Held: 31 Biblical Reflections on God's Comfort and Care in the Sorrow of Miscarriage
Using Psalm 139, Abbey Wedgeworth walks alongside women suffering the heartbreak of miscarriage. Having experienced the sorrow of miscarriage herself, she acknowledges the isolation commonly felt and the impact that such an experience can have on faith.
The 31 biblical reflections in this beautiful and comforting book remind grieving women that God sees them, knows them, loves them, and is actively caring for them. These precious verses will show women that God can bring comfort, assurance, protection, and purpose in the very sorrow that they are experiencing.
Includes personal stories of pregnancy loss from others, including Courtney Reissig, Kristie Anyabwile, and Eric Schumacher encouraging sufferers that they are not alone. It is a very helpful book to give to women who are suffering in this way.
Reviews (190)
Not just for those who have personally miscarried
I bought this book with my friends who have suffered the pain of a miscarriage in mind. I wanted a resource to share with them as well as to draw from in learning how to comfort them. I was surprised at how often this book spoke into my own pain and suffering (not from miscarriage). It reminded me of how the character of God and the suffering of Christ can be applied to all of our afflictions, no matter how insignificant or all-encompassing they may seem. I loved that most of the chapters ended with a section of scripture readings, reflection questions and responses. It was helpful for me flesh out the content and apply it to my own heart. Overall, this book was very helpful in unpacking the pains that can come with miscarriage and providing a Biblical and hopeful response. It was warm, pastoral, and practical. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has suffered a miscarriage or who wants to support someone else who has.
A Breath of Hope
This book was what I needed to read 10 years ago when I lost our baby. It was such a traumatic, unexpected loss that I felt completely lost at sea. I'm thankful for friends and family who pointed me to God's Word through those months. 'Held' takes those truths from the Bible and gently and lovingly points the reader to real hope, found only in Christ. The short chapters aren't overwhelming or difficult to process but wonderfully suited to someone grieving. The stories of many others who have suffered miscarriage reminded me I'm not alone in the special kind of grief miscarriage can bring but God has met others in that same pain. Each chapter walks you through part of Psalm 139 with other passages of the Bible woven throughout. The chapters end with other passages to read and consider, questions for reflection, a response in a prayer or song, and section to journal any thoughts. The quality of the book is beautiful and would make a lovely gift to someone walking the trial of miscarriage. I'm so thankful for God's Word and for people, like Abbey, who are faithfully sharing it. I highly recommend this book.
3 Years Since My Miscarriage -- Praise God for This Resource
What an amazing resource. I was on the launch team for this book through The Good Book Company. Some background info (TL;DR at the bottom) : I am a happily married 27 year old woman with two daughters and a son. My husband is a lay pastor and also a businessman. He and I both serve as community group leaders at our local church. I served as the Deacon of Women's Ministry for a season, as well as serving the ladies in our church through our pregnancy/postpartum ministry currently. We were blessed with two daughters pretty quickly into marriage with no problems getting pregnant. It was beautiful and wonderful. After my 2nd daughter was born, we struggled through infertility for almost 2 years. Then we got pregnant! It was such a sweet time -- we waited to tell family until I was 11 weeks along. Two days later, there was no heartbeat. Miscarriage is awful all around. The most painful time of our life. Throw that in the mix of infertility and things were just plain HARD. I wished so badly to have a resource to read (even if I could not admit it at the time) to comfort me with truth; to remind me of the promises of Jesus and who He is, and who He is in the darkness of heartache. I followed Abbey Wedgeworth for a while from her Gentle Leading page, and she was my favorite writer (even if I was only reading her writing on Instagram). Her words are well-thought out and beautifully written. She is incredibly intentional with her words. So this book is GOOD. She (and other contributors) walk through Psalm 139 and share their stories and the truth of the Gospel and Jesus in less than 1,000 words per chapter/day (quick for those who don't have a lot of time, or are simply struggling through miscarriage and can't handle much more), but also includes scripture to read, as well as reflection and response sections before another section dedicated for journaling (for those who want to dig deeper and dive into prayer). Praise God for this. It's HUGE -- the reflections helped me work through three-year-old wounds/heartache that I didn't even know were there -- things I couldn't put into words were suddenly brought to light and understood. Not perfectly, but boy, am I thankful for the assistance in processing all that happened (even 3 years later) and recognizing my own issues with my miscarriage, and bringing it all to the Lord. She also has a section written from the perspective of a husband and how he struggled through the loss of his child. This was very helpful. My husband struggled hard, as well, and honestly it's such a good reminder that miscarriage isn't only painful to the women that experience them -- men also feel that emotional pain and struggle during and afterwards. This man's perspective is greatly appreciated. And if you are a man wondering about reading this book, you can (and I would argue that you should) read it. It may help you better understand what your wife is experiencing, and it may help you wrestle through your own feelings of suffering. Please know that if you have NOT experienced miscarriage, this is STILL a great resource that you should read! Prior to my own miscarriage I had no idea what all happened during a miscarriage or how to respond to someone who experienced one. I did not love others well before I experienced it on my own. Had I read this, I would've responded so much better to friends of mine that went through this, and simply would've had a better understanding and would've served them well. Growing in our understanding of the hardships others go through helps us to be more empathetic and learn how to serve them well. ALSO, having this book on hand to give to a friend who is experiencing a miscarriage can also be incredibly loving. Another sweet thing about this book is the included list of recommended books at the end. What a gift. I'm incredibly thankful for the Lord putting it on Abbey's heart to write this book. No matter how long ago you miscarried (whether it's right now, a year ago, or 20 years ago), please know how much of a helpful resource this is to draw you nearer to Christ through the suffering you've endured. I definitely recommend this. Spend time with your Savior today -- bring to Him your heart and all the struggles you're wrestling through, and know that I am praying for you. Miscarriage is painful, but our Father is Good. TL;DR : -- my husband is a lay pastor and businessman; we are community group leaders and disciplers. I also serve with our local church through our pregnancy/postpartum ministry -- experienced my own miscarriage in 2017 after having two daughters and struggling through infertility for almost 2 years -- this book helped me recognize my own issues with miscarriage -- helpful reflection. -- it covers: blaming my body, feeling like a failure -- there is perspective of husband, and men should read this, too! -- helpful no matter how long ago your miscarriage happened, or if you are walking through miscarriage right now -- words per day/chapter less than 1,000 -- walking through Psalm 139 -- reflection, response, and journaling sections after devotion - so very helpful even years later -- helpful even if you haven't miscarried. Helps build your understanding and empathy, and helpful to have on hand for friends in need. -- list of recommended books at the end -- I am grateful for the Lord putting it on Abbey's heart to write this book -- I included one day/chapter from Held for y'all Also, go follow Abbey Wedgeworth on Instagram. She's a gift.
Gentle and helpful resource
This is the book I wish I had last year when we experienced miscarriage, when my emotions were so raw and my grief overwhelming. It would’ve been so helpful for guiding my heart along those early days of grief and anger. Even still, I find much encouragement in this book now. Abby’s words are kind, gentle, and honest, allowing room for all the grief, emotions, and questions you go through. It was an encouragement to me even now to be reminded of the gospel truths in this book, and reminded that others have walked similar journeys. It was refreshing to know I wasn’t alone in some of the feelings and thoughts I’ve had, especially as this topic is not always publicly discussed. I appreciate the format of this book, a devotional companion for walking through this pain. It has Scripture, a devotional, further reading, reflection questions, and a space for journaling. There’s also a few stories contributed from others between weeks. I highly recommend this resource.
Healing the hurt of miscarriage
I love this book! Whether you have experienced a miscarriage or someone you know has, this resource helps you to know how to deal with the secret pain and grief of loss in the womb. This book points to healing through the God who creates and cherishes every life. My copy will be kept for the days when I need reminding that God holds both me and my lost little one. And this will be the first resource I share when I hear of someone else that has lost. 1 in 4 women will or have suffered miscarriage. This book is vital. I'm so grateful to have found it.
Excellent, Biblically-sound, beautiful design!
𝘏𝘦𝘭𝘥 is the book I wish I would have had two years ago when I miscarried our second baby and was grieving and feeling so alone. The loss of life in the womb is a personal and private grief, not often talked about or fully understood by others. Abbey Wedgeworth writes from her own personal experience with loss, validating the sorrow that is miscarriage and pointing the reader to the truth of the scriptures and the hope we can have in Jesus Christ. The book also includes several personal stories from other women and a man who have experienced loss, as well as space for journaling. This devotional is a must read for those who have personally experienced a miscarriage. It has been so helpful to me, even though my miscarriage was a couple of years ago. I will be purchasing multiple copies of this beautifully designed book to give as gifts to other mothers who have experienced this kind of loss. I am so grateful to Abbey for writing this needed book!!
Tender help for those walking through miscarriage
This book is a gospel-centered resource offering real hope to those suffering the pain of miscarriage. Abbey approaches this difficult topic with openness, gentleness, and a steadfast commitment to God's word. In sharing much of her own story, she connects with the reader in a personal way that lends credibility to the message offered. Working through Psalm 139, Abbey shares Biblical wisdom and offers real hope for healing and growth. While I haven't personally suffered the pain of miscarriage, I have walked alongside many who have. It is heartbreaking and, sadly, it affects 1 in 4 women. I'm grateful to have this resource to share! It opened my eyes even more than before to the pain involved in grieving a miscarriage, as well as to God's presence and goodness in any suffering we face. We have two copies on our shelf at home, ready to share with those in need. Thank you, Abbey, for faithfully serving God by writing this book!
Great book to anchor your broken heart to the hope of Jesus in His Word!
God has given Abbey a gift for writing gentle words that have touched the most tender places in my grieving heart. Just like Abbey prayed it would be, I testify that her book, Held, is the best tangible companion for a mother who has recently miscarried -as she needs time before she feels comfortable sharing her pain with others, yet at the same time also needs validation that her grief is real and affirmation of who God is even in affliction. Reading through the pages of this book and meditating on the Bible verses/questions at the end of each chapter is truly like having a sister in Christ sit with you and listen to your hurting heart. You are able to process through your pain at your own pace and anchor your broken heart to the hope in Jesus Christ. After my miscarriages, I kept quiet and held my pain inward for more than a year. Four months ago, I gave birth to a little girl. While it has been a joyous season, my heart has continued to ache as the pains of my previous losses have also resurfaced. This book has come at such perfect timing in my life! It will be the first resource I share with others who experience miscarriage!
Biblical truths for loss; grab an extra
I wish I’d have had a book like Held to process my miscarriage experience. I am thankful to have this resource now, and have an extra on hand to give to another woman when the need presents itself. Held helps make sense of the miscarriage and loss; holds truth and reminders of Biblical evidence that God knit us together in our mother’s womb, and that He does not forsake us in our pain. Each devotion is short enough to make it a reasonable read for even the busiest women, but comes packed with substance that will leave your cup and heart full.
Every woman needs this book on her shelf!
Every woman needs this book on her shelf. If not for herself, for a friend, a sister, an acquaintance. Abbey beautifully guides you through the sorrow of miscarriage and loss, all the while grounding you in faith and scripture. She validates rarely talked about feelings, provides a safe space for questions and reflection, and encourages you to sink into your relationship with God to find solace, love, and unending support. As a woman currently pursuing her RN to work with women through their pregnancy, postpartum, and fertility journeys this resource has been far more tangible, enlightening, and supportive to the grieving mother than any medical educational pamphlet available. I will be carrying this resource in my nursing ‘toolbox’ for any mother experiencing loss. This resource isn’t just for the grieving mother - I encourage anyone surrounding the mother to read this as well. You will have a profound look into the emotional, physical, and spiritual trials of miscarriage.
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