Still Here: A Poetry Memoir of Grief & Love
When faced with unexpected loss, pain and grief set up camp in our bodies and we don’t always know how to talk about what we’re experiencing, especially in the first year of loss. Still Here is a collection of poems for those trying to make sense of the fragility and terror of losing a loved one. We name the shock, wade into the everyday nuances of grief, and eventually take tentative steps into the land of the living again, only to discover love never dies. Somehow their love is still here, dancing with our every breath. Still Here is an honest reckoning with the pain and frustration of grief while journeying toward surprising healing.
Written by a poet and pastor who unexpectedly lost her youngest brother, she captures the ache of loss and the complexity of healing as her family travels the first year together. As she braves the unbearable with curiosity and trust, we’re invited to unravel the grief that awaits each of us, in the hope that love never dies.
They’re still here.
So are we.
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An engaging and disarming storyteller, Jenny's vulnerability creates space and courage for listeners to take a deeper look at their lives. Attendees are equipped to move toward transformation and growth.
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“Jenny is a powerful communicator, both by pen and spoken word. Her words are chosen with intention and reach the hearts and minds of people across a multitude of generations. She has a warm demeanor, a lovely personality, and a delightful sense of humor. She engages with ease and grace one on one and from the pulpit. I would welcome her as a pastor and/or leader anytime.”
“Jenny is a soul-full leader who communicates in beautiful, thoughtful and brilliant ways. I am inspired by her depth of insight, willingness to be vulnerable and commitment to palms up living.”
“When we needed a word of grace, when we needed someone to name our exhaustion, pain, and weariness and then offer us time to breathe, give us gentle encouragement and keep us engaged (even on Zoom), Jenny Smith did all of this and more. Encouraging us to tell our stories, come together as colleagues, and release the outcome, she offered practical and theological ways to keep going.”
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