BE A BETTER FRIEND TO SOMEONE DEALING WITH A LOSS
...even if you're not exactly sure what to say
Get my free guide:
“Say This, Not That: 61 helpful things to say when a loved one is Grieving" (plus a list of phrases you should never say!)
and never be afraid of saying the wrong thing again.
Do you feel clumsy & awkward around people who are grieving?
We've all been there - trying to console a loved one for their loss.
Whether it be the death of a family member or friend, the loss of a job, an unwanted move, the death of a dream or even a divorce...LOSS HURTS.
As a society, we're not good at dealing with our own pain and grief, and we get even more awkward when trying to help others through their grief, even when we love them deeply.
We say nice-sounding platitudes that do nothing to help ease their pain, and, worse, we end up unconsciously avoiding them, which only deepens their pain.
You can learn how to walk the path of grief & mourning alongside a loved one with compassion & confidence, knowing how to offer real comfort and relief to their pain.
Read my storyResources for every stage of the journey
Get the Book
We all experience loss, but unfortunately, most of us don't know how to deal with it.
In this book David shares his story of losing not one, but two wives to cancer, and what those experiences taught him about how to help a friend process grief.
His unique perspective prepares you for the inevitable human experience of dealing with another's grief - or your own.
Take the Course
Training on grief is desperately needed...for individuals as well as for organizations and ministries who work closely with people.
David has created a course that will prepare you to confidently and effectively care for people dealing with loss.
This course is practical & comprehensive, while remaining compassionate in its approach to hurting hearts.
Need a speaker for your event?
A skilled & engaging teacher, David has spent his life in front of classrooms, congregations & audiences.
If you need an experienced speaker for your event, congregation or organization who will teach, encourage & empower, he is exactly who you're looking for.
David has changed my perspective on a long-held opinion of how long a person should grieve...it proved to be absolutely and totally incorrect.
He has given me a new and better way to minister to those who have suffered a loss. Thank you!
William G.
Did your parents, your school, your church ever teach you how to respond to someone in grief? I have been finding that most people say no.
Well, here is a way to fill that gap, as we all need to know how to handle grief.
I have found it most helpful in guiding one to know what to say and not say, and when to speak up or remain silent.
John C.
Get started with my 'Grief & Mourning Resolved' course
Be a better friend and helper to those going through grief
This course takes a deep dive into grief & mourning, empowering you to know exactly how to support someone experiencing a deep loss.
Perfect for individuals as well as organizational & ministry leaders.
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Hello, I'm David
Have you suffered a loss? Or are you walking through a loss with a friend or family member?
I've been there.
My world was shattered when my first wife passed away from cancer at an early age, leaving me a widower with 4 children at home. I remarried and blended a family of 8 teenagers, and tragically, my second wife also died from cancer.
After each loss, I had people come up to me and sheepishly apologize for pulling away during my grieving process, and they always offered the same reason: "I just didn't know what to say."
Having walked that painful road, I do know what to say, and I'm here to help you know what to say, too.
I'm an Iowa farm boy-turned global missionary and as the president of a Bible college, have had the privilege of training thousands of missionaries who have carried the Gospel of Christ around the world.
I received my Doctorate in Christian Education from Penial Baptist Seminary am currently a stewardship representative for Ethnos 360 missions organization, author, speaker and Certified Grief Mentor with a certificate in Loss and Trauma from the Pennsylvania Counseling Services as well.
God has blessed me to find love once again and I am now happily married to Crystal Wacker Knapp, editor of Reach Up Magazine. We are very proud of our 8 children and their spouses, 28 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandson!
