The Tender Scar is a non-fiction book which stems from the journaling I began shortly after the death of my first wife. Each of the twenty-five chapters covers a situation, an emotion, or a challenge I encountered during my journey through grief. I have been amazed at the way God has used this book to minister to many thousands of those who have lost loved ones. If you or someone you know is in this situation, I hope you’ll read The Tender Scar.
 
You can purchase copies of this or any of my books from online or local bookstores.

WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT THE TENDER SCAR:

If you’ve lost your spouse, get this book. If you know someone who recently lost a spouse, give this book (but first read it yourself)—it will make you a better friend to the grief-stricken."
            —Sue Kline, Discipleship Journal Picks

“Through a series of journal entries, readers of this volume are able to listen to the honest feelings of one man…. Through these personal entries, (Dr.) Richard Mabry deals with everything from family treasures to the Christmas tree…. Highly recommended for individual reading, for study groups for the widowed, and for grief support groups, this book would also make a thoughtful gift for someone who is traveling this difficult path.”
            —Maryann Barth, Congregational Libraries

“I picked up your book, The Tender Scar, last week at a widowed persons support group that I am attending.  It has ministered to me in a way that no other book has in the five months since I lost my wife of 40 years…"
            —Anonymous reader


EXCERPT FROM THE TENDER SCAR

            Disposing of personal possessions is for the bereaved survivor among the most difficult of tasks. The process not only triggers emotions, but creates the temptation to turn these possessions into a shrine for the deceased loved one.

I felt as though I was making progress the past few days, but trying to clean out Cynthia’s closet started it all over again. Getting rid of her clothes is yet another reminder that she is gone. Part of me keeps saying, “But if the clothes are gone, what will she wear when she comes back?” Hope outstrips logic in these situations….

After the initial shock of loss has begun to subside, there comes a time when those left behind must deal with the physical possessions of the one who has died. This can be a daunting task, both from the standpoint of the emotional trauma involved and the time and effort required. And it comes at a period when grief and depression typically sap the energy of the survivor….