Ryan Clark Hastings
April 20, 1984 - November 2, 2000
Grief Resources

I have found that my Dad's advice and his suggestions of scripture have been one of the best anchor points so far. He encouraged me to have a quiet time each morning - praying, wailing, pleading.. just whatever feelings I have just share them with God and let him come and be the comforter.

The following are scriptures that I received as places to go to find some references for healing concerning Ryan's death, from my dad, Dr. C. B. Hastings: (his note to me)

Genesis 18:25, cf.
Deuteronomy 32:4, 33:25-27 (KJV)
Psalm 23, 27:14, 34:1-8; 17-19, 40:1-11, 42:1-8, 46:1-3; 10, 55:22, 62:5-8, 91:1-2, 103:17-19
Jeremiah 33:3

Many more of the Psalms praise God for his care and his support of those who `fear him,' but most of these have to do with the psalmists' troubles brought on him by human enemies.  The ones I have listed are not in that category.

Romans 2:13-16, 4:3, 8:26-28, 37-39 (RSV)
2 Corinthians 1:3-7; 7:6
Philippians 4:4-7
Hebrews 4:14-16
2 Peter 3:9

I hope all of these will be a blessing to you in your prayers and devotional thoughts. Keep up your daily prayer time even when you are on the road. And other times remember the injunction and example of Brother Lawrence of old, who followed the continual "Practice of the Presence of God" even while he was a menial helper in the monastery kitchen.

Blessings!
Dad

There are two books I have read so far that have been especially good:

"Let Me Grieve, but Not Forever" by Verdell Davis

Verdell is a family friend and goes to my church, Park Cities Baptist, in Dallas. She lost her husband in a plane crash in June, 1987.  Please note that the book has also been published as "Riches Stored in Secret Places" with the cover shown below.

 "Riches Stored in Secret Places" by Verdell Davis 

"Tracks of a Fellow Struggler" by John Claypool
(John lost his daughter and the book has been published with both covers. One in hardback and one paperback)

Larry Hastings, Dec 20, 2000