Oh, My Child, My Child

Dr. George F. DeFord in Oh, My Child, My Child: The Dilemma of Clergy Confronting Personal Grief has given us a comprehensive work and placed in our hands a book of universal value. Previously he wrote and published a study of funeral protocol and customs in the African American community, Celebrating Life within the African-American Community (2018). Such a fine historical and sociological work is appropriate; from one who has been for decades a leader in that community. However, despite the predominance of African American individuals and families in the extremely helpful chapters of reflective interviews, DeFord's work in Oh, My Child transcends all limitations of race or class or gender to be of profound value to every person. Whereas his previous studies dealt primarily with outward custom and sacred ritual, Oh, My Child penetrates to the inner and deepest experiences of the human soul and psyche thus rising to the level of the universal. The loss of a child is so fundamental that the Book of Genesis suggests it began with Adam and Eve. While employing the experiences of his fellow clergy to make his points, DeFord's fundamental principle is that clergy are human beings sharing the same feelings and experiences as the laypersons among whom they serve. This is a book that will prove of great value to all who read it-clergy and laity. We are all in George DeFord's debt for his profound and insightful gift.-The Reverend Emora Thomas Brannan, Ph.D. Full Member Elder (since 1965, now retired) Baltimore-Washington Conference, Former Adjunct Faculty, Ecumenical Institute of Theology St. Mary's Seminary & University