After the Darkest Hour: How Suffering Begins the Journey to Wisdom

I stumbled upon this book when I needed to read it most, proving "of course", that there are no "coincidences!" Don't even open the cover until you have a highlighter in hand, as you will want to go back and read again - and again - and again... Easy to read, very well organized, thought provoking. This is NOT a sad book, in spite of the title. Communicates a great understanding - makes sense of suffering - allows the reader to move on, and begin the "journey to wisdom." Many of my books find their way, ultimately, to a second hand bookshop. Not this one... it has found a place on my permanent collection shelf. Thanks, Kathleen. Well done.

With this book, Kathleen Brehony has eloquently reminded us that through our suffering, we are sometimes given our most precious gifts. How we choose to deal with our grief makes all the difference; will we choose love over hate, wisdom over ignorance, compassion over bitterness, or life over death? Which will you choose? Read this book & share it with someone you love!

The Arthor's quote from Rumi at the end of the book says the whole thing. It's what the book is all about. It is a lesson is dealing with adversity, here is an excerpt from that Quote! "This being human is a guest house, Every Morning a New Arrival! Welcome and entertain them all. Even if they're a crowd of sorrows, treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight!. The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and INVITE THEM IN. Be grateful for whomever comes, beacause each has been sent as aguide from beyond!"Brehony concludes this remarkable treatise by saying, "Say yes to all of your life. Choose to live joyfully even in your pain. Love yourself and everyone else. Be present always, alive to every moment. Grieve when you should, fight when you can, accept when you must. But above all say YES!. Get this book and never put it aside, keep it handy for reference. When a friend is in sorrow, look closely again through "After the Darkest Hour" and you will find a comforting thought to share with your friend and the both of you will be the better for the sharing. It worked for me. BN

After the Darkest Hour by Kathleen Brehony taught me it's alright to cry over the loss of a loved one but that we should take something of value from that episode in our life's journey. I am more at peace with myself after six months of substantial grieving over the loss of my wife of 27 years. The book convinced me that I can continue to have a deep relationship with her even though it is in my soul and heart. The book taught me to understand the life cycles and know my place in that cycle and be further strengthened by the tough and sad experience. Hats off to this author for helping me find my real self once again. I plan on giving this book to every friend of mine who has a similar experience in life. God Bless! Grateful from Nevada