Blessed are those who mourn

During His sermon on the mount, Jesus taught on many things, including the mourning that we’ve all experienced at one point or another (Matthew 5:4). In her debut book The Gravity of Grief, author & educator Tatayanne Dorsey shares her personal story of grief following the sudden death of her dad. We hope that Tatayanne’s vulnerability and transparency will help someone out there who’s mourning a heart-breaking loss find comfort in God’s loving arms.

Describe your book The Gravity of Grief in three words.

What was the most difficult part of writing The Gravity of Grief? 

The most difficult part was navigating the entire process on my own (writing, editing, and marketing) all while carrying the weight of my own grief. Unlike traditional publishing where there is a team to support you, indie publishing requires a lot of faith, perseverance, and resourcefulness. Balancing my personal healing journey with the demands of life and publishing [The Gravity of Grief] was both challenging and deeply rewarding.

What led to your decision to share your story with the world?

Grief is often isolating and I wanted others to know [that] they were NOT alone. After losing my father, I found myself searching for words that could capture the depth of what I was feeling. Writing became a way to process my pain and as I did, I realized my story could help others who were struggling with loss. It wasn’t just about my healing [but] creating space where others could find comfort and hope.

What have you learned from your experience with grief?

Grief is not something you get over [rather] something you learn to carry. It reshapes you, challenges your faith, and forces you to confront the depths of your emotions. But I’ve also learned that grief and love are deeply connected. The pain of loss is a reflection of the love shared and even in sorrow, there is room for healing, growth, and purpose.

Were there any scriptures that encouraged you during your publishing journey?

One verse that sustained me was Psalm 34:18, which says:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

This reminded me that even in my darkest moments, God was near offering [me] comfort and strength. Another was 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, which speaks of God as the Father of compassion, who comforts us so that we may comfort others. These verses reassured me that my pain had a purpose and that my story could bring healing to others.

Get your copy of Tatayanne’s debut book The Gravity of Grief today. Reading Is a Lifestyle Subscription Members get 20% off all books on our website. Discount will be applied at checkout.