Inheritance of Tears - Review and Giveaway

Inheritance of Tears: Trusting the Lord of Life When Death Visits the Womb by Jessalyn Hutto, Cruciform Press, 2015, 108 pages.

Children are precious gifts from the Lord, and we are filled with anticipation from the moment the test comes back positive and we hear that first heart beat. We eagerly watch their growth via ultrasound, and then the day comes when we finally hold our beloved babies in our arms after nine long months. But tragically, not every pregnancy ends in joy.

How do you comfort a mother when "death visits the womb?" How do you minister to her grieving heart?

I have not had a miscarriage, so I would not even know where to begin. But Jessalyn Hutto does, and she has written Inheritance of Tears out of her own experience.

This is a very moving and personal book as Jessalyn shares about her two miscarriages and her struggles to make sense of why God would allow this tragedy. But at the same time, this is a very accessible, theologically sound book because a trial of this magnitude cannot be supported with pat answers. It needs to be borne up by the solid foundation of God's Word and His character. So her experience leads into the discussion of the fall and its consequences, God's sovereignty, and a loving Savior who enters into this sorrow. Jessalyn doesn't shy away from tackling the hard questions that arise and answers them from the Scriptures. Also, each chapter ends with a prayer for the suffering mother, which brought me to tears.

I highly recommend Inheritance of Tears. I believe this would provide great help and spiritual comfort for the mother who has suffered a miscarriage. This would also be an excellent resource for pastors and those who want to come alongside her.

The key is not to escape the grief that miscarriage brings, but to drive our souls into the shelter of Jesus' gospel during that sorrow. In this way, as we remind ourselves over and over of the glory that is ours in Christ Jesus, the light of his gospel will eclipse the darkness of death that has visited our wombs. The suffering we face presently will be overshadowed by the glorious inheritance yet to come. This is the battle we fight through faith. And as we fight, experiencing glimmers of our eternal reality along the way, our souls will be happy in Jesus. (100)

I'll be giving away a copy of Inheritance of Tears courtesy of Cruciform Press. You can enter the giveaway using the form below. The giveaway ends at noon March 28. (US addresses only.)

Update: The giveaway is closed. Congratulations to Melissa for winning the book!

Purchase this book at Amazon | Cruciform Press

I received a copy of this book from Cruciform Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."