In an attempt to escape the unbearable pain after losing my son Ben to suicide, I would withdraw deep within myself to seek refuge, and in this isolation my screams remained silent and expression became muted. Because the pain is ever near, sadly, this silence tends to be unending and little is said about the aftermath of suicide but, I believe, many would wish to feel understood in their continuing battle with its effects, and those around us who could only express the magnitude of this loss by saying 'I can't begin to know what you are going through' might prefer to be informed. Touching all the rawness within has been a slow but determined process and if my story can help to express and validate the pain of some, give insight to others and in any way promote the prevention of suicide, I could, in the telling of it, find some gladness.

Grief counselor June Cerza Kolf is repeatedly asked for specific guidance in helping suicide survivors function and heal. Their grief is unique in that the trauma of suicide leaves them in such a devastated state that the typical coping mechanisms no longer work. With deep sensitivity, Kolf leads readers through mourning to acceptance. She helps them realize the tragedy was out of their control, release their guilt and anger, and gain the power of prayer. Standing in the Shadow covers the heart of thirty-four topics, including depression, forgiveness, and the salvation of those who commit suicide. The gentle, honest writing provides answers, hope, and comfort for the bereaved.

"In 'From the Edge Back: A Journey Through the Shadows of Suicide,' readers are invited on a transformative journey out of the depths of despair and into the light of understanding and hope. This book addresses the harrowing experience of suicidal thoughts and feelings with unflinching honesty, deep compassion, and practical wisdom. It serves as a comprehensive guide for those who have faced, are facing, or wish to understand the abyss of suicide, offering a lifeline to recovery and resilience. Through a blend of personal narratives, psychological insights, and therapeutic wisdom, 'From the Edge Back' illuminates the complex interplay of factors contributing to suicidal despair, including mental health challenges, societal pressures, and the profound sense of isolation that often accompanies these dark moments. Beyond its explorative discussion, the book provides actionable strategies for coping, healing, and finding renewed purpose, emphasizing the importance of connection, empathy, and community support. This book is not just a roadmap out of darkness; it's a call to action for society to engage more openly and compassionately with the subject of suicide. It advocates for a collective shift towards understanding, destigmatizing mental health struggles, and building a more supportive environment for those in need. 'From the Edge Back' is an essential resource for individuals seeking to reclaim their lives, loved ones striving to provide support, and anyone committed to fostering a more empathetic world." Back Book Cover Text "Where does hope reside when all seems lost? How does one find the strength to step back from the brink of despair? 'From the Edge Back: A Journey Through the Shadows of Suicide' confronts these questions head-on, guiding readers through the darkest of times towards a place of hope and healing. With a compassionate voice, this book explores the depths of suicidal despair, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative power of understanding and empathy. It offers not only a path to recovery for those struggling but also insight for those who wish to support them. This is more than a book; it's a beacon of hope for those navigating through the shadows of suicide, and a call to action for all of us to create a kinder, more understanding world. Your journey back from the edge begins here."

The press called Martin's actions a "crime spree." Already convicted of armed robbery, Martin was facing the death penalty. In less than two weeks the jury would decide his fate. Terrified that his son would be sentenced to die, Phillip did the only thing he felt he could do: in an act of faith and desperation in his garage with the car exhaust running, Phillip made the consummate sacrifice to spare his son the ultimate punishment. Ironically, his suicide presented Martin's with another chance at life; the jury, moved by Martin's loss, spared his life. Phillip's story-like those of the other parents, siblings, children, and cousins chronicled in this book-vividly illustrates the precarious position family members of capital offenders occupy in the criminal justice system. At once outsiders and victims, they live in the shadow of death, crushed by trauma, grief, and helplessness. In this penetrating account of guilt and innocence, shame and triumph, devastating loss and ultimate redemption, the voices of these family members add a new dimension to debates about capital punishment and how communities can prevent and address crime. Restorative justice theory, which views violent crime as an extreme violation of relationships; searches for ways to hold offenders accountable; and meets the needs of victims and communities torn apart by the crime, organizes these narratives and integrates offenders' families into the process of transforming conflict and promoting justice and healing for all. What emerges from hundreds of hours' worth of in-depth interviews with family members of offenders and victims, legal teams, and leaders in the abolition and restorative justice movements is a vision of justice strongly rooted in the social fabric of communities. Showing that forgiveness and recovery are possible in the wake of even the most heinous crimes, while holding victims' stories sacred, this eye-opening book bridges the pain of living in the shadow of death with the possibility of a reparative form of justice. Anyone working with victims, offenders, and their families-from lawyers and social workers to mediators and activists-will find this riveting work indispensable to their efforts.

"Laura Sebastian is the next Madeline Miller. . . . a fierce, fresh, lyrical tale that will enthrall until the last page."--Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Huntress A Popsugar Best Summer Read of 2021 A Bibliolifestyle Most Anticipated Summer 2021 Sci-fi and Fantasy Book "Magical, haunting, unique--I haven't been so excited about an Arthur book since I read The Once and Future King ."--Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times bestselling author The Lady of Shalott reclaims her story in this bold feminist reimagining of the Arthurian myth from the New York Times bestselling author of Ash Princess. Everyone knows the legend. Of Arthur, destined to be a king. Of the beautiful Guinevere, who will betray him with his most loyal knight, Lancelot. Of the bitter sorceress, Morgana, who will turn against them all. But Elaine alone carries the burden of knowing what is to come--for Elaine of Shalott is cursed to see the future. On the mystical isle of Avalon, Elaine runs free and learns of the ancient prophecies surrounding her and her friends--countless possibilities, almost all of them tragic. When their future comes to claim them, Elaine, Guinevere, Lancelot, and Morgana accompany Arthur to take his throne in stifling Camelot, where magic is outlawed, the rules of society chain them, and enemies are everywhere. Yet the most dangerous threats may come from within their own circle. As visions are fulfilled and an inevitable fate closes in, Elaine must decide how far she will go to change destiny--and what she is willing to sacrifice along the way.

AS FEATURED ON BBC RADIO 4 Winner of the 2021 BPS Popular Science Book Award 'Read this incredible book. I wept and I learnt' - Prof Tanya Byron 'This book comes from the heart' - Roman Kemp 'Compassionate, personal and thought-provoking' - Prof Steve Peters When you are faced with the unthinkable, this is the book you can turn to. Suicide is baffling and devastating in equal measures, and it can affect any one of us: one person dies by suicide every 40 seconds. Yet despite the scale of the devastation, for family members and friends, suicide is still poorly understood. Drawing on decades of work in the field of suicide prevention and research, and having been bereaved by suicide twice, Professor O'Connor is here to help. This book will untangle the complex reasons behind suicide and dispel any unhelpful myths. For those trying to help someone vulnerable, it will provide indispensable advice on communication, stressing the importance of listening to fears and anxieties without judgment. And for those who are struggling to get through the tragedy of suicide, it will help you find strength in the darkest of places.

Discover Hope and the Promise of New Life In the United States it is estimated that 91 people will commit suicide this very day. This is equivalent to one successful suicide every 16 minutes. Maybe there is someone you know who has contemplated suicide and you would like to help? Perhaps it is you that struggles with depression or the nagging thoughts to end it all? If so, please know that you are not alone. With warmth and wisdom, attempted suicide survivor and Bible study teacher Yolanda Shanks offers practical solutions and scriptural truths for the many painful questions suicide survivors face: Why me? Does God still love me? Will this pain last forever? How can I shake the embarrassment, guilt, and shame from my past? What's needed to rebuild my life from here? Destined to Live, Despite Me is a powerful resource for those determined to live and find lasting joy, peace, hope, and freedom through meaningful, and deliberate living in Christ Jesus. Escape the shadows from your past and begin to build a new life according to God's design today.