Praise for What Was Lost

 

What Was Lost was named the 2011 Christianity Today Book of the Year in the Christian Living Category!

"Barrett, a United Methodist pastor who has herself had a miscarriage, has written a useful book to fill the void she, and so many others, discover when miscarriage claims their unborn children and their expectations. Barrett shares not only her own story but also the comments of other mothers-to-be who have experienced grief and loss. The author brings uniquely Christian pastoral and theological perspectives that will help not only mothers but also spouses/partners, clergy, and friends. Christian clergy will find especially useful a chapter of resources, but everyone touched by miscarriage can learn from this reflective book. Mothers can take comfort that they are hardly alone and that God is not cruel; others can learn to replace the well-intentioned but too frequently painful bromides of consolation with more sensitive balm."
—Publishers Weekly

 

"[Barrett] skillfully en­gages abortion literature, searches the Bible and turns finally to the possibility that personhood is a mystery known in community that is grounded in the love of God."
—The Christian Century

 

"More than a memoir, it is a remarkably comprehensive resource both for women enduring miscarriage and for their families and friends. . . . As miscarriage is so common, and can be so devastating, this book will bring comfort when read individually, but especially when used in groups, in pairs, or in counseling contexts. Each chapter ends with reflection questions and exercises, making it perfect for such use."
—"Her.meneutics," Christianity Today

 

"With the insights of one having experienced pregnancy loss, Elise Erikson Barrett examines medical, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of miscarriage. With the sensitivity of a caring pastor, she also offers helpful reflection questions and exercises to aid the reader’s journey from hurt to healing and hope.”
—Karen B. Westerfield Tucker, Professor of Worship, Boston University

 

“If I had had this eloquent, faithful, truthful book to guide me, I would have been a better pastor. Barrett’s book is a great gift to those of us who must minister in time of loss.”
—William H. Willimon, author and Bishop, the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church

 

“What Was Lost is practical, informative, and spiritually wise, tackling the big questions of the spiritual life: where is God in our suffering and how can we be Christ to one another in the midst of tragedy and sorrow? Given how common miscarriage is—and how ill-equipped most of us are to talk about it—everyone should read this stirring book.”
—Lauren Winner, Assistant Professor of Christian Spirituality, Duke Divinity School, and author of Girl Meets God and Real Sex