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If you're a regular listener, you know that we typically feature conversations with parents who have experienced the loss of a child on this podcast. However, when a good friend posted a link to this sermon on Romans 8:28 in our private “While We're Waiting – Support for Bereaved Parents” Facebook group a couple weeks ago, I knew it was something I wanted to share with you. Kirk Miller is the speaker, and he is a member of Redeemer Church in Huntsville, Alabama. He's a former pastor and church planter and now is editor of digital content at Logos where he edits and writes for Word by Word. I wanted to share this because I know what a complicated relationship many bereaved parents have with Romans 8:28! This often is the first verse that those who are trying to help a grieving parent will quote. Kirk acknowledges how this verse, offered too quickly, can feel less like a lifeline and more like a slap in the face—rushing sufferers toward a silver lining, dismissing real pain, or subtly implying that ongoing grief is a failure of faith. In this episode, Kirk will offer six clarifications on what this this scripture means – and does not mean – for those who are suffering. I pray that this sermon both enlightens and encourages you, just like it did for me. While we're waiting to see our children again, may the Lord hold you close and strengthen your heart.Click HERE to watch this sermon on YouTube. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org
"Maybe I'll just give it more time. I'm not ready. I'll see how I feel in a few months." It sounds responsible. It sounds patient. It even sounds spiritual. But what if "wait and see" isn't neutral? What if staying stuck is costing you more than you realize? In today's episode, we are having an honest conversation about the real price of staying stuck after child loss. Time alone does not rebuild what grief has fractured, and today, we explore how to recognize when the Holy Spirit is telling you that you've stayed at this mountain long enough. I'm talking about the mountain of pain that you bear every day. I want to help you move to a place where remembering with more love than pain is possible. You'll be invited to look honestly at whether waiting is protecting your heart… or keeping you from what the Holy Spirit has for you. In This Episode, We Discuss: The Illusion of Safety: Why we mistake "standing still" for "staying safe" and how it leads to isolation. The Four Questions of Discernment: A gentle self-check to see if waiting is shrinking your world or keeping you behind a heavy mask. Deuteronomy 1:6: Understanding God's perspective on when it is time to break camp and move forward from the mountain of pain. Fear vs. The Holy Spirit: How to distinguish between the scream of fear and the gentle whisper of God's "more" for your life. The Power of the Group: Why 14 moms have already decided to stop waiting and start walking together on March 5th. If you've been circling the same emotional ground and wondering whether anything will actually change, this conversation will help you name what's really happening — and challenge you to consider your next brave step. Press play, and let's talk about what waiting may be costing you… and what God might be inviting you into instead. ✨ YOUR INVITATION: THE GRIEF ROADMAP ✨ "I've stayed at this mountain long enough." If those words are echoing in your heart today, I want you to know that you don't have to navigate the path forward alone. The Grief Roadmap isn't just a course—it is a 12-week, intimate small group mentoring experience designed specifically for the mom who is tired of just holding it together...and ready to finally untangle the hidden layers of her loss. This is your safe space to exhale. It is a community of moms who truly get it—who understand the silence, the questions, and the weight of the "what-ifs." Together, we walk through a structured, faith-based journey to move from being paralyzed by pain to being held by hope. What's Waiting For You Inside: 12 Weeks of Mentoring: Direct guidance from me, your Grief Mentor, as we walk this path step-by-step. A Community That Understands: Stop explaining your pain and start being understood by women who speak your language. A Proven Path: We don't just talk about grief; we process it using the tools you need to breathe again.
Hey guys! My apologies for this week's pod being missing, turned into a harder week than I imagined. Please join us next week for Bridgerton Season 4 Part 2, and Red White and Royal Blue.
"God doesn't ask us to live the whole story at once. He walks us through it chapter by chapter.” In this second half of my conversation with Tricia Patrick, we move beyond the events of February 2014 and into the long journey that followed the loss of her son Jeremy to suicide.Tricia describes those early days as a fog — returning to work just ten days after Jeremy went to heaven, sitting with her Bible open and unable to process the words, and simply trying to survive one hour at a time. And yet, even in the fog, she kept showing up.What she discovered over time is something many grieving parents need to hear: God did not require her to process everything at once. He walked her through grief in chapters.A chapter might last weeks or months. One season focused on survival. Another on Scripture. Later, she was able to face the complicated layers unique to suicide loss — the stigma, the anger, the cultural triggers, and the difficult questions. She didn't have to solve it all in the beginning. God was gracious to let her heal one layer at a time.This is an honest conversation about suicide loss, but it is also a conversation about endurance, Scripture, worship, and a Shepherd who carries His lambs close to His heart.If you are in the early chapters of grief, please hear this: you do not have to resolve every question today. You do not have to face every layer at once. God is patient. He is gentle. And He will walk with you through each chapter — one at a time.Click HERE to find Tricia's "Sharing Jeremy's Joy" Facebook page and get involved!I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org
You used to handle a full day without thinking twice. Now even simple choices feel overwhelming. What to wear. What to cook. Whether to answer the phone. And somewhere in the middle of it all, you've started wondering, What is wrong with me? If you feel mentally drained, foggy, and worn thin in ways sleep can't fix, this episode will help you understand why. In this conversation, we pull back the curtain on "grief brain" and decision fatigue — and why pushing harder has only made you more exhausted. You'll begin to see how working at the surface level of grief can keep you stuck in chaos, and why clarity — not effort — is what actually restores strength. In this episode, you'll learn… Why decision fatigue is a real and common response to child loss How unresolved grief creates mental overload you can't outwork What Scripture means when it talks about making "straight paths" The difference between striving harder and building real structure If you are truly tired of trying to outwork a pain that feels bottomless, I invite you to stop striving and come sit with me for a moment. You don't have to figure this out on your own, and you don't have to keep pushing through the depletion. There is a way to find a smoother path for your feet, and God is inviting you to lean into His strength right where you are. ✨ Live Gathering for Grieving Moms — February 26 & 27 If you're realizing that life without your child has shifted everything — the way you see yourself, your relationships, and the future you thought you were moving toward — you don't have to navigate that disorientation on your own. I'm hosting a two-day live gathering for grieving moms. This will be a time to come together, be present, and talk honestly about grief, identity, and what it looks like to keep lliving when life no longer feels familiar.
What does it look like to lose a child — and still hold onto faith?In this powerful episode, Mick shares his story of child loss after the death of his son, Luke. He opens up about the overwhelming grief, the emotional shock, and the spiritual questions that followed. Through deep pain, he found himself crying out to God — not with polished prayers, but with raw honesty — and that cry became the beginning of a real relationship with Him.This conversation explores:• How fathers experience grief after the loss of a child• Navigating marriage while grieving differently• The importance of community support in seasons of loss• Triggers and emotional waves after child loss• Honoring a child's memory while continuing forward• Finding Christian hope in the middle of devastating griefMick also shares how welcoming new life into their family brought both joy and complexity, and how faith reshaped his understanding of suffering, healing, and purpose.If you are grieving the loss of a child, walking through deep sorrow, or questioning God in your pain, this episode offers honesty, encouragement, and the reminder that you are not alone.Grief changes us — but it can also deepen us, refine us, and draw us closer to God.Mick's WebsiteMick's YoutubeClick HERE to learn about the Widow Goals Support Program Click HERE to order Michelle's book Widow Goals: Steps to Finding Peace When You Lose Your SpouseClick HERE to order the Widow Goals WorkbookClick HERE to order the Widow Goals Workbook Leader GuideClick HERE to apply to be a Widow Goals Group LeaderFollow Hayley's Parent Loss Goals Ministry Here on IGHere on FBClick here to be sent an email on the anniversary of your spouse's passing, wedding anniversary, and more Click HERE to review Widow Goals on AmazonBook Michelle as a speakerGo here to see a list of all the areas we have Widow Goals GroupsTo join our podcast listener community, send me a message here. Thank you!Click Here to apply to be a guest on Widowed 2 SoonFollow Michelle on TikTokFollow me on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/widowed2soon_/https://www.instagram.com/widowgoalsSee my videos on YoutubeSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelEmail me michelle@widowgoals.org
After the death of a child, the darkness can feel suffocating. In this deeply personal episode, Laura shares from her own journey of losing her daughter, Becca. The panic attacks, the desperate prayers and the overwhelming thoughts told her that she would never survive this kind of pain. When everything inside us says life will never be worth living again, how do we begin to move forward? Rooted in Romans 12:2, this conversation gently explores how transformation begins in the mind, even when the heart feels completely shattered. With both biblical truth and insights from neuroscience, this episode addresses how repeated thoughts can shape beliefs and identity, and how intentional, faith-filled shifts in thinking can begin creating space for light. Renewing your mind after child loss is not about denying grief or minimizing love; it is about challenging the lies that keep grieving parents trapped in despair and learning that it is our love, not the pain, that keeps us connected to our child. With deeply heart-felt compassion and clarity, Laura offers encouragement that, with God's help, it is possible to move forward without leaving our child behind. Links Mentioned in this episode: The paperback and Companion Journal are now available for orders on the GPS Hope webstore, along with the free gift of My Grief Journey when ordered in February. Click here to order. (They are both also available on Amazon.) Click here to support the podcast, keep it ad-free, and get exclusive content. Click here to receive a Weekly Word of Hope from Laura. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Mark Patrick King II was born on February 22 and is forever 29. Dharahan Walker was born on February 23 and is forever 31. Nolan Sanders was born on February 24 and is forever 28. Paul Huprich was born on February 24 and is forever 19. Ian Rodriguez was born on February 26 and is forever 33. Dylan Paul Yancey Clarke was born on February 26 and is forever 17. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child's name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.
In this episode, Alissa returns to the podcast to share what life looks like 8 years after her daughter Anna was stillborn. If you want her full story, go back and listen to Episode #52 — we recorded that one 2.5 years ago, and hearing the evolution between then and now is powerful. We talk honestly about grief life then vs now, how pain shifts but never disappears, and what it looks like to rebuild identity, perspective, and purpose after loss. Alissa opens up about parenting after stillbirth, navigating layered grief after losing her sister the year before Anna, and the unexpected “gifts” our babies leave behind — even when the journey is brutally hard. If you're newly walking this path, this episode offers real perspective on how things can change over time… while still honoring the parts that never will. And if you're wondering how to keep your baby present as the years move forward, her insight is deeply grounding. Alissa has always been incredibly transparent, and I'm so grateful our paths crossed early in my own journey.
"Am I betraying my child if I start to feel better?" It's a question most grieving moms never say out loud. Not because you love your child any less. But because pain has started to feel like the only bridge between you and them. Somewhere along the way, suffering begins to feel like loyalty — and the thought of healing feels like forgetting. In this episode, we step into that tension. The guilt that surfaces when you laugh for a moment. The heaviness that follows a day that didn't end in tears. And the fear that hope for your future might somehow dishonor your child. Anchored in Psalm 94, we talk about what happens when your "foot feels like it's slipping" — and how God's comfort meets you right there. Inside this conversation, you'll discover… Why guilt often shows up the moment you begin to feel lighter The hidden belief that suffering proves your love What Psalm 94 reveals about God's support when your heart feels unsteady How to move forward in strength without leaving your child behind If you've ever felt afraid that healing might mean betrayal, I hope you'll press play. God's comfort does not erase your love — it strengthens you to carry it differently. You are not dishonoring your child by stepping toward peace. ✨ Live Gathering for Grieving Moms — February 26 & 27 If you're realizing that life without your child has shifted everything — the way you see yourself, your relationships, and the future you thought you were moving toward — you don't have to navigate that disorientation on your own. I'm hosting a two-day live gathering for grieving moms. This will be a time to come together, be present, and talk honestly about grief, identity, and what it looks like to keep lliving when life no longer feels familiar.
“You don't have to resolve every layer of grief at once. God works in chapters.” Today's episode begins a two-part conversation with my new friend Tricia Patrick. In this first episode, you'll get to know her son Jeremy — a miracle baby, a football-loving, bow-tie wearing, big-hearted young man who adored children and dreamed of opening an orphanage one day. You'll hear about the complicated years following her divorce, the restoration that came after Jeremy placed his faith in Christ, and the devastating night in February 2014 when everything changed.This is an honest conversation about suicide loss, about surrendering a child into God's hands, and about trusting Him even when the outcome isn't what we prayed for. Be sure to come back for Part Two next week, when we move into the years after Jeremy went to heaven. Tricia will speak candidly about the early fog of grief — returning to work just days later, sitting with her Bible open and unable to process the words, and wrestling with the stigma and complicated emotions that often accompany suicide loss. She'll also explain how God gently allowed her to process her grief in “chapters,” addressing one layer at a time rather than forcing her to face everything at once. This is an honest and hope-filled conversation about suicide loss, surrender, healing over time, and the faithfulness of a Good Shepherd who carries us — and our children — close to His heart.If you are in the early days of grief, please know you are not alone. You don't have to figure it all out right now. God is patient. He is gentle. And He will walk with you through every chapter.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org
When the house gets quiet and the weight of missing your child feels heavier than you can possibly bear, it's natural to look for a place to retreat. Whether you are leaning on your family to carry the weight or retreating inward to manage it all alone, you might be surprised to find that your "hiding place" is actually a response to the hidden layers of grief that no one warned you about. This episode is a gentle but honest look at how we survive the unthinkable. We're moving past the surface-level "I'm fine" and looking at the patterns that quietly shape your days. If you feel like you're stuck in a cycle of just getting through the next hour, this conversation will help you identify the deeper layers keeping you isolated so you can begin to find your way back to a place of connection. Inside this conversation, you'll discover: The "Hiding Place" Audit: How to identify where you are retreating—whether it's through "staying busy," scrolling, or complete emotional shutdown. The Burden of the Surviving Child: A candid look at whether you are unintentionally asking your other children to carry more than they were meant to. Isolation vs. Solitude: Why your current coping mechanisms might be keeping you stuck in survival mode instead of moving toward healing. The "Function over Feeling" Trap: Why staying busy feels like safety, but might actually be the very thing keeping your heart from finding rest. I want you to know that you don't have to carry the heavy layers of loss by yourself. There is a safe place for you to be seen, heard, and understood without judgment. Press play, take a deep breath, and remember that even in your darkest hiding place, God sees you, He loves you, and He is waiting to meet you right where you are. ✨ Live Gathering for Grieving Moms — February 26 & 27 If you're realizing that life without your child has shifted everything — the way you see yourself, your relationships, and the future you thought you were moving toward — you don't have to navigate that disorientation on your own. I'm hosting a two-day live gathering for grieving moms. This will be a time to come together, be present, and talk honestly about grief, identity, and what it looks like to keep lliving when life no longer feels familiar.
In this episode, I'm answering your questions — the real ones. The ones you sent me quietly on Instagram. The ones that sit heavy in your chest at 2am. We're talking about: – Have I actually found joy again… without constantly thinking my baby should be here? – How to handle not getting grace from the people around us – What to do when you feel like your body failed you – Navigating strained relationships after stillbirth – Trying to conceive again (TTC) and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it – Regrets about hospital decisions and the “what ifs” that won't let go – Pregnancy after loss (PAL) and living in two realities at once – The anger that comes with feeling like you have to “start over” Nothing is off limits here. I share what this has looked like in my own life — the messy middle, the guilt, the growth, the perspective shifts that took years to land. I don't offer perfect answers, because there aren't any. But I do offer honesty. If you've ever wondered whether joy is allowed… If you've wrestled with resentment toward your body… If your relationships changed and you don't recognize them anymore… If you're TTC again while terrified… This episode is for you. You're not dramatic. You're not broken. You're grieving. And I'm right here with you. ❤️
Labor Pains: Dealing with infertility and loss during pregnancy or infancy.
There is no pain more disorienting than losing a child—and no single “right” way to grieve.In Episode 58 of Female Voices: Life & Loss, hosts Teresa Reiniger and Wayna Berry come together for a deeply compassionate, honest conversation about grieving parents, whether the loss is through pregnancy, childhood, or adulthood. Drawing from personal experience and professional practice as grief coaches and therapists, they explore how grief shows up differently for mothers and fathers, why talking about children who have died matters, and how parents can find tools, routines, and support that actually help.This episode offers validation, practical tools, and gentle hope for parents navigating the unimaginable—along with reminders that healing does not mean forgetting, and grief does not follow rules.
If you've lost your song, that doesn't mean it's gone forever.In this second half of my conversation with Kristi Kirk, we focus on what healing can look like over time after devastating loss. Kristi reflects on the long road of grief following the death of both her husband and her son, and how her faith, perspective, and purpose have been slowly reshaped.Kristi shares what it meant to walk through her son's senior year without him, how fear gradually loosened its grip, and how she learned to live forward without leaving her son behind. She speaks honestly about the difference between feelings and truth, and how anchoring herself in God's Word became essential as faith was rebuilt.This episode also explores worship and music—how Kristi lost her song after loss, and how it returned in time as a quiet expression of healing. Along the way, she offers practical wisdom for those in early grief, encouragement to stay connected to community, and permission to lament without shame.Rather than offering a neat resolution, this conversation affirms that grief remains—and reminds us that though we may be shaken, we are not abandoned by God. Click HERE to connect with Kristi! I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org
Have you ever felt like all you are doing is coping? One day turns into the next, and suddenly you find yourself six months down the road—or even a year—yet you feel like you are still standing in the exact same place you were on day one. You are living your life entirely inside the circumstances of your child's death, exhausted from the constant "push" to just get through the hour, and you've begun to wonder if peace is even a reality for you anymore. In this episode, we are going to pull back the curtain on the "survival mode" trap and look at your pain through a different lens. You will discover how to move from a place of being confined by your loss into a spacious, open place where life is still possible and hope is allowed to breathe again. Inside this conversation, you'll discover: The hidden reason why the very coping mechanisms that kept you alive in the beginning might be what is keeping you stuck today. How to distinguish between "pushing" through your grief and being "pulled" into the healing path God has prepared for you. The three simple concepts that will clear the "Grief Brain" confusion and help you see a path forward. Why moving into a place of peace doesn't mean leaving your child behind, but rather finding a new way to carry them with you. You don't have to stay exhausted by the weight of just getting through. There is a way to honor your child while also stepping into the life God intends for you—one where the overwhelm of grief no longer clouds your vision. Press play, friend, and let's take this gentle step together toward the light of His presence, where hope lives and life is still waiting for you. ✨ Live Gathering for Grieving Moms — February 26 & 27 If you're realizing that life without your child has shifted everything — the way you see yourself, your relationships, and the future you thought you were moving toward — you don't have to navigate that disorientation on your own. I'm hosting a two-day live gathering for grieving moms. This will be a time to come together, be present, and talk honestly about grief, identity, and what it looks like to keep lliving when life no longer feels familiar.
If you believe in God but can't feel Him anywhere right now, you're not alone. When your child is no longer walking beside you, faith can feel fragile, confusing, and even unsafe to hold. You still pray. You still believe. But God feels distant, quiet, and harder to find than ever before. In this episode, we sit inside that ache without rushing past it. This is an honest conversation for grieving moms who are doing their best to hold on, even as their grip feels loose. You'll hear why this experience is deeply human, deeply biblical, and not a failure of your faith—especially after a loss that has turned your world upside down. In this episode, we'll explore together… Why faith can feel harder to hold after child loss—even when you still believe What Scripture shows us about seasons when God feels absent or unreachable How grief disrupts the way we hear, sense, and experience God's presence Why needing something tangible to hold onto doesn't mean you're weak in faith If your faith feels fragile right now, I want you to know this: God is not offended by your questions, your confusion, or your aching heart. He is closer than you realize—even in the silence. Press play, friend. Let's sit with this together. ✨ Live Gathering for Grieving Moms — February 26 & 27 If you're realizing that life without your child has shifted everything — the way you see yourself, your relationships, and the future you thought you were moving toward — you don't have to navigate that disorientation on your own. I'm hosting a two-day live gathering for grieving moms. This will be a time to come together, be present, and talk honestly about grief, identity, and what it looks like to keep lliving when life no longer feels familiar.
Fan Mail: Tell Wendy how you're saying yes to yourself!Free Virtual Masterclass: From Resolution to Momentum That Creates Results, on Saturday, February 7. Save your seat!In this episode, Wendy is joined by Marie Crews, a certified health and wellness coach, retreat facilitator, and author who guides women through grief, trauma, and transformation. After losing her son, Marie discovered that healing doesn't mean leaving our loved ones behind—it means rising to a higher vibration where we can touch their memory without being stolen by tears.They explore:The difference between strength and willingness in the grief journeyWhy co-creating your experience doesn't mean you created your lossHow to honor your needs unapologetically and give yourself grace in every seasonIf you've ever struggled with allowing joy to coexist with grief, this episode offers permission, hope, and a path forward.Connect with Marie:Get her book: Even When She RoseMarieCrews.com FacebookTikTokReferenced in this EpisodeA Happy Pocketful of Money by David Cameron GikandiBoundary Boss by Terri ColeThe Artist's Way by Julia CameronByron Katie________________________________________________________________________________________ Connect with Wendy: LinkedinInstagram: @phineaswrighthouseFacebook: Phineas Wright House Website: Phineas Wright House PWH Farm StaysPWH Curated Experience and Travel Interested in being a guest on the show? Send your pitch to podcast@phineaswrighthouse.com Podcast Production By Shannon Warner of Resonant Collective Want to start your own podcast? Let's chat! If this episode resonated, follow Say YES to Yourself! and leave a 5-star review. It helps more women in midlife discover the tools, stories, and community that make saying YES not only possible, but powerful.
When life no longer feels safe or predictable, trust in God can feel fragile.In this first half of my conversation with Kristi Kirk, we talk about what it means to be shaken to the core by loss—and how faith can be tested, reshaped, and rebuilt in the aftermath.Kristi shares her story of profound grief, including the sudden death of her husband and, less than two years later, the loss of her 18-year-old son, PK. She speaks honestly about fear, trauma, and the struggle to trust God when life no longer feels secure and the future feels uncertain.This episode focuses on the early terrain of grief: the shock, the unanswered questions, and the fear that “the next shoe might drop.” Kristi reflects on how losing her assumptions about protection and control led her into a deeper, more honest relationship with God—one marked by lament, transparency, and the slow work of learning to separate feelings from truth.Rather than offering easy answers, this conversation makes space for grief as it really is, while holding onto the truth that even when our faith feels shaken, God has not abandoned us.To connect with Kristi, visit her website HERE. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org
Melissa and Mandy talk Southern Charm. Melissa shares interpretations of Austen and Craig's relational dysfunction, sharing psychological theories about what leads to their “circle jerk of acrimony”. The pair also discuss Austen's conversation with his mom, including why she encouraged Austen to have children. (TW: Discussion of child loss and sibling loss)Melissa and Mandy then chat RHOP, specifically Angel's business being flooded with 1-star reviews from Bravo fans. They discuss Karen Huger's return to RHOP reunion despite being in jail for the entire season.For part one of the podcast where melissa and Mandy Discuss RHOBH and RHOSLC check out “Is this real life” with Mandy SlustkerTHANK YOU FOR LISTENING and for all the support!Please follow YBT podcast and give a 5-star comment & rating (it really helps!)Please follow @yourbishtherapist on Instagram, Patreon, YouTube, FB, and TTFor full video (ad free, bonus content & early releases) visit YBT Patreon, Spreaker Supporters Club or YouTubePatreon: https://patreon.com/YourBishTherapist?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLinkAPPLE PODCAST https://apple.co/3MfskzeSpreaker Supporters club: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/your-bish-therapist--6065109/supportYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8bmVPTlWANg5v7rGRJjow?subconfirmation=1 To find links to all YBT content: https://linktr.ee/yourbishtherapistBrand Ambassador: www.Iamhumanthebrand.com for clothing with a purpose. Code BISH20 for 20% off purchaseDisclaimer: Posts are not intended to diagnose, treat or provide medical advice. Your Bish Therapist (YBT) is for entertainment and informational purposes only. The podcast, my opinions, and posts, are my own and are not associated with past or present employers, any organizations, Bravo TV, Grey Heart productions or any other television network. The information in YBT podcast and on its its social media is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat. Please do not act or refrain from acting based on anything you read, see, or hear on YBT, podcast or associated social media. Communicating with YBT via email, and/or social media does not form a therapeutic alliance. Melissa, operator of YBT, is unable to provide any therapeutic advice, treatment or feedback.
You don't wake up one day and decide you're a different person. It happens slowly — as the life you expected is taken away and survival becomes your focus. And then one day, you realize the woman looking back at you doesn't feel familiar anymore. If you've found yourself thinking, "I don't know who I am now," — you're not alone. In this episode, we talk about the disorienting identity shift that often comes after child loss — not in the earliest days, but later, when the shock wears off and reality settles in. This is the stage many grieving moms aren't prepared for, and rarely hear named. This conversation will help you understand what's happening inside you, why it feels so unsettling, and how Scripture speaks directly into this place of grief. In this episode, you'll hear about: Why identity rupture doesn't happen right away — and why that delayed realization can feel so destabilizing How Naomi's story in the book of Ruth mirrors the loss of self many grieving moms experience What it means when you don't recognize yourself anymore — and why that awareness matters How naming this stage of grief becomes the first step toward clarity, steadiness, and movement If you're standing in that in-between place — no longer who you were, but unsure of who you're becoming — this episode is for you. ✨ Live Gathering for Grieving Moms — January 27 & 28 If you're realizing that life without your child has shifted everything — the way you see yourself, your relationships, and the future you thought you were moving toward — you don't have to navigate that disorientation on your own. I'm hosting a two-day live gathering for grieving moms. This will be a time to come together, be present, and talk honestly about grief, identity, and what it looks like to keep lliving when life no longer feels familiar.
I was deeply moved by my guest Lisa Boehm. Lisa's life changed forever when her daughter, Katie, was killed in a car accident – an experience no parent should ever have to endure. In the years since, she's found remarkable strength and purpose, transforming her grief into a force for healing and connection. This is probably the most difficult interview I've ever done. I hope you find it as powerful as I did. Lisa is a certified grief educator, author of Journey to Healing: A Mother's Guide to Navigating Child Loss, and founder of the Angel Moms Community, where she supports other parents walking this most difficult path. We talk about: -Navigating grief as a parent -Understanding grief and its complexities -Misconceptions about grief -Communicating with grievers and what to say -The healing process as an active journey -Honoring loved ones -The impact of grief on identity and relationships -The transformative power of gratitude -Grief and family dynamics -Navigating grief in relationships -The role of therapy and medication -Honoring a loved one's legacy -Coping with guilt and reminders of loss And more. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it and leave us a 5* review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening. Order Rachel's book, Magnificent Midlife: Transform Your Middle Years, Menopause And Beyond, recommended in The New York Times as one of seven top books about menopause at magnificentmidlife.com/book The paperback can also be purchased on Amazon or other online retailers: UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ US & Canada: https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Magnificent-Midlife-Transform-Middle-Menopause/dp/173981150X/ You can listen to all the other episodes and get the show notes at magnificentmidlife.com/podcast. Podcast recommended by the Sunday Times. FeedSpot #5 in 40 Best Midlife Podcasts FeedSpot #7 in 100 Best Midlife Women Podcasts FeedSpot #2 in 10 Best UK Life Hacks Podcasts You'll find lots of strategies, support and resources to help make your midlife magnificent at magnificentmidlife.com. Check out Rachel's online Revitalize Experience, a 6-week intensive small group mentoring experience or 1-1 Midlife Mentoring.
In this episode, I talk about the most fantastic mess that is life after stillbirth. This is emotional whiplash at its finest...Loss mamas are out here doing the damn thing every single day—showing up, parenting, working, laughing—and still grieving, spiraling, and holding a whole lot beneath the surface. Two things can be true at once, and they usually are.I share a moment where I blurted out something dark but completely factual… and the person on the receiving end said absolutely nothing. We get into how grief conversations have evolved (or haven't), why people don't know what to do with us, and how wildly inappropriate things still get said to our faces—like, “I would have died if something happened to my baby.” Cool. Thanks. Super helpful.This episode is about the messiness, the awkwardness, the growth, the rage, the humor, and the reality of living after stillbirth. It's about surviving, adapting, and learning how to exist in a world that's uncomfortable with our truth.If you're a loss mama trying to hold it together while falling apart, this one's for you.Welcome to the fantastic mess.
Today, we resume our conversation with Ken and Mary Sue Grein as they recount the events surrounding their son Jacob's unexpected passing in 2019, the way their family was gathered together, and the profound sense of God's presence in those hours. They speak honestly about shock, sorrow, and the weight of saying goodbye, while also sharing moments of comfort, reassurance, and hope that met them in the midst of deep grief.We also explore what the long road of loving and losing Jacob has taught them—about surrender, about living with unanswered questions, and about allowing grief to unfold without rushing it. Ken and Mary Sue offer gentle wisdom for grieving parents, encouraging listeners to feel what they feel, to take grief one day at a time, and to trust that God meets us even when the pain doesn't quickly resolve.As the conversation continues, they reflect on Jacob's ongoing legacy and the calling they felt to share his story through their book and beyond. Jacob's life, they remind us, continues to speak—pointing others toward faith, compassion, and the enduring truth that every life is worth living.Click HERE to listen to Part One of our conversation. Social Media links for the Greins:Facebook - Jacob's Story the Book ( https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579352574360)Instagram - JacobGreinStory (https://www.instagram.com/jacobgreinstory/)YouTube - @JacobGreinStory (https://www.youtube.com/@JacobGreinStory)TikTok - @jacobgreinstorywebsite - jacobalifeworthliving.comI would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org
In this episode, I talk about the part of grief that doesn't fit the mold—the way loss makes you different, and how few people truly understand the way we navigate the world afterward. There's an unexpected empowerment that comes from owning that difference. From letting go of how grief should look. From stopping the need to be understood. And from building a life after loss in the way you need to, not the way others expect. If you've ever felt like a misfit in your grief, about how you're doing this and am looking for guidance on owning it, this one is for you. JOIN LOSSLINK.COM to find your loss posse ************************************* NOTE: I am not a doctor or a therapist. This podcast is not in place of therapy. The views of my guests are not always reflective of my own. I am just a real life loss mom describing her experiences with life after loss. These are my experiences, and I'm putting it out there so you feel less alone. Always do your own research and make informed decisions! For more REAL TALK about baby loss and grief, hit subscribe to be notified when another episode drops! Instagram @thekatherinelazar Youtube: @thekatherinelazar Email: thekatherinelazar@gmail.com Website: www.katherinelazar.com Some helpful resources: https://countthekicks.org/ https://www.measuretheplacenta.org/ https://www.pushpregnancy.org/ https://www.tommys.org/ Local to Atlanta: https://www.northsidepnl.com/
Today I'm joined by Ken and Mary Sue Grein as they begin sharing the story of their son Jacob—a story that would shape their family, their faith, and their understanding of what gives a life meaning.Our conversation takes us into the early years of Jacob's life, including his fragile beginning, a prolonged hospital journey, and the realities of raising a child with significant disabilities. Ken and Mary Sue reflect on the emotional and practical challenges they faced, as well as the unexpected joy and purpose they discovered along the way.They talk about Jacob's personality, his love for people, his unique way of communicating, and the quiet ways he ministered to others. Ken and Mary Sue also share how their questions, grief, and uncertainty gradually gave way to trust—and how Jacob became a teacher in their home, shaping their hearts and their perspective. In next week's episode, Ken and Mary Sue will continue sharing Jacob's story—walking us through the day his earthly journey came to an end, the sacred moments that followed, and the way God has met them in grief, healing, and hope. They'll also reflect on what Jacob's life and legacy continue to teach them, and how his story is still reaching others today, so be sure to come back next week!Social Media links for the Greins:Facebook - Jacob's Story the Book ( https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579352574360)Instagram - JacobGreinStory (https://www.instagram.com/jacobgreinstory/)YouTube - @JacobGreinStory (https://www.youtube.com/@JacobGreinStory)TikTok - @jacobgreinstorywebsite - jacobalifeworthliving.com websiteI would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org
What keeps you going when life takes everything from you?Christina “BC” Sy shares what it means to keep showing up after the unimaginable. After losing both of her children, her world didn't just change — it shattered.Hear how survival became a daily decision, why grief never truly disappears, and how learning to live alongside pain became the only way forward. This isn't about “moving on.” It's about choosing to keep going — one day at a time — when the unthinkable has already happened.If you're struggling with grief or thoughts of self-harm, you are not alone. Help is available:Lifeline Australia (24/7): 13 11 14Beyond Blue (24/7): 1300 22 4636Kids Helpline (if supporting children): 1800 55 1800Reaching out is a sign of strength. Support is there when you need it.Learn more about BC and Sports Jam here: https://www.joinsportsjam.org/ Use Code "PQPODCAST10" to get 10% off your Lumo Coffee order:https://lumocoffee.com/ Interested in sharing your story? Email Producer Shannon at support@performanceintelligence.com today with your story and contact details. Learn more about Andrew and Performance Intelligence: https://performanceintelligence.com/Find out more about Andrew's Keynotes : https://performanceintelligence.com/keynotes/Follow Andrew May: https://www.instagram.com/andrewmay/Watch the Performance Intelligence Podcast on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@performanceintelligencepodcastIf you enjoy the podcast, we would really appreciate you leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Play. It takes less than 60 seconds and really helps us build our audience and continue to provide high quality guests.
Today's episode features a continuation of my conversation with Dawn Helms as we focus on life after the loss of her only child, Ben.Dawn shares practical, compassionate wisdom for parents in the early days of grief—about accepting help, resisting isolation, and leaning into community even when it feels hard. She reflects on the quiet that follows years of caregiving, navigating everyday questions, and approaching holidays when traditions feel overwhelming.Throughout our conversation, Dawn points to the faith that has sustained her—not a faith that takes the pain away, but one that meets her in it. She shares the Scriptures, music, and moments of God's provision that have helped her keep going.If you're a grieving parent listening today, I want to remind you that you don't have to walk this road alone. The While We're Waiting ministry hosts free, faith-based retreats for bereaved parents across the country, offering space for rest, understanding, and community. I would love to have the opportunity to meet you at one of our retreats! I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org
After the loss of a child, joy can feel impossible, like a door that has been permanently locked shut. In this episode, Laura gently shares three biblical, grace-filled keys that can help unlock your heart again after child loss. Drawing from her own journey as a bereaved parent and from her book When Tragedy Strikes, Laura explores how thankfulness, the Word of God, and extending care to others can slowly allow joy to take root, not as surface happiness, but as a deep, steady undercurrent. This episode offers encouragement for grieving parents who long to believe that joy is still possible, even when life will never look the same. Links Mentioned in this episode: This episode includes a session from the Rebuilding Your Life After Child Loss online workshops, created specifically for grieving parents navigating life after child loss. The workshops are based on the award-winning book When Tragedy Strikes and comes with a free eBook copy. Learn more at gpshope.org/wtscourse Click here to share your thoughts on the GPS Hope Facebook page (under the post of this podcast episode) or click here to share directly on the GPS Hope website in the comment section under the episode. Click here to support the podcast, keep it ad-free, and get exclusive content. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Joshua Caldwell was born on January 16 and is forever 28. Adrian Augustine was born on January 17 and is forever 18. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child's name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.
In this episode, I talk openly about God after the death of my son, Brody—what my faith looks like now, what it doesn't, and how it has changed in ways I never expected. I share my honest thoughts, doubts, anger, comfort, and the quiet moments where belief feels complicated but still present. I also dive into what it's like to parent after loss—how grief shows up in anxiety, how it lives in my body and my thoughts, and the things that genuinely help me when the fear gets loud. This isn't about having it all figured out; it's about surviving, regulating, and finding ways to feel safe in a world that no longer feels predictable. Finally, I talk about the way Brody's death reshaped how I show up in the world. The attitude I try to carry. The energy I try to contribute. The way loss softened me, sharpened me, and changed how I treat others—and myself. I also talk about a lot of other random stuff too LOL This episode is for anyone navigating faith after loss, parenting with grief, or trying to live gently and intentionally after their world has been shattered. You're not alone here.
This week on The Upload, host Brooke Taylor and co-host Pastor Mark Evans sit down with one of the most influential voices in Christian music, Steven Curtis Chapman, for a deeply personal and faith-filled conversation about transformation, tragedy, and the sustaining presence of God. Steven takes listeners back to the very beginning of his faith journey, growing up in what he describes as a “little crazy” home marked by conflict, broken examples, and hardship. He shares how, as a young boy in Paducah, Kentucky, he witnessed a miraculous shift in his family during a revival at their Baptist church — a moment that forever changed the trajectory of his parents’ lives and planted the first seeds of his own faith. About a year later, a single verse from Revelation “I stand at the door and knock” became the moment Steven says Jesus knocked on the door of his heart, beginning a lifelong walk with God. The conversation turns to one of the most painful chapters of Steven’s life: the tragic loss of his youngest daughter, Maria Sue. With honesty and grace, Steven opens up about how his family navigated unimaginable grief, how the shortest verse in Scripture “Jesus wept” took on profound new meaning, and how God met them in their sorrow rather than abandoning them in it. He reflects on how the Lord has faithfully sustained his family and how Maria’s life and legacy continue through their work with Show Hope. Steven Curtis Chapman reminds us that faith is not the absence of pain, but the presence of God in the middle of it. This episode is for anyone who has wrestled with loss, questioned God in suffering, or needed reassurance that Jesus still draws near in our deepest grief.
Today's episode features the first half of my recent conversation with Dawn Helms, in which she shares the story of her only son Ben and the long journey of loving him through significant mental health challenges.For years, Dawn lived in a constant state of vigilance—managing diagnoses, medications, school struggles, substance abuse, and periods of incarceration. Her home was rarely quiet, not because life was easy, but because Ben required constant attention and advocacy. Dawn helps us get to know Ben beyond his struggles—his humor, compassion, and the deep bond they shared. She also reflects on a brief, sweet season when Ben was home before his death, and how everything changed for her when the caregiving ended and the house grew quiet.This episode will be especially meaning for parents who have lost an only child or who spent years living on high alert due to a child's mental health issues. Be sure to return for next week's episode when Dawn will share more about the early days of grief, the choices that helped her survive, and how God met her in the quiet. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org
January can feel isolating when you're grieving your child. The world is talking about fresh starts and new goals, but you may feel like you're living in a world you don't recognize anymore—because your child is no longer in it. In this episode, I'm naming why January often feels heavier than people expect after child loss, and why it makes sense if you don't want to "reset," "start over," or plan your way into a better version of yourself right now. This is about stepping out of the world's pressure—and finding a steadier place to stand. In this episode, you'll learn… Why the "new year" narrative can feel so disorienting after child loss How to recognize when cultural pressure is adding weight to your grief What it means to opt out of timelines and expectations that no longer fit your life How God begins in the empty, formless places—when you have nothing left to give If January has been making you feel out of place, behind, or quietly exhausted, I want you to know this: there is nothing wrong with you. You don't have to force progress to prove you're okay. Press play, take a slow breath, and let this episode remind you that God meets you right where you are—and He will not rush you. Grief Mentor Services ✨ GRIEF MENTOR SESSIONS If your heart feels overwhelmed or you're unsure how to navigate this season of grief, I would be honored to walk with you in a 1:1 Grief Mentor Session — a time of intentional listening, spiritual discernment, and compassionate mentorship to help you understand your grief and take steady steps forward. In each session, I listen carefully to your story and offer personalized guidance, along with simple printables and visual tools designed to meet you right where you are.
Tis a new year my friends and honestly, it's the same shit. In this episode, I get super vulnerable you guys. I even go a little Tony Robbins on ya...I will say I'm super proud of myself for what I did in 2025 when it came to my health and wellness. I went IN trying to get my physical health and mental health back on track. Like GLP-1s, I did Ketamine, back to working out consistently, bible study, being present with my babies, changing up career paths, getting grief coach and educator certified, finding that balance with motherhood and grief, and just trying to get ME back...Well it was tough but I made it and I am proud but no one talks about that "Dig Out"...Where you have to consistently dig yourself out of a dark place all the time. It's honorable and shitty but we have to do it. I dive into this phenomena in hopes to hype you up and share that it's hard for me too.This is real life, I'm always honest with y'all and I always will be.Hope this helps mama
“Moving forward doesn't mean leaving my child behind.” As one year ends and another begins, many people are eager to turn the page. For bereaved parents, however, the arrival of a new year can feel heavy and overwhelming. A new calendar can make us feel like we're leaving our child behind—and that can be deeply painful.In this encore episode, Jill shares ten faith-anchored resolutions shaped by her own journey of grief after the loss of her daughter, Hannah. These are not resolutions about self-improvement or moving on, but about extending grace, caring for a grieving heart, and leaning fully on God's strength.Originally recorded near the close of 2020 in the height of the Covid pandemic, this episode acknowledges both personal loss and collective weariness, offering encouragement for grieving parents entering a new year they may not feel ready to face.In this episode, you'll hear reflections on:Why stepping into a new year can feel especially difficult after child lossBeing patient and kind with yourself as grief unfoldsExtending grace to others who don't know what to say or doLearning to communicate what you need—and honoring your limitsFinding joy in small, God-given momentsLetting go of guilt, blame, and “if only” thinkingStanding on God's truth when emotions feel overwhelmingDepending on God's strength when your own is goneThe episode closes with a prayer from Verdell Davis's book Let Me Grieve, But Not Forever, reminding listeners of the deep lessons learned in the valley and the sustaining grace of God who meets us there.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, & gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
In this episode of The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations, I'm joined by Sean Dadashi to explore how journaling can support healing after suicide loss. We talk about why journaling often becomes a lifeline for grievers, how reflective practices help after traumatic loss, and why having accessible tools for processing grief matters — especially in the aftermath of a death by suicide.(P.S... I use and love this app!) Sean shares his own lived experience with depression and suicidal thoughts as a teenager, and how journaling helped him survive during a time when he felt untethered and overwhelmed. That experience eventually led him to co-found Rosebud, a therapist-backed journaling app designed to support emotional awareness, reflection, and personal growth.In this conversation, we discuss the cognitive science behind journaling, why it can be especially supportive after suicide loss, and how reflective practices help grievers begin to make sense of their inner world — without replacing therapy or crisis care. We're clear about boundaries: journaling is not treatment, and it is not emergency support — but it is a powerful companion tool for many people navigating grief and trauma.We also talk about:Why journaling after suicide loss can feel safer for some grievers than talking out loudHow micro-habits and gentle prompts support consistency without pressureThe difference between journaling, therapy, and crisis resourcesEthical technology use in mental-health spacesPrivacy, encryption, and responsible data handlingThe CARE Initiative, focused on safeguarding and accountability in mental-health technologyI also share why I personally value journaling as part of a broader support system after loss — including the option to speak rather than type, receive thoughtful prompts, and engage in reflection without having to “know what to say.”This episode is grounded, educational, and honest — offering grievers, supporters, and clinicians alike a clearer understanding of how journaling can support healing after suicide loss, while honoring the reality that no single tool is enough on its own Rosebud — Journaling App & Resources:
As the calendar turns toward a new year, many grieving moms feel an unexpected weight. Moving forward can feel disloyal. Hope can feel complicated. And the quiet question rises: How do I walk into a new year when my child is no longer walking beside me? In this episode, we return to Mary one final time. Scripture tells us she treasured these things and pondered them in her heart. Mary did not move forward by forgetting what she carried. She moved forward by holding love and life together. In this episode, you'll hear: Why stepping into a new year can stir guilt after child loss How Mary teaches us to carry memory and movement together Why loving your child deeply and living forward are not opposites How faith invites you to walk gently into what comes next This conversation offers permission to grieve, remember, and continue living — all at the same time. Grief Mentor Services ✨ GRIEF MENTOR SESSIONS If your heart feels overwhelmed or you're unsure how to navigate this season of grief, I would be honored to walk with you in a 1:1 Grief Mentor Session — a time of intentional listening, spiritual discernment, and compassionate mentorship to help you understand your grief and take steady steps forward. In each session, I listen carefully to your story and offer personalized guidance, along with simple printables and visual tools designed to meet you right where you are.
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
“The first Christmas came with gifts meant for broken hearts.” Christmas is often one of the hardest seasons for parents grieving the loss of a child. Today, I reprise a solo episode originally recorded in 2020 during the height of the COVID pandemic which speaks into a time marked by isolation, uncertainty, and compounded grief. Separated from loved ones, surrounded by illness and fear, many bereaved parents were carrying more than ever before. In this episode, I reflect on the Christmas story through the lens of Isaiah 9:6, focusing not on the gifts we exchange, but on the gifts given at the very moment Jesus was born. In this episode, I discuss:The gift of our Wonderful Counselor, when no human words are enoughThe gift of our Mighty God, whose strength carries us in our weaknessThe gift of our Everlasting Father, steady and committed now and foreverThe gift of our Prince of Peace, offering peace with God amid chaos and sorrowThe gift of Immanuel—God with us, near to the brokenhearted and crushed in spiritThrough Scripture, personal reflection, and gentle encouragement, this episode reminds grieving parents that they are not alone—especially when traditions feel altered, expectations feel heavy, and the future feels uncertain.A reminder for this seasonWhen Christmas feels overwhelming… When your heart aches for what used to be… When your child's name goes unspoken… When a new year feels impossible to imagine…God is with us. That is the gift of Immanuel.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
In this final episode of the Advent series, we sit with Mary at the edge of Christmas — waiting, holding, trusting — long before joy was fulfilled. Mary did not know how everything would unfold, but she carried hope inside uncertainty. Her story reminds grieving moms that hope does not begin when circumstances change. Hope begins in the waiting. In this episode, you'll hear: Why hope often arrives before comfort or clarity How Mary held sorrow and promise together without forcing joy What quiet, real hope looks like for grieving moms during Christmas Why you don't need to perform happiness to experience God's presence If Christmas feels tender this year, this episode offers a gentle place to rest. Teresa Davis Your Grief Mentor Grief Mentor Services ✨ GRIEF MENTOR SESSIONS If your heart feels overwhelmed or you're unsure how to navigate this season of grief, I would be honored to walk with you in a 1:1 Grief Mentor Session — a time of intentional listening, spiritual discernment, and compassionate mentorship to help you understand your grief and take steady steps forward. In each session, I listen carefully to your story and offer personalized guidance, along with simple printables and visual tools designed to meet you right where you are.
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, and gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
Christmas can feel especially heavy after the death of a child. Traditions that once brought joy may now magnify the absence, and the expectations of the season can feel overwhelming for a heart that is grieving.In this episode, I gather the voices of While We're Waiting retreat and support group facilitators—bereaved moms and dads who share honest reflections and practical wisdom for navigating Christmas after loss. Their stories offer permission to do things differently, encouragement to take the season one moment at a time, and gentle ideas for honoring a child's memory while holding space for grief.You'll hear about:Giving yourself grace and lowering expectationsAccepting help and having an exit planLetting Christmas look different than it used toFinding meaningful ways to remember and include your childAllowing grief and joy to coexistAnchoring your heart in the hope of Immanuel—God with usThere is no right way to do Christmas after loss. Take what is helpful, leave what is not, and know that you are not alone. Even when Christmas feels broken, God is near, and His light still shines in the darkness.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org
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