Remembering our Friend and Colleague, Dr. H. Norman Wright

In Max Lucado’s inspirational book The Applause of Heaven, he ends with a chapter on going home. He begins the chapter by describing his conclusion to a long trip and finally arriving at the airport. His wife and three daughters are excited that he is home. But one of them had a very interesting response. In the midst of the shouts of joy that he is home, she stops long enough to clap. She applauds him. Isn’t that different? But isn’t it affirming and appropriate? Then he proceeds to talk about the Christian’s ultimate home and homegoing. Surely Jesus, too, will clap when we arrive home. Max Lucado concludes his book with a new perspective:

Before you know it your appointed arrival time will come; you’ll descend the ramp and enter the City. You’ll see faces that are waiting for you. You’ll hear your name spoken by those you love. And maybe, just maybe—in the back, behind the crowds—the One who would rather die than live without you will remove His pierced hands from His heavenly robe and…applaud.[i]

There was an applause in heaven. It is with heartache and joy we let you know Dr. H. Norman Wright met Jesus and was reunited with his loved ones on November 12, 2023 at 2:45 pm.

1. Norman Wright was a grief and trauma therapist. He was the former director of the Graduate Department of Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling at Biola University, as well as an Associate Professor of Psychology. He was also Associate Professor of Christian Education and Director of the Graduate Department of Christian Education at the Talbot School of Theology. He was in private practice for over thirty years. Dr. Wright is a graduate of Westmont College, Fuller Theological Seminary (M.R.E.), and Pepperdine University (M.A.). He received two honorary doctorates, D.D. and D.LIT, from the Western Conservative Baptist Seminary and Biola University respectively. In 2015 he graduated with his D.Min., from Primus School of Theology.

Norm is the author of over ninety books including Experiencing Grief, The New Guide to Crisis and Trauma Counseling, Recovering from the Losses of Life, Quiet Times for Couples, and Before You Say I Do.

He served AACC as a speaker, author, instructor, and leader in the field of Grief, Crisis and Trauma for over 30 years.

Dr. Tim Clinton said, “Norm always had time, a smile and a fish story for me through the years. A true pioneer in our field, God used him to speak into my life on many occasions. I will be eternally grateful. What a gift to us all. Anchored deeply in his faith, only heaven will tell of the Christ-centered influence and impact he had on relationships and helping those who were hurting.”

Join us as we continue to pray for and grieve with Norm’s family and dear friends.

[i]  Max Lucado, The Applause of Heaven (Dallas: Word, Inc., 1990), p. 190, adapted from Quiet Times for Those Who Grieve, H. Norman Wright (Harvest House, 2017).