Faith and Loss: A Mother's Journey
Loss has a way of rearranging the soul. When someone we love is taken from us—especially a child—no belief system, no comforting platitude, no well-meaning words from others can fully meet the depth of that pain. For many mothers, grief cracks open their theology, their identity, and their sense of purpose.
Yet it is sometimes in the shadow of that brokenness that something surprising can emerge: not answers, but connection. Not certainty, but presence.
Steven Greenebaum’s An Afternoon’s Dictation: Inclusive Revelation for the Twenty-First Century was born from his own spiritual crisis. It was not a moment of peace, but of anguish. And it is this raw honesty that makes his work so meaningful to those navigating the long arc of loss—especially mothers who have experienced unimaginable grief.
This is not a book that demands belief or offers easy reassurance. Instead, An Afternoon’s Dictation offers what many grieving parents hunger for: a sense that the conversation with the divine is still open. That even in the pain, there may still be guidance. That even in the silence, there is room for a deeply personal, inclusive form of faith.
For a mother navigating grief, the revelations in this book do not attempt to explain suffering. Instead, they gently hold space for the possibility of meaning—not by erasing loss, but by walking alongside it. Greenebaum’s dictation reminds us that God is not confined to a single religion, a single voice, or even a single moment of clarity. Instead, God may speak in many languages—including the language of heartbreak.
As an interfaith minister, Greenebaum embraces all who seek, regardless of tradition. And perhaps that is what makes this book such a balm to the bereaved: it does not shut anyone out. It does not offer dogma. It offers dialogue. It offers presence.
For any mother—or anyone—who has lost and is still listening, still hoping, An Afternoon’s Dictation may not provide closure, but it does offer something far more valuable: a hand to hold in the darkness and a whisper that says, You are not alone.
Let faith evolve with your experience. Let grief have its voice. Let God meet you where you are.
Read An Afternoon's Dictation today.
Book Description:
In 1999 Steven Greenebaum felt he'd hit the wall. Fifty years old, he could not make sense of his life or the world around him. For several months he angrily demanded answers from God, if God were there. One afternoon, an inner voice told him to get a pen and paper and write. Steven then took dictation - three pages, not of commandments but guidance for leading a meaningful life.
An Afternoon's Dictation grapples with, organizes, and deeply explores the revelations Steven received and then studied for over ten years. His sharing is NOT offered as the only possible way to understand it the dictation. It is offered, rather, as a start. The book's sections include deep explorations into "The Call to Interfaith," "The Call to Love One Another," "The Call to Justice," and "The Call to Community." These explorations
are rooted in a crucial part of the dictation that directs us to "Seek truth in the commonality of religions - which are but the languages of speaking to Me."
Thus, An Afternoon's Dictation builds on what unites our diverse spiritual traditions, not what divides us. It shows us a path to respecting our differences while embracing unity of the great callings of our spiritual traditions. An Afternoon's Dictation provides caring guidance forward in these hugely challenging times - if we are open to it.
Keywords:
Interfaith, Spiritual Guidance, Divine Wisdom, Spiritual Journey, Religious Unity, Sacred Writing, Faith Exploration, Spiritual Awakening, Meaningful Life, Spiritual Unity, Divine Purpose, Spiritual Revelation, Faith and Purpose, Interfaith Harmony, Life Guidance, Sacred Wisdom, Spiritual Insight, Religious Commonality, Spiritual Seeker, Divine Message, Ecumenism
Book Review: 5 stars from Literary Titan
"An Afternoon's Dictation: Inclusive Revelation for the 21st Century offers a compelling and transformative narrative that propels us to interrogate our preconceptions about spirituality and espouse inclusivity as a route to mutual understanding. Greenebaum's passion for the subject matter radiates through each chapter, and his appeal for open-mindedness and discourse is both timely and pressing in our interconnected global ecosystem. A must-read, this book will undoubtedly appeal to those yearning to expand their spiritual landscape and nurture a more encompassing perspective on life. ... This thoughtfully constructed work masterfully intertwines the author's personal encounters, philosophical observations, and historical allusions to offer an innovative approach to spirituality that is exceedingly pertinent to the contemporary global scenario."
Indies Today runner-up
Firebird Book Awards honorable mention
Pacific Book Award finalist (runner-up)
American Legacy Book Awards finalist
For more posts about this book, which frequently appears among the top 100 ecumenical books on Amazon, and its author, click HERE.
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