Reviews
Book
"As a family physician for decades, I have had my share of dealing with loss and grief. Tamara Wahl’s book is a comprehensive resource for those grieving and seeking guidance. She begins with the sudden, unexpected loss of her husband and the pain and grief associated with it that impacted her previous self-confidence.
Anyone who has experienced a loss would benefit from the symphony of suggestions and stories from her past, present, and hopeful future.
Masterfully, she weaves the journey of her long goodbye to her husband that began one year prior, along with practical ways to approach grief. She offers practical suggestions for the unexpected emotional storms of life. I especially enjoyed her ability to throw a mouse out of her car!”
Dr. David MacDonald, DO
Founder & Attending Physician, Plexus Clinic
“Tamara Wahl’s Healing Balm for Grief is a raw and intimate walk-through grief. Her willingness to be vulnerable, open, and honest on how grief affects every aspect of your life and your being is astounding. In Healing Balm for Grief, Tamara identifies the emotions one goes through and their underpinnings, the ups and downs, the devastation, the doubts, and ways to recover. She documents her own journey and the ways the Lord was there to heal her wounds.
You will realize you are not alone in your grief journey, and that there is hope through Jesus. In addition to sharing her own struggles she provides the tools needed to navigate this long and arduous process to begin your own healing. Healing Balm for Grief is an account of a person who is drenched in faith, journeying through grief using prayer, scripture and music to heal.”
Bonnie Farone, widowed after 30 years of marriage
“Healing Balm for Grief by Tamara Wahl is a practical guide for anyone who is struggling with grief due to the loss of a loved one, especially a spouse. Tamara shares her personal journey of loss and grief with transparency and hope for anyone who loves the Lord but is dealing with deep soul wounds that cause despair, hopelessness, and tears. It is an encouragement to read and offers practical tools to help you work through grief to wholeness.
I highly recommend the book and devotional guide. The Holy Spirit is sure to use this book to reveal His personal plan for many to experience restoration of faith and joy in the midst of sorrow.”
The Rev. Dr. Bill Sawyer, Pastor, Senior Executive and Denominational Leader.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Church of the Nazarene, Global Ministry Center
“While my story and yours are different, Tamara nails important issues and valuable ways to resolve them. She includes reaching out to the Lord, reading scripture, discussion with others, and listening to Christian music. Check her out on this. I am so thankful the Lord is always there for us if we seek him out.”
Karen Cramer, widowed after 59 years of marriage
Devotional
“I was immediately drawn to Tamara Wahl’s honest, heart-level sharing of the painful reality of life after the death of her spouse. Her genuine expression of daily grief and real struggles reassures us that hard, unexpected emotions are okay. These devotions remind us that God, our compassionate and loving healer, faithfully walks alongside us and cares for us during life’s most difficult times.
Nights alone can hit hard after the loss of a spouse, and her “Nighttime Prayers” help calm anxious thoughts and fortify us with strength and a remembrance of God’s promises and presence. I also appreciate the practical ideas for dealing with the daily challenges of living with grief.
This devotional offers a wise and gentle perspective on grief in short messages that are just the right length for days when it’s hard to focus."
Kathy Leonard, Christian author and editor
“When you are on the journey through deep grief due to the loss of a loved one or spouse, it helps to know there are others who understand your pain. Tamara Wahl has written Healing Balm for Grief: 40 Devotions and Evening Prayers because she has experienced first-hand the deep soul wounds that make days and nights so difficult to manage.
Each devotion offers Scriptural promises, thoughtful insights, worship music suggestions and written prayers to help sustain and strengthen your faith. The devotions contain practical insights that will help you navigate the journey of grief with the grace of the Lord and the help of the Holy Spirit.”
Rev. Dr. Bill Sawyer, Pastor, Senior Executive and Denominational Leader
“If you have recently become a widow or widower and you are feeling alone and sad, you will find the peace and quiet you long for by experiencing the scriptures, prayers, and songs Tamara shares in her book. Some of my favorite songs are, Whom Shall I Fear and His Eye Is On the Sparrow. Also, at the end of each devotional there is a space for you to write your personal journal entry “to cement these truths in your heart!”
The section I found to give me the most peace and comfort was when Tamara shared her moments with the Lord in prayer and how one evening Doug, her late husband, came to her in her dream! Reading about this dream and her other experiences will help you feel ‘Healing Balm’ and that you are “dearly loved” by our Savior! It is also important to know that Tamara believes that ‘the Lord directed every word of this devotional you are now holding in your hands.’”
Bette Laurenson, widowed after 60 years of marriage
“Healing Balm for Grief: 40 Devotions and Evening Prayers is a deeply Christ centered devotional, and Tamara's own experience here comes through powerfully. The devotions bring tremendous encouragement and comfort in grieving the loss of your spouse, and I believe it truly captures Christ's heart for widows and widowers.
I think one of the most powerful parts of the devotional is the music that Tamara selected for each devotion! The music feels truly Holy Spirit inspired and really brings great depth and emotion to each devotion. Healing Balm is truly a great title for this work!”
Bill Suminski, widowed after 34 years of marriage
“When Tamara told me she was writing a devotional for her book, Healing Balm for Grief, I was thrilled! She has created a daily sized reading to help others heal from grief, especially from the death of a spouse. I highly recommend this devotional to help you find all God has for you.”
Janet Raymond, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor