Love Drops with Natasha Smith

In this epiosde, Annie Sklaver Orenstein, a qualitative researcher, oral historian, and storyteller who has spent over adecade collecting stories from people around the world joins Natasha for a much needed conversation on Sibling Loss. They discuss Annie's latest book, Always A Sibling: The Forgotten Mourner's Guide to Grief, a practical, compassionate guide to sibling loss, with research, stories, and strategiesfrom someone who's been there.Tune in and join the conversation. Let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Acknowledging the Unique Grief of Sibling LossIdentity and the Loss of a SiblingThe Power of Sharing Stories and ResearchMoving Forward and Honoring SiblingsHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Can You Just Sit With Me? Get your copy of Always A SiblingConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Annie Sklaver Orenstein (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner

In this epiosde, Summer Gross, an Anglican priest rooted in the Christian classics and author of The Emmanuel Promise sits with Natasha to chat about sitting with grief and The Emmanuel Promise. Tune in and join the conversation. Let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Spiritual Direction and the Emmanuel PromiseAttachment Theory and Its ImpactBridging Attachment and Spiritual PracticesImportance of Secure Attachment with GodHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Can You Just Sit With Me? Get your copy of The Emmanuel PromiseConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Summer Gross (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner

In this epiosde, Natasha sits with Jodi Grubbs, a slow living advocate, author, and podcast host. They discuss Jodi's latest book, Live Slowly: A Gentle Invitation to Exhale, which encourages readers to integrate slow living practices into their busy lives. Jodi shares personal stories of loss and the importance of taking time to reflect, be present, and accept life's uncontrollable moments.Tune in and join the conversation. Let us know what resonates with you. Main points:The need to slow downThe S.L.O.W. acronymWhen slow is chosen for usWays to shift to a slower paceHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Can You Just Sit With Me? Get your copy of Live SlowlyConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Jodi Grubbs (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner

In this epiosde, Natasha sits with Liv Dooley, Bible Teacher, Podcast Host of The Best Kept Secret Podcast with Liv Dooley and author of the new books Selah: A Study of 1 and 2 Samuel and Expectant: 31 Prayers to Help You Prepare for Your Baby Girl. We chat about unanswered prayer, unmet expectation, and navigating disappointments with God. Liv brings such a fresh perspective from her lived experiences and biblical wisdom. Tune in and join the conversation. Let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Navigating DisappointmentsWorship as an anchor for life's stormsEmbracing worship and communityTrusting God in times of disappointmentHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Can You Just Sit With Me? Get your copy of Selah: A Study of 1 and 2 SamuelGet your copy of Expectant: 31 Prayers to Help You Prepare for Your Baby GirlConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Liv Dooley (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner

In this epiosde, Natasha sits with Emily Lawson, a Communications Director and author of the new book Cracks In My Cup: Reflections on Motherhood and Loss. We chat about the loss of a parent, fostercare and adoption and associated grief in motherhood. This is such a needed conversation. Listen in and join the conversation. Let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Writing as a Path to HealingThe Duality of Motherhood and LossNavigating Complex EmotionsGod's Presence in Our GriefHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Can You Just Sit With Me? Get your copy of Cracks In My CupConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Emily Lawson (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner

In this epiosde, Natasha sits with Leanne Friesen, an ordained minister and author of the new book Grieving Room: Making Space for All the Hard Things after Death and Loss. We chat about the concept of giving oneself and others the space to mourn, and discuss personal stories of loss and healing. I love her perspective and this conversation around sibling loss as well. Listen in and join the conversation. Let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Navigating Sibling LossFinding Grieving RoomThe Challenges Within Church SettingsWords of Hope for GrieversHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Can You Just Sit With Me? Get your copy of Grieving RoomConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Leanne Friesen (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner

In this epiosde, Natasha sits with Aubrey Sampson, an author of several books including The Louder Song, Known, and her latest best selling kids book Big Feelings Days. This is probably going to be the most joyous episode you will hear about grief. I loved it so much and so will you. So listen in and join the conversation. Main points:Children and Grief: A World OverlookedLearning the Language of LamentPractical Tools for Navigating Big FeelingsHope on the HorizonHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Can You Just Sit With Me? Get your copy of The Louder Song, Known, and Big Feelings Days by Aubrey Sampson. Join The Louder Song community on Substack here.Connect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Aubrey Sampson (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner

In this epiosde, Natasha sits with Dr. Quantrilla Ard, a passionate behavioral scientist, a lived experiences expert, and loss and grief coach. She holds a doctoral degree in Health Psychology and is an advocate and champion for social and reproductive justice with a focus on Black maternal and infant health and mortality. This episode is so rich and hits deep. Listen in and join the conversation. Main points:You Are Not Alone: The Power of CommunityEmbracing Hope: Knowing Grief Has an Expiration DateFinding Strength in Vulnerability: Sharing Stories of Loss and ResilienceRecognizing and Acknowledging the Possibility of Joy Amid GriefHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha here.Get your copy of Can You Just Sit With Me? Join the It's All Grief To Me Community here. Connect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Dr. Quantrilla Ard (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner

In this epiosde, Natasha sits with Claire Bidwell Smith, a licensed therapist and author of her 5th book Conscious Grieving: A Transformative Approach to Healing from Loss. Claire is a well of knowledge, sharing from her lived experience and years working in hospice and private practice. Listen in and join the conversation. Main points:Conscious grieving as a new framework for the stages of grief.The value of companionship and supportive relationships.Grief as a catalyst for growth and self-discovery.Acknowledging the beauty and interconnectedness present in grief.Helpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha hereGet your copy of Can You Just Sit With Me? Get Conscious Grieving by Claire Bidwell SmithConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Claire Bidwell Smith (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner

In this epiosde, Natasha sits with Whitney K. Pipkin, a journalist and author of her new book We Shall All Be Changed: How Facing Death with Loved Ones Transforms Us. Whitney writes from a place of lived grief after facing the death of her mom to cancer. You will fnid this conversation engaging, informing, as well as comforting. Listen in and join the conversation. Main points:Embracing Grief as a Path to HealingThe Theology of DeathFinding Strength in VulnerabilityLiving in Light of the EndHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha hereGet your copy of Can You Just Sit With Me? Get We Shall All Me Changed by Whitney K. PiplinConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest: Natasha Smith (Host)Whitney K. Pipkin (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner

Natasha sits with Sarah Bell, Grief Educator and creator of Life, Loss and Hope. Sarah brings a wealth of wisdom and knowledge from her years of service as a Hospice Chaplain and lived grief experience. Come and sit with us and join the conversation. Main points:Honoring our individual paths of healingFacing the storm head-onFinding hope in the person of Jesus ChristHealing through shared storiesHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha hereGet your copy of Can You Just Sit With Me? Subscribe to Life, Loss, and Hope on YouTubeConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest(s) Natasha Smith (Host)Sarah Bell (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner

Natasha sits with Chuck & Ashley Elliott, authors of I Used To Be___: How to Navigate Large and Small Losses in Life and Find Your Path Forward. Chuck and Ashley uniquely combines their professional backgrounds in pastoral care and licensed counseling, respectively, to guide others through grief. Their insights offer not only practical advice but also a compassionate understanding of grief's impact on intimate relationships and personal growth.Main points:Navigating Identity and LossDiscussion of The Three A's of ChangeNavigating Intimate RelationshipsProviding a message of Hope and LegacyHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha hereGet your copy of Can You Just Sit With Me? Get Chuck & Ashley Elliott's book I Used To Be___Connect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest(s) Natasha Smith (Host)Chuck and Ashley Elliott (Guests)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner

Natasha sits with Rachel Marie Kang, author of her latest work The Matter of Little Losses. Rachel guides us into focusing attention to life's small details and losses. She highlights the therapeutic role of personal storytelling, art in mirroring grief, and practical spiritual coping mechanisms. The conversation explores acknowledging all kinds of losses and why it all matters.Main points:The importance of vulnerability and connection.The role of storytelling, both personal and artistic.Practical spiritual practices as tangible ways to cope with loss.Small (and big) things shape our lives.Helpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha hereGet your copy of Can You Just Sit With Me? Get Rachel Marie Kang's book The Matter of Little LossesConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest(s) Natasha Smith (Host)Rachel Marie Kang (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner

Natasha kicks off Season 5 in conversation with Theo Boyd, author of Your Grief Is Not Like Mine. Her story has been described as one where "you just can't make this stuff up". You don't want to miss this one!Main points:We are not alone in the depth of our grief.Learn about the therapeutic effects of writing out grief.Presence is powerful for those who are grieving.Hope is possible amid grief.Helpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha hereGet your copy of Can You Just Sit With Me? Get Theo Boyd's book Your Grief Is Not Like MineConnect on Socials:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | PinterestHost & Guest(s) Natasha Smith (Host)Theo Boyd (Guest)Support the Podcast:Become a monthly Partner

In this episode, I sit with Beth Allen Slevcove, Author of Broken Hallelujahs: Learning to Grieve the Big and Small Losses of Life. Beth says, “We have this pressure to not give our grief the amount of time, attention, and space and help...that leads to moving through/metabolizing [grief]. That [the grief] will turn into something useful and helpful. More compassionate, more understanding. Give us a deeper ability to love and see the beauty in life. This is what can naturally happen if we give it space and help that it needs.” Episode resources (affiliate): Can You Just Sit With Me: Healthy Grieving for the Losses of Life by Natasha Smith Broken Hallelujahs: Learning to Grieve the Big and Small Losses of Life by Beth Allen Slevcove Find more resources for navigating loss and grief at Natasha's website: imnatashasmith.com

In this episode, I sit with Mel Lawrenz, Author of A Chronicle of Grief: Finding Life After Traumatic LossMel says, “Survival means to live through…Surviving is a positive thing. It's God-honoring to say life goes on and I'm gonna go on. If someone thinks, well you can certainly do better than surviving…Well yeah, eventually. You can thrive. There comes a day when you can have a smile on your face when you remember your loved one, when you can get back to some things that have been more normal in life. But if where you're at right now, is just making through, just surviving, there's nothing shameful about that. That is God-honoring." Mel Lawrenz trains an international network of Christian leaders, ministry pioneers, and thought-leaders. He has a Ph.D. in the history of Christian thought (Marquette University) and has been on the adjunct faculty of the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and Trinity International University. He served as senior pastor of Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin for ten years and now serves as Elmbrook's minister at large, teaching in North America, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. He has authored 18 books with Zondervan, Baker, Jossey-Bass, Leadership Network, Regal, and others. Episode resources (affiliate): Can You Just Sit With Me: Healthy Grieving for the Losses of Life by Natasha Smith A Chronicle of Grief: Finding Life After Traumatic Loss by Mel Lawrenz Find more resources for navigating loss and grief at Natasha's website: imnatashasmith.com

In this episode, I sit with my new friend Rachel Lohman, Author of Miscarried Hope: Journeying with Jesus through Pregnancy and Infant Loss. Rachel says, “One thing we lose sight of so often is we know what comes after Good Friday, we know what comes after Saturday and we love to skip past that…thank goodness for the hope we find in resurrection Sunday. But when I stepped back and looked at all of these emotions that they [the disciples] walked through in a fairly short period of time. I thought, this is so similar to the emotional experience of a Loss Mom.” Rachel Lohman holds a Master's Degree in Theology and Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is a mom, pastor, speaker, and founder of Hope Again Collective, a handmade jewelry line that shares the stories of loss moms. She and her husband Mark currently lead a bilingual church in Southern California. For speaking inquiries or to connect with Rachel, visit rachellohman.com. Episode resources (affiliate): Can You Just Sit With Me: Healthy Grieving for the Losses of Life by Natasha Smith Miscarried Hope: Journeying with Jesus through Pregnancy and Infant Loss Find more resources for navigating loss and grief at Natasha's website: imnatashasmith.com

Terra McDaniel talks about lament as an antidote to despair and hopelessness. She says, “Lament doesn't mean getting stuck in grief…[instead] it is the freedom to express all kinds of pain related to all kinds of losses and to invite the presence of God into them.” In this episode, I sit with Terra McDaniel, Author of Hopeful Lament: Tending Our Grief Through Spiritual Practices to chat about Sitting with Hopeful Lament in Grief. Terra is a spiritual director and teacher who loves making space for people of all ages to tune into the holy and their own souls. She believes that being created in God's image is the truest thing about each of us. She received an MDiv with a concentration in spiritual formation from Portland Seminary. Terra lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and two rescue dogs. She's very thankful her daughter, son-in-law, and twin grandchildren live close by. Episode resources (affiliate): Can You Just Sit With Me: Healthy Grieving for the Losses of Life by Natasha Smith Hopeful Lament: Tending Our Grief Through Spiritual Practices by Terra McDaniel Find more resources for navigating loss and grief at Natasha's website: imnatashasmith.com

“Yes, I fully believe God is good and is with us at every step, but also, that doesn't guarantee outcomes…so yeah. That is not an easy tidbit to accept”, writes Katie Schnack. In this episode, I sit with Katie Schnack, Author of Everything Is (NOT) Fine to chat about Sitting with Hard Feelings When Everything is Not Fine. Katie Schnack is a writer who has been featured in outlets like Romper, HelloGiggles, ScaryMommy, XOJane, TODAY Parents - NBC, Relevant Magazine and more. Her next book -- which has nothing to do with waitressing, Palm Beach, or socialites, but should also give you a few laughs. For more information please visit katieschnack.com or connect with her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/katieschnack/ and Facebook at www.facebook.com/katieschnackwriter. Episode resources (affiliate): Can You Just Sit With Me: Healthy Grieving for the Losses of Life by Natasha Smith Everything is (Not) Fine: Finding Strength When Life Gets Annoyingly Difficult by Katie Schnack Find more resources for navigating loss and grief at Natasha's website: imnatashasmith.com**Podcast co-producer: Emma Fillinger

“I think the question I really wanted answered at the beginning was the why questions…then prayer partners, friends, and ministers helped me to see that the more important questions are the who and the how…who is God to me and who am I going to become as a result of this thing that I'm going through”, says Liuan Huska. Liuan Huska is a freelance writer and speaker focusing on topics of embodiment and spirituality. Her writing, on everything from chronic pain to evangelical fertility trends, appears in Christianity Today, The Christian Century, In Touch Magazine, Hyphen, Sojourners, and Church Health Reader. She lives with her husband and their three little boys in the Chicago area. Episode resources:Can You Just Sit With Me: Healthy Grieving for the Losses of Life by Natasha Smith Hurting Yet Whole: Reconciling Body and Spirit in Chronic Pain and Illness by Liuan Huska Find more resources for navigating loss and grief at Natasha's website: imnatashasmith.comAlso, be sure to share, rate and review the podcast on apple podcast or wherever you stream.Thanks so much for sitting with me.

“Grief is not a strength-building exercise.” Clarissa writes. Clarissa Moll is an author, a podcaster, and the young widow of author Rob Moll. Clarissa's writing has appeared in Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, RELEVANT, Modern Loss, Grief Digest, and more. Her husband's first book, The Art of Dying, was released in April 2021 with Clarissa's new afterword. Clarissa is the author of Beyond the Darkness: A Gentle Guide for Living with Grief and Thriving after Loss. Episode resources:Can You Just Sit With Me: Healthy Grieving for the Losses of Life by Natasha Smith Beyond the Darkness: A Gentle Guide for Living with Grief and Thriving after Loss by Clarissa Moll The Art of Dying: Living Fully into the Life to Come by Rob Moll Find more resources for navigating loss and grief at Natasha's website: imnatashasmith.com

When we are suffering it helps to know we are not the only one. Wendy Alsup is an author who encourages women to engage theology for themselves. She is the author of several books including Practical Theology for Women, The Gospel-Centered Woman, and By His Wounds You Are Healed. She also teaches math at a local community college and is editor at theologyforwomen.org. She lives in Saint Matthews, South Carolina, with her two sons. Episode resources:Can You Just Sit With Me: Healthy Grieving for the Losses of Life by Natasha Smith Companions in Suffering: Comfort for Times of Loss and Loneliness by Wendy Alsup Find more resources for navigating loss and grief at Natasha's website: imnatashasmith.com

“If we follow Jesus, we will experience pain.” Paul writes. Paul Borthwick (DMin, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) is senior consultant for Development Associates International and previously taught global Christianity at Gordon College for thirty years.Through his speaking, writing, and resource ministry, Borthwick works to mobilize others to participate in world missions. Borthwick is an active speaker and teacher, having taught courses at Gordon College, Africa International University (Nairobi), Alliance Theological Seminary (Manila), and Lanka Bible College (Sri Lanka), plus a guest faculty position at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Previously he served for more than twenty years on the staff of Grace Chapel in Lexington, Massachusetts, first as youth pastor and then as minister of missions.Borthwick is the author of Western Christians in Global Mission; Six Dangerous Questions to Transform Your View of the World; Great Commission, Great Compassion; and The Fellowship of the Suffering. He and his wife, Christie, have been married since 1979 and they live in Lexington, Massachusetts, when not traveling internationally. Episode resources:Can You Just Sit With Me: Healthy Grieving for the Losses of Life by Natasha Smith The Fellowship of Suffering: How Hardship Shapes Us for Ministry and Mission by Paul Borthwick Find more resources for navigating loss and grief at Natasha's website: imnatashasmith.com

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so I wanted to chat about a hard yet an often-overlooked topic. In this episode, I sit with my friend Author Jennifer (Jen) Thompson to chat about navigating a loss by suicide. Jen says, “I feel very passionate about talking about suicide because there are some people that are suffering in silence and so many people who are struggling with their mental health. And we need to be able to have the conversations and hopefully the more we have the conversations lives can be saved. Jen's essays can be found in the new book, So God Made a Mother: https://amzn.to/3KUACbs Connect with Jen: Website: https://trulyyoursjen.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trulyyoursjenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/trulyyoursjen/ **Get my free mini devotional “You're Not Losing It, Life is Hard”: http://eepurl.com/bCTWML Pre-order my forthcoming book “Can You Just Sit with Me”: https://amzn.to/3MMxLE7

Join me as we sit with Author Katie Faris.In this episode, we discuss the trials and sorrows of motherhood and how they are deemed grief worthy. Yet, God is Still Good. Katie shares encouragement and hope from her new book God is Still Good: Gospel Hope and Comfort for the Unexpected Sorrows of Motherhood. Get Katie's new book, God is Still Good: https://amzn.to/3KUACbs Connect with Katie: Website: https://katiefaris.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katietfarisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/katietfaris/ Get my free mini devotional “You're Not Losing It, Life is Hard”: http://eepurl.com/bCTWML Pre-order my forthcoming book “Can You Just Sit with Me”: https://amzn.to/3MMxLE7

Join me as we sit with Author Allison Brost. In this episode, Allison shares her grief journey and we discuss some of the hard questions of grief and how to find hope. Get Allison's new book, This Side of Perfect: https://amzn.to/3GPDuoF Connect with Allison: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllisonsBrost/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonsbrost/ Sitting with you,Natasha*Get my free mini devotional “You're Not Losing It, Life is Hard”: http://eepurl.com/bCTWMLPre-order my forthcoming book “Can You Just Sit with Me”: https://amzn.to/3MMxLE7

Join me as we sit with Author Jillian Benfield. In this episode, we chat about the story behind her new book The Gift of the Unexpected, and what it means to undergo versus overcome grief of the unexpected moments of life. Get The Gift of the Unexpected book: https://jillianbenfield.com/book/ Connect with Jillian: Website: https://jillianbenfield.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillianbenfieldInstagram: https:// https://www.instagram.com/jillianbenfieldblog/ Get my free mini devotional “You're Not Losing It, Life is Hard” : http://eepurl.com/bCTWML

In this special episode, listen to powerful moments from 2022.Join me and sit with friends as we share on all things grief and Hope. Connect with Natasha:Website: https://www.imnatashasmith.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imnatashasmith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imnatashasmithGet my free mini devotional “You're Not Losing It, Life is Hard” : http://eepurl.com/bCTWML

Join me as I sit with my friend Sydnei Kaplan, author of the children's book The Heaven Phone.In this episode, we chat about the story behind her book as well as navigating the holidays after a recent loss. Get The Heaven Phone book: https://amzn.to/3AeZkyDConnect with Sydnei: Website: https://www.mom-in-the-moment.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mominthemoment1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mom_inthemoment/Get my free mini devotional “You're Not Losing It, Life is Hard”: http://eepurl.com/bCTWML

Join me as I sit with my friend John Arthur Greene. He is a singer, songwriter, musician, and Broadway star who walks in his calling as a Storyteller, Minister, and Worship Pastor.In this episode, you'll hear an honest conversation about grief, shame, and our resistance to healing amid grief. Yet, how Jesus shines through the darkness when we choose to hear Him through our pain. “God gives us the power of choice. God wants us to choose Him”. - John Arthur GreeneConnect with John:Website: http://johnarthurgreenemusic.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnarthurgreenemusic/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnarthurgreeneTwitter: https://twitter.com/johnarthurgGet my free mini devotional “You're Not Losing It, Life is Hard”: http://eepurl.com/bCTWML

Join me as I sit with my friend, Paige Pippin. She is a Wife, Mama, Attorney, and Writer who shares laughter and encouragement as God leads her on her blog as well as other publications, such as The Gospel Coalition. In this episode, we chat about her loss story and how God is loud in our pain even in grief.Connect with Paige:Website: https://paigepippin.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepaigepippinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepaigepippin/Get my newsletter for monthly encouragement: http://eepurl.com/bCTWML

In this episode, I sit with my friend, Melissa Heerebout. She pastors Burnette Church in British Columbia alongside her husband and she is the Founder of Dear Sisters Magazine, an online and print lifestyle publication for Christian women.We chat about grieving as a ministry leader, what it looks like, and where you can find hope as well as help amid grief. Connect with Melissa and get your copy of Dear Sisters Magazine:Website: https://www.dearsisters.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DearSistersMagazineInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearsisters_mag/

In this episode, I sit with Author, Speaker, and Grief Guide Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young. We chat about Dorina's grief journey after the loss of her late husband, and how she found hope amid grief.Connect with Dorina:Website: https://dorinagilmore.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DorinaLazoGilmore/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorinagilmore/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DorinaGilmoreGrab Dorina's book Walk Run Soar and pre-order Chasing God's Glory: https://dorinagilmore.com/books/Join Dorina's Glorygram for encouragement and access to exclusive free resources-->https://dorinagilmore.com/subscribe/

In this episode, I sit with my writer friend, Author Liz Newman. We chat about the loss of her dad and how it inspired her latest book “I Look to the Mourning Sky”.We chat about grief, faith, hope, and navigating the in-between. Join our conversation, listen, and share. Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/Look-Mourning-Sky-Writing-Grieving-ebook/dp/B09NML7F57Connect with Liz:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/liznewmanwriterInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/liznewmanwriterGet my free monthly resource-->http://eepurl.com/bCTWML

In this solo episode, Natasha shares a bit about her grief story and discusses the topic: Do You Ever Get Used to Loss? Connect with Natasha:Website: https://lovelyyoublog.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imnatashasmithInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/imnatashasmithGet Natasha's free monthly resource: http://eepurl.com/bCTWML

In this episode, I sit with Katie Faris, my friend and author of He Will Be Enough: How God Takes You by the Hand through Your Hardest Days. We chat about some hard stories she has encountered and those she continues to live. Yet how God is faithful to meet us even if and even when life is unbearably hard.Get Katie's new book: https://www.thegoodbook.com/he-will-be-enoughConnect with Katie Faris:Website: https://katiefaris.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katietfarisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/katietfaris/For more encouragement get my free monthly resource: http://eepurl.com/bCTWML

In this 2nd season opener, I sit with Amy DiMarcangelo, Author of A Hunger for More: Finding Satisfaction in Jesus When the Good Life Doesn't Fill You. This episode will leave your spirit stirred and encouraged. Listen as we chat about being unsettled, longing for more, loss, injustice, and how it can all point us back to Christ.Get Amy's latest book: A Hunger for More: https://www.crossway.org/books/a-hunger-for-more-tpb/Connect with Amy DiMarcangelo:Website: https://equippedformercy.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/equippedformercyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterbookshelf/For more encouragement get my free monthly resource: http://eepurl.com/bCTWML

In this special episode, I chat with Nicole Pharr of Pharr Away. A wife, mother of 2, and a successful businesswoman, who also happens to be my niece. You don't want to miss this.We chat about coping and celebrating Mother's Day without Mom here. Listen in, as we have a candid discussion about how to honor and celebrate Mother's Day amid grief. And how sitting with and making space for grief is helpful and often necessary for healing.Connect with Nicole here:https://www.instagram.com/pharr_away/Please listen, share, and review. And for more inspiration, join my monthly email community:http://eepurl.com/bCTWML

In this episode, Michaela Gasseling of Cowgirl Boots and Running Shoes, sits with me to share her miraculous experience of overcoming a brain tumor and the unexpected grief that followed. She says, “sometimes you can have all the best possible outcomes and still experience grief”. Amen to that! Listen and share.Connect with Michaela here:https://www.instagram.com/cowgirlbootsandrunningshoes/https://www.cowgirlbootsandrunningshoes.com/And for more inspiration, join my monthly email community:http://eepurl.com/bCTWML

In this episode, you will meet Whitney Harris. She shares her powerful story of the hope, redemption, and freedom she found only in Jesus. Her story is filled with God's amazing love and grace. And her story testifies that no matter where you find yourself, even if it is the darkest and deepest pit, there is still hope in Jesus. Revelation 12:11 NIV says, "They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony".Thank you Whitney for sharing your story with us! Connect with Whitney via email at waharris1@liberty.eduAnd for more encouragement, connect with Natasha via her monthly newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/bCTWML

“I can't believe Daddy's gone”, is what I found myself thinking just the other day…it made me think of similar expressions in relation to the 5 Stages of Grief. In particular, the 1st stage of grief: Denial. So, this episode touches on when we say, “I can't believe they're gone”. Is it really denial?Listen and share.References for this episode:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/denialhttps://dictionary.apa.org/denialThe Grieving Brain: https://amzn.to/36aNxWxOn Death and Dying: https://amzn.to/3NamN9aGet this months free resource: http://eepurl.com/bCTWML

In this episode, I chat with my friend, Tabitha Yates, Writer and Mental Health Advocate about moving beyond the ashes. She says, “You don't have to live your life in ruin…you don't have to live in the ashes”. Listen as Tabitha shares her powerful testimony of redemption. Share with friends and family who need this encouragement. Connect with Tabitha Yates:Website: https://theredeemedmama.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRedeemedMama/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theredeemedmama/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MamaRedeemedGet my free eBook and monthly resources-->http://eepurl.com/bCTWML

Today, I'm excited to have my friend, Stevie Swift sitting with me. She is an author, artist, speaker, podcaster, and just an overall beautiful human. In this episode, we chat about Losing Oneself in order to Gain More of Christ.Because grief goes far beyond the loss of a loved one. I love what Elisabeth Elliot says about suffering in her book “Suffering is Never for Nothing” which can be applied to grief....she says, "Suffering is having what you don't want or wanting what you don't have".In this case, grief can be anything, right? From the loss of a loved one to the loss of a dream, and anything in between. Regardless of the loss, grief is natural, and it is normal. So, sit with us for a bit and share with a friend. Connect with Stevie Swift:Website: https://www.stevieswift.com/Coloring Pages Website: https://www.steviedoodles.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StevieSwiftAuthorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevieswiftauthor/Podcast: https://www.stevieswift.com/podcastGet my free eBook and monthly resources --> http://eepurl.com/bCTWML

Pull up a chair and sit with Natasha as she discusses how to love the grieving well. You may or may not be surprised to find loving others well begins with what we say.James Petersen in his book “Why Don't We Listen Better”, says his first rule of crisis is: “Listen First – Talk Second.” If you acknowledge people's fears, pain, losses, hurts, confusion, anger, etc. first, then they may calm enough to hear your thoughtful reassurances. Listen and share.Get this month's free resource, A Change of Heart: http://eepurl.com/bCTWMLConnect with Natasha:Website: https://lovelyyoublog.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/imnatashasmithInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/imnatashasmithTwitter: https://twitter.com/imnatashasmith

In this episode I chat with Lauren Flake, artist, author, and Alzheimer's daughter. Lauren shares her grief story and how it informs her writing on her blog at Love of Dixie. As well as how it inspired her book, Though I Walk through the Valley: 12 Days in Psalm 23 and her award-winning children's books, Where Did My Sweet Grandma Go?: A Preschooler's Guide to Losing A Loved One and Where Did My Sweet Grandpa Go?Listen in as Lauren shares how “Grief is love…the final stage of grief never ends because love never ends.” Get my free ebook, New Year, New Hope: 7 Days of Meditation + Prayers: http://eepurl.com/bCTWMLConnect with Lauren Flake:Website: https://laurenflake.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loveofdixieInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveofdixie/Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurenflake

In this episode I chat with Jenny Albers, Author of Courageously Expecting: 30 Days of Encouragement for Pregnancy After Loss about her grief story and her new book. “Healing really is possible…When dealing with grief, you feel like you're always going to be in this dark space and that life is never going to get better again…Life may never be without triggers and you're certainly going to always remember and be marked by these traumatic experiences. But there is hope that life can really be good again. I really want to leave people with that…There is always hope for healing.” – Jenny Albers (Author, Courageously Expecting)Connect with me via my monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bCTWMLConnect with Jenny Albers:Courageously Expecting: www.thomasnelson.com/p/courageously-expectingWebsite: abeautifullyburdenedlife.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/jennyalbersauthorInstagram: www.instagram.com/jennyalbersauthorTwitter: www.twitter.com/byjennyalbers

Grief, it can be felt, seen, and heard all around our world. But what can we do about it? Listen to Mel Bjorgen of I'll Bring the Bible with Mel and Monica and I, as we chat about, “Grieving our World” and responding with prayer.For more encouragement, connect with Natasha via her monthly newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/bCTWMLConnect with Mel Bjorgen:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illbringthebibleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/illbringthebible/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ill-bring-the-bible-with-mel-and-monica/id1400113021

The holidays bring along with it, the pressure to “put on a happy face” even when you are unhappy. But do you know that you are allowed to grieve regardless the time of year? Whether you suffered the loss of a loved one, lost a job, experienced major life change or things are different than you hoped, there is always space and grace to grieve. God makes space for you. This episode is simply a reassurance that although you may not be feeling joyous during this season of joy, know that God sees you, he cares for you, He understands. This episode also included 4 practical ways to cope with grief during this season.Get this free resource "Grief During the Season of Joy, connect with Natasha via her monthly newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/bCTWML

Grief, in and of itself is hard. But parenting while grieving is a different type of hard. Join me with special guest Latonya Moore of Joy in the Ordinary, as we chat about "Parenting While Grieving" on this episode of, Can You Just Sit with Me?For more encouragement, connect with Natasha via her monthly newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/bCTWMLConnect with Latonya Moore:Website: https://joyintheordinary.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyintheordinaryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyintheordinarymom/Podcast: https://joyintheordinary.simplecast.com/

Amidst grief, pain and challenge...Where is God? This is a question that is not uncommon for many even for the believer especially when hard and challenging times arise. This episode will affirm that you are not alone in grief, in the challenging times of life nor in the hard places of life. This episode will also encourage you to look for God even in the crushing places of life.For more encouragement, connect with Natasha via her monthly newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/bCTWML

Have you ever gone through a challenging or hard time, or suffered a great loss that left you feeling like "I don't even know who I am"?This episode discusses the topic "Grief Changes You" Part 1. Listen in as Natasha chats with Chelsea Ohlemiller of Happiness, Hope, and Harsh Realities about her grief journey and how grief changed her life. You will enjoy this candid conversation and be encouraged that you are not alone.For more encouragement, connect with Natasha via her monthly newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/bCTWMLConnect with Chelsea Ohlemiller:Website: https://hopeandharshrealities.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopeandharshrealitiesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeandharshrealities/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1BkDTuUSW4ym_dU9ebQs1w