"Jim Thornber gave me a gift; he allowed me to walk through some of the grieving moments following the death of his dear wife, Barbara. I admire Jim for writing about his experience so early in the process. Very few people have the energy and/or emotional well-being to gather their thoughts and feelings as quickly as Jim. Excellently written, this book will assist many people facing significant loss in their lives. Pastors will want this book as a tool to assist those grieving in their communities. I am grateful to Jim for sharing his life with us as we all search for understanding in the sad moments of our lives." —Dr. Lou Shirey , Director of Thriving in Ministry Program, International Pentecostal Holiness Church
"Pastor Jim’s personal story of the sudden loss of his beloved wife Barbara is both timely and moving. As a seasoned writer, he leads the reader through a narrative that is at times both heart-wrenching and celebratory. His story is a poignant reflection of the pain of this temporal world and the hope we have in the Eternal. For those who feel hopeless and overwhelmed in their grief, Jim’s story offers hope, concrete examples of helpful actions, and the assurance of God’s sustaining love and comfort." —Dr. Melody D. Palm, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Professor of Counseling Evangel University
"Jim Thornber’s book about his experiences during the first forty days after the loss of Barbara, his wife and best friend, is a gift to all who are grieving the loss of a loved one. It is a deeply personal, emotional, and hope-giving book. I found it helpful in many places and at many levels, and I particularly appreciated Jim’s sharing of his inner dialogue when well-meaning friends would offer attempts to provide comfort." —Gary W. Moon, M.Div., Ph.D. , Founding Executive Director, Martin Institute and Dallas Willard Center, Westmont College, Author of Apprenticeship with Jesus, Becoming Dallas Willard
"WOW! That’s my response after reading the manuscript for my dear friend and fellow minister of the Gospel, Jim Thornber. Better With Every Breath is Jim’s mantra after the death of his WOW (you will understand after you read the book), but these four words should be a mantra for each of us throughout our lives. Through my tears and smiles while reading, I pondered my own marriage, life, and witness, as you will do. Thank you, Jim, for sharing your intimate, innermost feelings and observations following Barb’s passing." —Bishop Randell O. Drake, New Horizons Ministries Conference, International Pentecostal Holiness Church
"Our world continues traveling through tough times. We wake up to face days of sadness and uncertainty. But with every news report and every statistic, with alarming updates and unanswered questions, with every long wait and honest conversation, there is a story. A real life story of how life can end. A painful story of endurance and questions and uncertainty and—even when it seems impossible—hope. James Thornber offers us one of those raw stories including hope in the air. I read his story and elected to inhale that hope. I reflected on my own painful stories, and continued breathing that therapeutic air. His authentic confessions give us glimpses at better days—even during sad seasons of grief. As we travel, the hope James Thornber offers can bring healing and peace even during times like these. I am sad about his grief. But I am thankful for the hope he brings to us through his book." —Chris Maxwell, Pastor, Author, Poet
"Telling writing is when we read something we’ve always known, but can’t put into words. In this memoir, Jim Thornber reminds us joy and sorrow are parallel paths in life. Let healing and hope take hold of you." —Steve Grant, Anchor, Chapter President, MID-AMERICA EMMY AWARDS
