly into reliance upon the Lord. In a time of loss, it is nice to know Who is with you. Finally, part three details how the life to come if far better than the life here and now.

Recommendation

Drenched in Scripture, Ruby leads her reader gently by the hand to see a God who is always there and who will never leave nor forsake you. She begins with the common man-centered understanding of dealing with grief and shows how that is all fine and well, but quickly points the reader to a greater hope in God our Savior through Christ our Lord.

With questions at the end of each day to allow for interaction and pages for journaling, Ruby Taylor has authored a nice resource that would serve pastors well to have on hand when it comes time for grief counseling in your congregation. It would also be a great resource for funeral directors to be able to offer to families when they are dealing with death and the inevitable questions that will ensue. You can order in bulk at generously discounted rates from her website.