WHEN LYNN DIED
a journey of loss, longing, and resurrection
"Grief touches everyone's life. It inhabits the seasonal rhythms of nature. Grief mingles throughout life's natural ebbs and flows. We all have a story of loss. Despite our best efforts, it remains a companion to the earth and all human existence."
Natasha Dongell
#4
NEW RELEASES IN CHRISTIAN DEATH AND GRIEVING
amazon.com
#19
best sellers in christian death and grieving
amazon.com
#3
movers and shakers in canada
amazon.ca
EXPLORE
When Lynn Died
"I find myself telling people, 'You have permission to grieve.' The rest of the world screams against it, embedding the message deep within our psyche that we are not allowed to. There's no time. It's too dangerous. It's never convenient. But when we dare to dive deep into our place of mourning, we uncover life's most profound truths hidden within our souls. Not the least of which is the truth that God is there. The darkness is not darkness to him (Psalm 139:12)."
When Lynn died charts the journey of loss from sunset (death), through the afterglow, the long dark night of the soul, the dawning, and the new day.
With vulnerability and skilled articulation, Natasha Dongell draws her readers into the depths of her human experience after the sudden death of her husband, Lynn Robert Erskine. She *Plunges East into the dark night, knowing the sun will one day rise. In the darkness of her loss, she walks through pain, fear, loneliness, longing, and surrender. Natasha explores life's most important lessons as she wrestles with God to make space, uncover longing, understand shame, and more.
Join Natasha in discovering the healing and transformation available to those who courageously enter their own story of loss to encounter the risen Son and the dawn of a new day.
*The phrase "Plunge[s/ing] East" is used with permission by Jerry Sittser, author of A Grace Disguised and A Grace Revealed.
When Lynn Died is a refreshingly rich, raw and grace-filled exploration of grief that moved me to tears. Natasha shares her story of loss with a beautiful blend of vulnerability, authenticity, wisdom, and faith. Her story inspires and empowers us to rethink how we view death, deepen our understanding of God's unfailing love, and find the courage to hope again in the aftermath of life-altering loss. This book is a must read for those grappling with grief, as well as those looking to support the ones they love who are experiencing their own dark night of the soul.
Nicole smithee
Bible Teacher and Author, Brilliance Awakened
I was surprised to be so deeply drawn into Natasha's story. Engaging, insightful, realistic, hopeful - full of grace and truth. You'll find comfort and experience change as you join her journey.
Rev. Dr. wayne schmidt
General Superintendent of the Wesleyan Church
An incredible piece of fine literature. But absolutely more than that, this is a journey of grief and hope braided throughout this book. This is NOT the didactic steps to move through - this is human - this is real life. Natasha leads us through the process of grief of various sorts beyond physical death: the death of a dream, death of an idea, and the normal "deaths" that come to us all. Her journey speaks to all types of grief we experience and a road to resurrection.
Jo Anne Lyon
General Superintendent Emerita
The Wesleyan Church
Natasha's story is shared with beautiful transparency and prose. It's a rare gift to be invited to the table of someone's loss with such honesty, which at times feels devastating, and with such hope, which at times feels so counterintuitive and profound. This book is for all of us who have faced or are facing profound loss and are in need of a wounded healer to help us find our way towards healing.
Rob Wegner
Co-Author of The Starfish and the Spirit and Find Your Place
One of the Directors and Founders, Kansas City Underground
Training Specialist, NewThing
Natasha's book reads partly like poetry and partly like the most important of life's lessons. An important lesson she discusses is how God brings transformation out of grief, shame, and sorrow. This is a book that will inspire you and feed your spirit.
bob whitesel dmin phd
Leadership Foresight Scholar, focused on coaching church leaders to pivot and engage what's next.
Natasha's Original Blog
THROUGH THE FIRST YEAR OF GRIEF
In memory of
Lynn Robert Erskine
May 26, 1981 - September 2, 2012
Lynn Robert Erskine was born to Mark Erskine and Cyndi Bennett in Jersey Shore, PA on May 26th, 1981, the 2nd of 4 children (Ben, Kaia, and Allison).
Lynn traveled to Kingswood University in New Brunswick, Canada in 1999 in response to God's call into pastoral ministry. In 2001, he met Natasha, a native of the area also preparing for pastoral ministry. They were married on December 19th, 2003.
Together, they finished their education and moved to Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada where Lynn started his pastoral ministry career as Pastor of Worship (and eventually Mission) at Immanuel Baptist Church.
There, they gave life to their two beloved daughters, Roya (2008) and Alea (2009).
After two weeks of family vacation in 2012, Lynn set out for a run with his running partner, Andrew. Nearing the end, Lynn was noticeably struggling. As they slowed to a stop in front of Andrew's house, Lynn put his hand reassuringly on Andrew's shoulder, sat down on the curbside of the street, laid his head back on the grass, and stopped breathing. Shortly after, he was pronounced dead at the nearby hospital. "He stopped breathing. His heart stopped. He's dead."
Lynn's sudden death gave rise to a wave of grief and celebration that spread across the thousands of lives he had impacted during his short life of 31 years. He is remembered today for his contagious spirit, an uncanny purity in his love for others, and the authentic faith with which he lived each day.
His loved ones cherish his memory and look forward to the special reunion that awaits us!
STAY IN TOUCH
Sign up to receive updates on new content from Natasha.
Copyright 2024 Natasha Dongell, all rights reserved.
Photo Credit @onlyhopephotos