Suicide’s Aftermath: Three Griefs More!
Christian Couple’s Compounded Grief for a Loved One’s Suicide
by Charlie & Terry Liebert
Charlie & Terry Liebert both became Christians at mid-life in their 30s. Now 80 and 75, after 53 years of marriage, they face their greatest life tragedy, the unexpected suicide death of a dear loved one. Journey together with them as they agonize through three more levels of grief.
We grieve a person’s death because we know, deep inside ourselves, that death is NOT the way God intended the Universe to work. No matter what the direct cause of anyone’s death is, sorrow immediately envelops the survivors, and they begin to grieve that person’s passing. That is normal grief. In this book, we will describe three levels of grieving that go beyond the expected or anticipated death of a person we loved. Our grief and suffering intensify at each level as we consider the sudden, unexpected death by suicide of a close friend or relative. These increasing levels of grief raise questions about death, suicide, and our Christianity that we must answer if we expect to eventually resume our “normal” life. One question that I’ve already been asked is, “Why bring in the Christian perspective?” The answer is simple. I don’t know how I could have dealt with our loved one’s death without my relationship with Jesus. I had Job’s choice: Flee from God “Curse God and die!” OR Flee to God “How can we accept good and NOT evil?” More Info: Three increasing levels of grief are:
- Grieving for a sudden unexpected death, recognizing the source of death from the Scriptures, SIN. DEATH is transitory. It had a beginning (Genesis 3) and a definite end (Revelation 20).
- Grieving for one’s death by suicide and its unique impact on the survivors. Asking the “WHY” question. “Why did he/she die by suicide?” The shame of Suicide?
- Grieving by Christians for the death of one who never made a profession of faith in Christ. Where are they now? HEAVEN or HELL? YOU can’t change it. Leave that decision to God!
I’ve included an analysis of the death of Inspector Javert from Victor Hugo’s novel Les Misérables because it clearly illustrates the three steps to suicide 1) Situation (desperation), 2) Intolerable Dilemma (Inescapability), 3) The Decision to die. Les Miz also contrasts the two covenants, WORK (the law of God) and GRACE (Jesus).
Table Of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
CONTRIBUTORS
IN MEMORIAM.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE, WHY I WROTE THIS BOOK.
INTRODUCTION. THREE LEVELS OF GRIEF.
1) DEATH: NOT EXPECTED.
2) DEATH: BY SUICIDE
3) DEATH: WITHOUT FAITH.
MY LIFE AS AN ATHEIST.
MY LIFE AS A CHRISTIAN.
CHAPTER 1. CHARLIE’S DESCENT TO ATHEISM.
DOROTHY.
PAUL.
AMITYVILLE MEMORIAL 1959 50TH REUNION
SHELLY.
CHAPTER 2. WORLDVIEW: DEATH / LIFE.
THE ORIGIN OF DEATH.
Atheist / Evolution’s view of DEATH:
Biblical / Creation view of DEATH:
DEATH’S PURPOSE
In Atheistic Evolution:
In Biblical Creation:
THE VALUE OF HUMAN LIFE.
Creation’s Value of Human Life.
Evolution’s Value of Human Life.
PART 1. DEATH NOT EXPECTED.
CHAPTER 3. STEPHEN A. BROWN.
BIBLICAL BACKGROUND.
A Rebellious Son – Deuteronomy 21:18–21
The Prodigal Son Luke 15:11-23.
REMEMBERING STEPHEN, BY CINDIE BROWN.
Contributor (Charlie Liebert) Commentary:
Resume Cindie’s Narration.
Postscript by Cindie.
CHAPTER 4. GRIEVING DEATH NOT EXPECTED.
FIVE OF THE SIX “W” QUESTIONS.
COMPREHENSION.
SHOCK.
GRIEF.
“IF ONLY?”
WESTMINSTER CONFESSION.
CHARLIE’S MUSIC THERAPY.
PART 2. DEATH BY SUICIDE.
CHAPTER 5. SHAWN BY LIZ WOOLLEY.
SHAWN: “YOUR SON DID NOT DIE IN VAIN!”
The War Begins.
Diagnosis.
Treatment.
The Final Battle
OLGA Books on AMAZON.
CHAPTER 6. SUICIDE
SUICIDE IN THE US.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO SUICIDE.
SUICIDE PREVENTION BY CDC
THE STIGMA OF SUICIDE.
JAVERT’S SUICIDE IN LES MIZ
Javert sings “Stars” from Les Miz
Javert’s Suicide From Les Miz
Two men two different destinies.
CHAPTER 7. SUICIDE IN THE BIBLE.
ABIMELECH – JUDGES 9:50-54.
SAMSON – JUDGES 16: 23-31.
SAUL AND HIS SONS – I SAMUEL 31: 1-7.
AHITHOPHEL – 2 SAMUEL 17:23.
ZIMRI – I KINGS16;18-19.
JUDAS – MATTHEW 27: 3-10.
BIBLICAL ANALYSIS
The Rich Man and Lazarus
Suicide is NOT The Unforgivable Sin.
CHAPTER 8. GRIEVING DEATH BY SUICIDE.
“WHY?” THE SIXTH “W” QUESTION.
“WHAT IF” – PREVENTION.
PART 3. DEATH WITHOUT FAITH.
CHAPTER 9. WORLD RELIGIONS
THREE VIEWS OF GOD.
1) God’s Not Relevant.
2) Non-Christian Religions.
3) Christianity.
CHAPTER 10. ATHEISM VS. CHRISTIANITY.
ATHEISM.
AGNOSTICISM.
CHRISTIANITY.
Fundamentals.
Five Solas.
Apostle’s Creed:
Practical Atheism, Our Family, Our Friends.
Marginal Christianity! by J. Robert Hanson
SUMMARY
CHAPTER 11. GRIEVING DEATH WITHOUT FAITH.
JUDGEMENT: ONE DESTINY, GRIEF, OR JOY.
FINAL RESOLUTION FOR OUR GRIEF
CHAPTER 12. FROM DEATH TO LIFE,
THE GOSPEL.
Men are dead in their sin.
Paying the Sin Debt, God’s Solution.
Invitation.
THE RAISING OF LAZARUS.
READ. John 11:17–44.
Do YOU have ears to hear?
Will YOU hear: Jesus’ call, come out of the grave?
Will YOU receive discipleship training?
THE SPIRITUAL EQUATIONS.
CONCLUSION.
APPENDIX ABOUT THE AUTHOR.
CHARLIE’S BIOGRAPHY.
CHARLIE LIEBERT’S BOOKS
Christian Apologetics
Christian Education
General Literature. Fiction
Creative Historical Nonfiction
CHARLIE’S PUBLISHING ASSISTANCE
CHARLIE’S MANY DIFFERENT CAREERS. (TEXT)
CHARLIE’S MANY DIFFERENT CAREERS. (TABLE)
CHARLIE’S CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY.
