Comfort When the Shadow Falls

“In the thirty years I have known Eddie Sharp, he has served the church with skill, integrity, and steadiness. This book is a treasure for all who seek to do the same. Thank you, Eddie, for this great book and your decades of faithful service.” —Max Lucado, pastor and best-selling author

“A cogent reflection is the powerful thesis of this book: ‘The brokenhearted need shoulders, not sermons.’ Join a caring, seasoned minister, who offers biblical grounding, personal wrestling matches with mortality, grief dynamics of the dying, families, and communities, and especially the sacredness ministers have in journeying with, rather than ‘fixing,’ grievers. Eddie’s shared personal narrative, formed by a lifetime of learning by being present, is truly a gift to all.” —Virgil Fry, Executive Director, Lifeline Chaplaincy

“I know of no one more qualified to write this book than Eddie Sharp. I’ve seen him walk everything he talks in these pages. He brings experience, compassion, and wisdom to this critical conversation. But most of all, Eddie’s thoughts on death and grief replace simplistic platitudes with a gospel big enough to embrace pain, mystery, and hope. Read and be blessed. I was.” —Rick Atchley, Senior Teaching Minister, The Hills Church

“Comfort When the Shadow Falls gently, kindly, generously inspires and teaches us that we can each be used by God as he fulfills his promise to bless those who mourn. This excellent resource blends Scripture, human behavior, and practical advice. What I did not expect was how much it feels like being mentored by someone with decades of experience carrying ‘the presence of Jesus into any and every situation—standing and not running away.’” —Jan Taylor, Director of Corporate Communication, UK HealthCare, University of Kentucky

“A thoughtful and well-written guide, deeply grounded in both truth and compassion. I have not discovered a more helpful, comprehensive resource in thirty years of oncology care. This excellent book should be in the library of all ministers and any other follower of Christ involved in a ministry of comfort.” —Jackie Matar, Radiation Oncologist, Lexington, KY

“This is a thorough discussion of life and death and a deep and perceptive delving into the full meaning of God’s intention of life for His children. A clear presentation of the full scope of the Gospel for our daily lives of our experience with the deaths of those we love. A helpful description of the comfort we can know when the shadow falls.” —Will Norton Jr., Professor and Dean, School of Journalism and New Media, University of Mississippi

“Having been on the receiving end of a caring, thoughtful, and present minister during the illnesses, deaths and funerals of my husband and mother, I know first-hand the value of having a minister’s involvement to provide critical support throughout the journey of loss and sorrow. This book offers concrete, detailed, and compassionate advice that can help any pastor better meet the needs of her or his congregation as members encounter unavoidable end-of-life experiences.” —Anne Ray Streeter, PhD, former Associate Professor of Communication, Lindsey Wilson College

“As a journalist, I often encounter religious leaders in the midst of tragedy. Many times, these ministers and other caring people of faith are thrust into a heart-wrenching situation—be it a natural or manmade disaster or a fatal diagnosis—with little training on how to serve the dying and grieving. That’s what makes Comfort When the Shadow Falls so important. Its compelling mix of real-life anecdotes, helpful Scriptures and sensible advice is much needed.” —Bobby Ross Jr., Chief Correspondent, The Christian Chronicle

“Comfort When the Shadow Falls offers practical wisdom for the challenging work of caring for those who are dying and grieving. With well-told stories and concrete examples, Sharp and Bacon tenderly guide ministers and caregivers with healthy biblical theology and clarity on the social and emotional elements of ministry. This book is a must-read for all who engage in pastoral care and congregational life!” —Dr. Carson E. Reed, Executive Director, Siburt Institute for Church Ministry, Abilene Christian University