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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 Part Two of my conversation with Jenny Leavitt, we continue exploring the GodPrints—God's gentle fingerprints of presence and faithfulness—woven through her family's grief journey after the loss of her son, Jacob.Jenny shares how she and her husband learned to walk together through grief even when their personalities and coping styles differed. She talks about the emotional weight of anniversaries, holidays, and court dates, and how offering grace to one another became essential in those tender seasons.We discuss how Jenny's grief has changed over the last ten years, including the seasons when God felt silent and the comfort she found in Scripture, especially in the Psalms. Jenny also offers practical wisdom for navigating holidays and special dates, as well as how her family chose to honor the ten-year mark of Jacob's homegoing.She closes by pointing listeners to resources she's created to support others who are grieving.In this episode:Grieving differently within a marriageThe challenge of anniversaries and milestonesHow grief evolves over timeFinding God in seasons of silenceNavigating holidays and special datesMarking ten years without JacobClick HERE to listen to the first half of our conversation! Resources:jennyleavitt.comresilienthope.netGodPrints by Jenny LeavittI 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!
Christmas can stir up a deep ache for any parent who has lost a child. The lights, the music, and the memories bring both beauty and pain, often side by side. In this week's episode, Laura shares a tender and meaningful offering for this difficult season: she reads several comforting and encouraging daily entries (Tuesday through Saturday) from her book Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents. These readings are meant to gently guide you toward finding God's peace after child loss at Christmastime, whether you listen all at once or pause after each day's reflection. This episode provides calm, hope-filled moments to breathe, reflect, and feel less alone during the holidays. Laura's hope and prayer for each listener, is that as you move through this sacred and tender season, you experience God's peace after child loss at Christmastime in ways that meet you gently right where you are. May His love wrap around you like a warm blanket, bringing moments of comfort, hope, and light. Links Mentioned in this episode: One powerful way to experience and share God's peace after child loss at Christmastime is to honor your child in a meaningful, lasting way. To Sponsor a podcast episode, click here . Find out more and get your copy of Hope for the Future: An Advent Journey for Bereaved Parents here. GPS Hope YouTube Channel for weekly Advent candle lighting Take advantage of purchasing a book and getting a free pareavor/hope bracelet. Click here. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Ashton Boldt was born on December 8 and is forever 22. Aaron Fitzgerald was born on December 10 and is forever 24. Tyler Sitter was born on December 12 and is forever 32. 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.
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!
In this first half of a two-part conversation, I sit down with Jenny Leavitt — pastor's wife, author of GodPrints, and bereaved mom — to hear the story of her son, Jacob, and the unmistakable “GodPrints” woven throughout her family's journey.Jenny begins by describing her earlier battle with stage four non-Hodgkin's lymphoma while raising two very young boys, and how God used that season to prepare her heart in ways she wouldn't fully understand until years later. She then introduces us to Jacob — a friendly, artistic, big-hearted high school senior — and recounts the tragic accident caused by a drunk driver that took Jacob's life and left his older brother, Caleb, critically injured.Throughout the episode, Jenny speaks honestly about the physical, emotional, and spiritual shock of those early days, the challenge of grieving one child while caring for another, and the surprising places where God's fingerprints began to appear. She shares about a profound “GodPrint” uncovered just days after Jacob's death — a handwritten piece Jacob created months earlier that offered their family deep assurance of his salvation and his walk with the Lord.Jenny also offers compassionate, practical wisdom for newly bereaved parents: the importance of connection, the value of grace for yourself and others, and the reminder that you don't have to walk this path alone.Links Mentioned:GodPrints: Finding Evidence of God in the Shattered Pieces of Life by Jenny LeavittJenny's websiteResilient Hope resourcesBe sure to join us next week for Part Two, where Jenny reflects on how her grief has evolved over the last ten years, how she and her husband navigate grieving differently, and the GodPrints they continue to see in their story.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!
In this deeply moving episode, J.John speaks with Danny Guglielmucci, Jeremy and Clare Wilson, Greg Laurie, Alexa PenaVega, and Catherine Campbell as they share their journeys through the heartbreak of losing a child and the hope they found in God amidst their grief. Their stories reveal that even in the darkest seasons, faith and sorrow can coexist, and that hope and healing are possible through Christ.This episode contains discussions of child loss, death, and miscarriage, which some viewers may find distressing.--Subscribe to J.John's YouTube channel today to receive weekly interviews, sermons and inspiration. Click to subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZyga-psugjtgeFnYhK1Xzw?sub_confirmation=1 Connect with J.John:Sign Up: https://www.jjohn.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jjohnglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/jjohnglobal
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!
Is it really possible to choose joy after the death of a child? My conversation with Melissa Hull is a profound testament that it is. She reveals how a miraculous letter became her lifeline and how she made the intentional, daily choice to heal, using everything from 15-minute gratitude practices to Reiki and painting. Her story isn't about moving on, but about moving forward with love, and building a life so big that it honors both the loss and the love.00:00 Melissa Hull's Story of Loss01:40 The Mysterious Letter from Teresa04:49 Divine Intervention and a Choice to Live06:58 Compounding Loss After Grief10:33 A "Come to Jesus" Moment and Daughter Hope12:49 The 15-Minute Daily Gratitude Practice14:51 Drew's Power Ranger: A Sign from Beyond16:51 Becoming a Force That Happens to Life19:19 Beyond Talk Therapy: Painting to Process Grief25:22 Authoring Your Journey with Intention26:17 Spiritual Practices: Reiki, Sound Baths & More32:37 Radiance, Peace & Divorce37:26 "Dear Drew": Melissa's Letter of Hope to You40:09 Finding Melissa's Work41:36 Conclusion and Thanks · Website: https://melissahull.com · Book: Dear Drew, Creating a Life Bigger Than Grief · Social Media: @MelissaHull JOIN MY COMMUNITY In The Space Between membership, you'll get access to LIVE quarterly Ask Amy Anything meetings (not offered anywhere else!), discounts on courses, special giveaways, and a place to connect with Amy and other like-minded people. You'll also get exclusive access to other behind-the-scenes goodness when you join! Click here to find out more --> https://shorturl.at/vVrwR Stay Connected: - IG - https://tinyurl.com/ysvafdwc- FB - https://tinyurl.com/yc3z48v9- YT - https://tinyurl.com/ywdsc9vt- Web - https://tinyurl.com/ydj949kt Life, Death & the Space Between Dr. Amy RobbinsExploring life, death, consciousness and what it all means. Put your preconceived notions aside as we explore life, death, consciousness and what it all means on Life, Death & the Space Between.** Brought to you by:Dr. Amy Robbins | Host, Executive ProducerPodcastize.net Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Surviving December After Suicide Loss: When the Holidays Arrive Before You're Ready...A daily December series offering tender, truthful support for surviving the holidays after suicide loss — with grief, grace, space...and my gentle company.Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything!
Today's episode is one that sits incredibly close to Ellie's heart, as she discusses coping with Christmas after child loss. As many listeners will know, Ellie lost her beautiful boy Billy to DIPG, and this is her second Christmas without him. The festive season can bring a complex mix of emotions for bereaved parents, the memories, the empty space, and the pressure to appear "festive" when the heart is somewhere else entirely. In this episode, Ellie is joined by Bereavement Support Service Lead Rachel Tegg from Child Bereavement UK for an open, gentle and honest conversation about what it means to face Christmas after losing a child. Whether someone is in their first year, their fifth year or anywhere in between, this discussion offers comfort, understanding and the reminder that no parent walks this path alone. Content Warning This episode includes discussion around the death of a child, grief and the emotional challenges of Christmas. Listeners are encouraged to take care of themselves while listening and to step away at any time if needed. Email us at info@mybaba.com Follow us on Instagram @mybabainsta and @mybabagram Show notes Child Bereavement UK - Helpful Resources Helpline Number: 0800 02 888 40. Normal Opening Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Christmas Opening Hours: Friday 24th December, 9.00 am – 1.30 pm Saturday 25th December - Tuesday 28th December, Closed Wednesday 29th December - Friday 31st December, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm Monday 3rd January, Closed Tuesday 4th January onwards, Normal hours 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Email: helpline@childbereavementuk.org.uk Website: www.childbereavementuk.org (Live Chat support and other resources can be found here) Managing Christmas Resource: https://www.childbereavementuk.org/managing-special-occasions What is My Baba? My Baba provides the daily scoop on family, food and lifestyle - we're not just experts at all things parenting. Visit mybaba.com The Content on this podcast is provided by My Baba and represents our sole opinions and views. For more information on our terms and conditions please refer to the website: https://www.mybaba.com/terms-conditions/
This episode is for every loss mama — whether you're in the first impossible weeks or years down the road trying to make sense of this new life.I brought on two other loss mamas Terra's mom, Andrea (@grievinglikeamother and Juniper's mom, Amanda (@orangeafmama) and we just… talked. No scripts, no fixing, no pretending.Just honest perspective on baby loss, parenting after loss, living kids, holidays, triggers, healing, and all the messy in-between.If you've ever wondered, “Is it just me?” — it's not.Sit with us. Cry, laugh, nod along. You're in the presence of three loss mama besties who get it in a way the world honestly never will.Find them on IG at @grievinglikeamother and @orangeafmamaIf you're looking for your Loss Posse go to LOSSLINK.com to search for mamas just like you. *************************************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!Support the podcast and shop the store! At a Total Loss ShopInstagram @thekatherinelazarYoutube: @thekatherinelazarEmail: thekatherinelazar@gmail.comWebsite: 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/
In this second half of my conversation with Debra Amick, we explore what life looked like after Chase went to Heaven and how God gently led her from deep grief toward renewed purpose.A meaningful part of this episode centers on four anchors God gave her in the fog of grief:Prayer support when she didn't have strength of her ownScripture placed throughout her home to remind her of what was trueResting in God's presence, allowing Him to meet her where words failedGuarding her heart, choosing carefully what she allowed in during fragile daysDebra also describes the slow journey toward purpose—giving herself permission to hope again, listening for God's direction, and discovering how her story could help others move from pain to purpose.Debra talks about how she began writing online—originally intending to speak to midlife women, not realizing how many grieving hearts would find her words. She shares how God used her vulnerability to comfort others and how her faith became the steady thread she clung to as she learned to live again.Connect HERE to connect with Debra.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
Psychologist Dr. Lucy Hone studies resilience, a topic that hit especially close to home when her 12-year old daughter Abi and two friends were killed in a car crash in 2014. She tells Sarah how her close knowledge of resilience informed her grieving, why humans are hardwired to cope, and what role her grief over Abi plays in her life now. Lucy also shares practical tips for anyone who is grieving from her first book, "Resilient Grieving," and previews her new book about living losses, called "How Will I Ever Get Through This?," which will be out in 2026. For more information about Lucy Hone, please visit www.drlucyhone.com
When God Holds the Thread: Chase's StoryIn this first half of my conversation with Debra Amick, she shares the story of her son Chase—a talented artist, musician, and gentle soul whose life touched so many. Debra opens up about his early years, the emergence of mental-health struggles in his teens, and the intentional decision she and her husband made to stay closely connected to his heart.She also recounts the powerful moment when Chase returned to his faith in Jesus and the heartbreaking night he went to Heaven. Through it all, Debra describes the unmistakable ways God met their family with comfort and presence, even in the darkest places.If you're walking through a story involving mental illness, trauma, or deep sorrow, I pray Debra's honesty will remind you that you're not alone—and that even when we feel like we're hanging on by a thread, we find that it's God Himself who holds that thread.Next week in Part 2, Debra will share what happened after Chase went to Heaven, including how she began writing publicly and how God led her toward purpose in the midst of her pain. She'll also talk about four very practical anchors that helped her navigate her grief with faith and hope.Click HERE to connect with Debra and see all the resources she has available on her website! 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
It's my birthday — the fourth one since losing Brody — and this episode is as raw and real as it gets. I'm unpacking what birthdays feel like after loss, how healing actually looks in year four, and what life is like right now: therapy, hospital stays with my living son, and the everyday chaos that somehow keeps me grounded. Sprinkled with stories, a few F-bombs, and a whole lot of iced coffee, this is the most unfiltered glimpse into my world — a loss mama just doing the damn thing. ✨ Coming soon: new support groups, 1:1 mentoring, and more spaces to connect. I'm officially a Certified Grief Coach, and I'm pouring everything I've got into serving this community in deeper ways. Check out katherinelazar.com for updates, sessions, and all things Loss Life. SHOP THE MERCH! https://at-a-total-loss.myshopify.com/ Find your loss posse on LOSSLINK.COM! *************************************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! Support the podcast and shop the store! At a Total Loss ShopInstagram @thekatherinelazar Youtube: @thekatherinelazarEmail: thekatherinelazar@gmail.comWebsite: 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/
“Even in the darkest valley, the Shepherd is still good—and He never lets go.” In this week's episode, I talk with Meshea Ingram, a mom who has walked through the deepest valley imaginable and found her Shepherd faithful every step of the way.Meshea shares about her little boy, Briggs—a joyful child with an unforgettable laugh and a big personality that filled every room. In the summer of 2022, a tragic drowning incident changed everything. Meshea speaks honestly about the days she prayed for a miracle while Briggs was on life support, the disappointment that followed when God didn't answer as she hoped, and the long process of learning to trust His goodness again.Out of their pain, Meshea and her husband founded Love Can Build a Briggs, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about drowning prevention and provides swim-lesson scholarships for young children.This episode is a beautiful reminder that even when our miracle looks different than we hoped and our hearts are breaking, the Shepherd is still leading us, His mercies are always new, and His faithfulness never fails.Connect with Meshea:Website: www.lovecanbuildabriggs.comInstagram: @shewhopraysFacebook: Love Can Build a BriggsI 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
Peace Doesn't Mean You're Done Grieving You may have felt it before — that fleeting moment of calm when the tears pause, and suddenly guilt sneaks in. "If I can feel peace, does that mean I'm moving on?" Friend, that moment isn't proof that you're done grieving. It's evidence that God is still holding you. Peace doesn't erase the ache. It walks beside it. And when you allow God to meet you right where the sorrow still lives, you'll begin to see that peace and grief can coexist in the same heart. Inside this episode, you'll discover: The truth about what peace really is (and what it's not) How to recognize peace as a sign of God's faithfulness, not your forgetting Why surrendering control allows peace to deepen and stay The simple way to let peace become a resting place, not a destination If you've been afraid that peace means letting go of your child's memory, this conversation will set your heart free. Press play and let God remind you — peace doesn't mean you're finished grieving. It means He's not finished healing you.
When tragedy strikes not once but twice, how do you keep your faith — and your loved ones — from falling apart?In this deeply moving episode of Latter-Day Lights, Lawrence and Melissa Stone open up about the unimaginable loss of their children due to a driving accident and miscarriage. But from the heartbreak, take us through a journey of rebuilding faith, marriage, and hope through grief. From heartache to healing and Heaven's quiet reassurances, their story reveals how Christ's light can transform sorrow into strength and love into lasting purpose.Their message is a tender reminder that we all grieve differently — and that all paths to healing are valid. Lawrence & Melissa share how they were able to slowly overcome the pain through writing, service, and a shared commitment to their covenants. Along the road, they also share their best practices for supporting loved ones who are grieving.The Stones' story teaches us how faith after loss can lead not only to peace, but to a deeper understanding of eternal families and God's love that never fades. Join Lawrence and Melissa to discover how someone's darkest days became a testimony of light, love, and eternal hope.*** Please SHARE Lawrence & Melissa's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/3gfZCR9D-j8-----To READ Lawrence & Melissa's book, "Our Story[s]," visit: https://a.co/d/eImk7r8To LEARN MORE about The Tears Foundation, visit: https://thetearsfoundation.org/To READ Scott's new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/-----Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylightsAlso, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.
“What if hope isn't about holding on—but about being held?” In this episode, I had the privilege to sit down with Cheri Fletcher—a writer, speaker, and flash mob aficionado—who shares the story of her daughter Annie, a vibrant young woman whose life reflected creativity, compassion, and faith.Cheri opens up about the sudden medical crisis that took Annie's life at just 29, the ache of surrendering to God's will, and the unshakable truth that we are never left to simply “hang in there”—we are held by the God who goes before us. Drawing from passages like Deuteronomy 31:8 and Isaiah 41:10, she reminds us that even when life shatters, God's presence remains steady and sure.We also talk about Cheri's new project, the Grief Communication Cards, a set of thoughtful prompts designed to help grieving families and friends talk more openly about their loved ones. Jill shares how she plans to use these cards with her own family this holiday season as a gentle way to remember and celebrate her daughter Hannah. Use the code WAITING10 for 10% off your set! This episode is a tender reminder that when we don't have the strength to hold on, God is the One holding us—steady, present, and faithful.Resources Mentioned:Cheri Fletcher's Website: cherifletcher.comGrief Communication Cards – use code WAITING10 for 10% offWhile We're Waiting Facebook Group – Support for Bereaved ParentsI 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 our child leaves this earth before we do, it can feel like everything inside of us has died too. But God has already planted a small seed of hope deep within our hearts, because Jesus, the giver of Hope lives in us (through the Holy Spirit). However, we need to water that seed of […] The post 321: Watering the Seed of Hope After Child Loss appeared first on GPS Hope.
In this episode, I sit down with the founder of Evermore Adoption Consultants, Kristin Van Hoff, a birth mother whose own adoption story inspired her to build something extraordinary. Out of her personal experience came a mission rooted in love, integrity, and the belief that every family deserves clarity and compassion on their journey to adoption. We explore what makes adoption such a complex and emotional process, why domestic adoption can feel so overwhelming, and how Evermore provides families with the tools, education, and support they need to move forward with confidence. You'll learn how Evermore stands apart from traditional referral-based services—serving families across all 50 states, partnering only with licensed agencies and attorneys, and maintaining the highest ethical standards every step of the way. Whether you're beginning your adoption journey or searching for trusted guidance, this conversation is a reminder that with knowledge and compassion, family is always possible. WEBSITE: https://evermoreadoptionconsultants.com/ FIND YOUR LOSS POSSE ON LOSSLINK.COM!*************************************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! Support the podcast and shop the store! At a Total Loss ShopInstagram @thekatherinelazar Youtube: @thekatherinelazarEmail: thekatherinelazar@gmail.comWebsite: 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/
In this week's episode, I'm joined by Cindy Shufflebarger, who shares the story of her daughter, Ashlynn Faith, and how God's immeasurable love met her family in the midst of unimaginable loss. Diagnosed with Trisomy 18, Ashlynn lived for three precious days — days filled with both deep sorrow and sacred joy. Cindy reflects on those moments, the way her faith was reshaped through lament, and how journaling became a lifeline that led to her book Dancing in the Rain: Finding Joy in the Midst of the Storm.We also talk about the Shufflebarger's beautiful ministry, P23 Retreat, which provides grieving parents with a private, prayer-covered space to rest and heal. Through this ministry, couples and singles are able to pause, reflect, and experience the peace of Psalm 23 in their own grief journeys.Here are some of the resources we mention in this episode:P23 Retreat Website: p23retreat.org — Learn more about how to request a retreat, donate a stay, or access the free downloadable resources available there.Free Downloadable Checklist for Grieving Parents — A simple tool to help you communicate your needs and boundaries to family and friends during grief. (Find it under “Resources” on the P23 website.)P23 Retreat on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedInMy Messy Grief Podcast — Listen on Spotify or watch video episodes on YouTubeCindy's Book: Dancing in the Rain: Finding Joy in the Midst of the Storm — A look at how God brings joy and growth even through the hardest seasons.My Messy Grief Journal — Available on Amazon; a creative, colorful guide filled with prompts and activities to help you process grief in practical, sensory ways.Cindy's story is a powerful reminder that God's love truly has no limits — even in our deepest pain.If this episode encouraged you, please share it withI 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 deeply moving episode, Amber Smith, wife to Granger Smith, shares her journey through unimaginable loss after the passing of her son River and how she found light in the midst of profound grief. We talk about honoring River's memory, navigating marriage and parenting through sorrow, and what healing really looks like—beyond clichés and expectations. Amber's honesty offers comfort, perspective, and hope to anyone walking through grief or supporting someone who is.
You want to feel peace again, but the moment holiday plans start taking shape, your heart feels heavy. The noise, the expectations, the questions from others—it all stirs something deep inside you that's hard to explain. You're not imagining it, and you're not weak. Grief changes how your heart experiences this season. In this episode, you'll learn how to recognize the emotional pressure points that often surface during the holidays and what they're really trying to tell you. You'll discover how to set realistic expectations, give yourself permission to slow down, and invite God's calm into places that still ache. Inside this conversation, you'll discover: Why certain moments feel heavier this time of year—and how to name them What your body and emotions are revealing about your grief How to create small, intentional rhythms that protect your peace Faith-based ways to shift from survival into surrender If you've been bracing yourself for the holidays, take a breath and listen in. You don't have to carry the weight of this season alone—God's presence is big enough to hold both your sorrow and your peace. Grief Mentor Services ✨ Holiday Flash Offer — Peace for the Holidays A special 1:1 Grief Mentor Session to help you prepare your heart for the season ahead. Through November 22, book your session for $127 (regularly $147) and receive my new printable guide: Peace for the Holidays — A Simple Plan for Grieving Moms
Today's guest, Lisa, says she has always felt a special, spiritual link to her eldest daughter, Libby—starting when Libby was an infant and lasting throughout her life. One night, Lisa complained to her husband about a throbbing thumb. The next morning, Libby called, saying she had hurt her thumb and thought it was broken. When Libby's father asked if the injury happened around 9 pm, Libby confirmed the time of the injury, but she was puzzled until he answered, “Your mother felt that.” Despite being over 200 miles away and unaware of any injury, Lisa sensed Libby's broken thumb that night. Six months later, at 1 am, Libby's friends called, reporting that she had vanished after being dropped off in a taxi. Lisa instantly feared the worst, though she tried to reassure them that Libby might simply be delayed. Deep down, she knew Libby was dead. She could not feel her as she normally could. The following day, Lisa and her husband braved a harsh English winter storm to drive to Hull. As they passed the Humber Estuary—a vast inlet leading to the North Sea—Lisa whispered, “Libby is in that water.” Her husband dismissed it as being 'silly,' but Lisa insisted she wasn't imagining it. Forty‑eight agonizing days later, police recovered Libby's body from those waters; she had been raped and murdered. In the nearly seven years since that tragedy, Lisa and her family have endured relentless trauma. At first, she felt isolated despite the story dominating UK headlines, and for two years she seemed to lose herself entirely. Over the past five years, however, she has begun to heal by connecting with other bereaved parents, listening to podcasts, and sharing Libby's story with young people and police officers. She hopes that exposing the warning signs that preceded the murder will help protect other women. And although Libby is no longer physically here with her, through her work, Lisa still feels connected to Libby. Lisa feels her as she does her "Libby work" in Libby's old bedroom, now her office. Our love for our children keeps that spiritual connection alive long after they are gone.
Gabriela Rosa, DrPH (Candidate, Harvard), is a Harvard-awarded fertility specialist, founder of The Rosa Institute, and author of Fertility Breakthrough: Overcoming Infertility and Recurrent Miscarriage When Other Treatments Have Failed. She pioneered telehealth-based integrative fertility care, making evidence-based solutions accessible worldwide. She is also the creator and host of The Fertility Challenge, a free online program that reaches tens of thousands of people globally each year. Through her F.E.R.T.I.L.E. Method®, Gabriela has supported more than 204,000 people across 111 countries. Published research demonstrates a 78.8% live birth rate among patients in her signature program—even after years of infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and failed treatments. In this episode we discuss mamas who have experienced YEARS of infertility as well as helping mamas after loss with conceive again. If you'd like to participate in her study regarding the effects of trauma and grief on fertility, please go to https://inspirestudy.online/ Find Gabriela on Instagram: @gabrielarosafertilityWebsite:https://fertilitybreakthrough.com/ Find your loss posse on LOSSLINK.COM! Head to KatherineLazar.com to book a time with Katherine to discuss all things grief and loss*************************************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! Support the podcast and shop the store! At a Total Loss ShopInstagram @thekatherinelazar Youtube: @thekatherinelazarEmail: thekatherinelazar@gmail.comWebsite: 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's episode is a little bit different than what you usually hear on the While We're Waiting podcast. I've invited my husband Brad to join me to reflect on our daughter Hannah's birthday. She would have turned 34 years old today—which means she's now double the age she was when she went to Heaven at 17. That realization has hit us a little bit harder this year.As we've been reflecting, we found ourselves thinking about all that's changed in the world over the past 17 years—as well as the things we've lost, the things we've gained, and how time has both softened and deepened parts of our grief. We want to invite you into that conversation with us as we remember our girl and talk about what it's like to keep walking forward while still holding her memory close.If you're facing a difficult day on the calendar, or maybe you've been thinking about all that's changed since your child went to Heaven, we hope this episode reminds you that you're not alone.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
Send me a Text Message- please include your contact information so I can respondWhat happens when a mother loses her child—and chooses to live bigger than grief?In this heart-opening episode of Grief to Growth, Brian D. Smith sits down with Melissa Hull—author of Dear Drew: Creating a Life Bigger Than Grief, speaker, and coach—on the very day her book launches.Melissa shares the heartbreaking story of her 4½-year-old son Drew's drowning, and how that unimaginable pain became the foundation for a new life of purpose, faith, and healing. But this isn't a story of “moving on.” It's about carrying love forward, rewriting the rules of grief, and honoring your child's life through your own.
Join Will and Gabe as they walk through finding hope in a seemingly hopeless situation. #childloss. #loss #grief #fathers #fatherhood
On this episode of Groove with Portia, I am joined by health and wellness practitioner Katy Gilberston for a heartfelt conversation about grief, gratitude, and the enduring presence of our loved ones. We begin by talking about relationships and how life transitions are often the backdrop for deeper emotional reflection.Katy opens up about her late son Jaxon, who would have turned 21 this year. She shares how his memory lives on through photos, fridge magnets, and the uncanny way her youngest son, Fox, recognizes him. As the seasons change and the veil between worlds feels thinner, Katy and I talk about how fall, Halloween, and full moons bring up both emotional and energetic shifts. Katy explains how the body remembers, especially around dates like Jaxon's birthday and angelversary, and how our grief often manifests physically.We explore the power of presence after physical death. Katy shares the experience of feeling her son's hand in hers, and I talk about sensing my mother's embrace and scent. These stories aren't just about memory; they are about connection. They are about knowing, deep in our bones, that love does not end. Katy also opens up about raising a child with Down syndrome and how becoming a parent transformed her in ways she never expected. She shares how her son's five-year battle with cancer prepared her to support others in their transitions—including her grandparents.This episode is a soulful reminder that grief is not the end of our story. It is often the beginning of rediscovery, of reconnecting with our inner child, our purpose, and our ability to feel joy again. Katy offers insight into the importance of asking for support, even when it is hard. From her husband's cancer journey to her son's heart surgery, she learned that vulnerability opens the door to healing.We also talk about Katy's upcoming book and her work with Hauora Wellness, Kalina Movement, and her monthly sound healing events. She is creating a transformation mentorship program to help others move through grief, illness, and identity loss. Katy embodies what it means to groove through adversity, and I cannot wait to have her back on the show when her book is released.Connect with Katy: https://www.hauorawellness.com/
Jerry's passion is helping bereaved children. When I was first introduced to her, Jerry was described as a widowed mother with a heart for grieving kids. She'd written Joy Overcame Sorrow, a fictional tale for late‑elementary and middle‑school readers about a ten‑year‑old girl coping with her father's death. The story follows Joy's grief journey, letting parents buy a companion workbook so children can record their own feelings while reading. I booked Jerry for the show because listeners frequently ask how parents can support grieving children. I didn't realize her personal loss mirrored our own so closely. Jerry lost her husband her best friend — and raised their young family alone. Before that, she endured four pregnancy losses, including delivering and burying two infants, Jenny and Jesse. Those early tragedies marked her first encounter with deep grief and forced her to help her surviving kids navigate sorrow. Little did she know the next forty years would bring more loss, both as a widow and as a K‑9 teacher working with grieving students. In the classroom, Jerry advised fellow teachers on supporting grieving children. Many educators feel helpless; asking parents is tough because they, too, are immersed in grief. Colleagues urged her to write a book to help grieving children. Jerry had already published a non-fiction book, helping widows rediscover joy after loss, but writing for children would prove to be very different indeed. Instead of a non‑fiction how‑to guide, Jerry chose fiction — a powerful decision. Stories teach while comforting, allowing children to see themselves reflected without overt instruction. Kids gravitate to narrative—they don't want to feel singled out. By experiencing grief through Joy's eyes, they learn, empathize, and feel less alone. Her novel and its workbook now serve as a gentle bridge for families and teachers navigating the delicate path of loss together. To learn more about Jerry and her writing, visit drjerrylwoodbridge.com.
It's me hi, and I'm going in on a bunch of different topics! I had you submit them and I speak real talk on all of them...Firstly, wtf October 15th. How was it that this day was on total steroids. Like, so many companies posting about baby loss and it's just weird.Then I go into PAL, navigating parenting living kids, moving and major changes, early inductions with rainbows, overall how my bond with Brody has changed over the past 3.5 years, and a bunch of other things that I hope help you!I'm hosting *free* Virtual Grief Support Groups so be on the lookout for announcements!Go to LossLink.com to find your Loss Posse this holiday season! And I need your help! Spread the word about LossLink so that we can get more mama's who need us on the platform.KatherineLazar.com has all the downloads, info, etc.I will be starting 1:1 Grief Coaching so be on the lookout for when sign ups open!I love you guys and your babies xxoo*************************************NOTE: I am not a doctor or a therapist. 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: @thekatherinelazarEmail: thekatherinelazar@gmail.comWebsite: 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/
In the second half of my conversation with grieving dad Terry Sternad, we see what grief—and faith—can look like more than forty years after the death of a child. Terry's six-year-old son, TJ, went to heaven in 1983, and while the ache of missing him has never gone away, Terry has discovered that joy and sorrow can coexist through a deep, abiding relationship with God.In this episode, Terry reflects on how grief has shaped his walk with God and how it has grown into a ministry of comfort for others through GriefShare. He shares candidly about how people and churches often struggle to support the bereaved, why those who are grieving sometimes have to take the first step in reaching out, and how helping others has become one of the greatest sources of healing in his own life.We talk about:What's changed—and what hasn't—in how our culture handles griefHow the church can better come alongside those who are hurtingThe lifelong evolution of a father's grief and faithHow serving others brings purpose and peaceThe powerful truth that “time doesn't heal; time with God heals”The freedom Terry found in finally releasing guilt and embracing his identity in ChristTerry's story is a portrait of what it looks like to keep growing, serving, and trusting God decades after loss. His honest reflections remind every grieving parent that while the pain remains, God's presence endures—and He can transform even our deepest sorrow into hope that lasts.Click HERE for more information about the GriefShare ministry, and to find a group in your area! 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 your child went to heaven, the world saw one loss — but your heart knows it wasn't just one. It was friendships that faded when people didn't know what to say. It was family relationships that shifted when everyone grieved differently. It was dreams, routines, and the sense of who you were before everything changed. Grief doesn't stop at the moment of loss — it ripples into every part of life. In this episode, we're uncovering the collateral damage that most grieving moms never talk about — and the tender ways God begins to rebuild what feels beyond repair. In this episode, you'll discover: What the Bible shows us about God's timing when He seems silent in our pain Why the hidden losses beneath your child's death matter — and how naming them brings healing How to rebuild when faith feels different and relationships no longer fit What it means to live restored, not the same, but redeemed You don't have to keep pretending you're okay, friend. Press play — and let's talk about how God meets you in the wreckage and starts rebuilding your heart, one piece at a time. Grief Mentor Services 1:1 Grief Mentor Session A faith-centered hour to steady your heart, find peace and clarity, and leave with real tools and next steps. I pray over you before we even speak..
Oct. 11, 2025 marks the 11th Year since Cassidy died. In this special episode of Holding the Light, I'm here to share 11 things I wish someone had told me about child loss—the truth no one prepares you for, but every grieving parent deserves to hear.Grief doesn't end, but it changes. The things I want to share with you might not make your grief any lighter, but my hope is that sharing helps you feel less alone, in your journey.If you're carrying the weight of child loss, or love someone who is, this conversation may be the light you need today. What did you think? Share your feedback in a text message.Holding the Light is an original, monthly podcast created and hosted by Monica and Colby Charette, edited and produced by Monica Charette, with support from Julia Vigue and Sophia Speeckaert. EMAIL US (shineoncass@gmail.com) with questions, comments, or a request to join us as a guest. We also welcome you to visit us at ShineOnCass (www.shineoncass.org) where our family continues to Shine the Light of Cassidy.Our podcast's theme music is As Long As You Love (Scarlet Wings) written and sung by Cindy Bullens, from the album Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth produced by Blue Lobster Records (1999). Available on CD or download at www.cidnybullens.com. Mention Holding the Light Podcast and receive a signed copy!We want to hear from YOU. Leave us a voicemail! If there is something you've learned in your grief journey that might be helpful for others, we invite you to leave us a message. We will listen to every one. Some might even be used in a future episode. You can also let us know what you think of our podcast, suggest a topic, or request to be a guest. The number to call and leave us a voicemail is: 617-302-7373. We can't wait to hear from you!Love what you heard? leave us...
When your life has revolved around caring for your medically complex child, their absence changes everything: your routines, your identity, your relationships, and evenyour purpose in life.In this tender conversation, Stephanie Stanley shares what it's like to live through end of life decisions for your medically complex child and to continue on after the caregiving ends. We cover the isolation that follows, the way grief changed her relationships and community, and the small ways she's keeping Payton close.She also opens up about the support that helped her most, her advice for those walking alongside grieving parents, and what she wishes others understood about the grievingprocess after child loss.Just a note: this episode covers themes of grief,child loss, end of life decisions, and more. Please listen with care.If you have lost a child, may face child loss in the future, or simply care for someone who has been in a similar position, this is an episode you can't miss.Links: Listen to Ep 152: Stephanie's Story.Join The Rare Life newsletter andnever miss an update!Fill out our contact form to joinupcoming discussion groups!Follow us on Instagram @the_rare_life!Connect with Stephanie on Instagram @steph_stanley12Donateto the podcast or Contactme about sponsoring an episode.Follow the Facebook page. Join the Facebook group Parents of Children with Rare Conditions.Access the transcript on the website here. And if you love this podcast, please leave usa rating or review in your favorite podcast app!
Eight minutes. That is how long it took for Michael's life to be forever changed. In late November 2016, a fire broke out in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Unbeknownst to Michael, the winds picked up while he was driving with his oldest son, and the fires swept toward the family home. Michael is haunted by nightmares of his frantic drive back through the fires, trying to get back home. By the time he arrived, the fire had taken the lives of his daughters, Chloe and Lily, as well as his wife, Constance. In the months after the fires, as Michael struggled to sleep, he would write about his pain. One day, he posted a writing on Facebook. It "went nuts," causing Michael to start a blog. Michael continued in his dark world until November 2023, when he stood at the memorial for the fires. He whispered to the empty air, opening his heart to the girls he had lost. In the silence, he heard Chloe's voice, bright and urgent: “Daddy, it's time to do the work.” The words struck a chord deep inside him. That night, he enrolled in college, determined to learn how to translate his pain into something to help others. Thus, The Million Stages of Grief was born. Each chapter opens with an italicized fragment from his old blog — a snapshot of confusion, terror, or numbness. The remainder of the chapter presents the lessons he gathered in classrooms, therapy rooms, and through life's experiences, reshaping those dark moments into pathways forward. Before pressing “publish,” Michael whispered a brief prayer, handing the manuscript over to his girls, asking, "I am completely giving this to you. However big you want this to go, however many people you want to read it, I give it all to you." Years ago, while working as a zipline instructor, a woman kicked Michael, knocking him over. Inexplicably, five years later and one month after that prayer, she posted the video to TikTok, garnering 1.5 million views. Curious, Michael created his own TikTok account, stitching the video to a narration of his story and book. The new post surged to 2.5 million views. I guess his girls decided that their story needed to go very big indeed.
When a father loses a child, the world shifts forever. In this first half of my two-part conversation with grieving dad Terry Sternad, he takes us back more than forty years to the day his six-year-old son, TJ, went to heaven—and the remarkable way God was already preparing his heart for that moment.Before TJ's death in December of 1983, Terry didn't believe in God. But through the faithful witness of a coworker and tender moments with his mother, seeds of faith were planted long before he knew how desperately he would need them. On the day that changed everything, Terry found himself praying for the first time—and discovering a God who met him right in the middle of his deepest pain.In this episode, we talk about:How God often begins preparing us for what's ahead, even when we don't see itThe shock of sudden loss and the early days of griefThe power of a simple, honest prayer: “God, help me”Why Terry calls the day of TJ's death both the worst and the best day of his lifeHow faith began to take root, even in the middle of unimaginable sorrowTerry's story is a tender reminder that even in our darkest moments, God's presence is near—and that the seeds He plants in quiet, ordinary seasons can one day sustain us through the unthinkable.Join us again next week for Part 2, where Terry shares how his grief and faith have continued to grow over the past forty years, how God has used his story to help others, and what hope looks like for a grieving dad who has learned to trust God with every chapter of his life.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
The one-year anniversary of your child's death is a day no parent ever wants to face. It can feel unbearably heavy, filled with painful "last time" memories and overwhelming emotions. In this episode of Grieving Parents Sharing Hope, Laura gently shares her heart on this topic, based on her own experience after the death of […] The post 317: Facing the One-Year Anniversary After Child Loss appeared first on GPS Hope.
When your child dies, peace feels foreign. It's not just the absence of calm—it feels unreachable, like something other people get to have but you don't anymore. If that's you, friend, this episode will help you see peace differently. Not as something waiting at the end of your pain, but as a gift Jesus offers right in the middle of it. Here's what we'll explore together: Why the world's definition of peace will always leave you empty How Jesus' peace shows up even when the chaos doesn't stop The difference between striving for peace and receiving it as a gift Six characteristics of the peace that steadies a grieving heart Peace doesn't erase grief—but it does carry you when the weight feels too heavy to bear alone. Press play and let this message sit with you. Listen Next:
He should be here. Today's guest, Lindsay, says that these are the four most impactful words that have been said to her in the year since her 6-month-old son, Chase, died from bacterial meningitis. These words don't try to cheer her up or remind her of some grand plan. They simply acknowledge the wrongness of the whole situation. Lindsay's family no longer feels complete without Chase. Smiling 'Chasey' should be tagging along, trying to keep up with his big brother, Jack. Chase should be here. From the time her two boys were tiny babies, Lindsay would read to them. She loved reading board books by Nancy Tillman, especially 'On the Night You Were Born' and 'Wherever You Go: My Love Will Find You.' This second book begins with the line, 'I wanted you more than you'll ever know, so I sent love to follow wherever you go.' The book goes on to describe how the mother's love will follow the child wherever he or she goes, whether it be going swimming, climbing trees, or marching in parades. It reminds the child that as they grow, their mother's love will continue to follow them throughout life. The last line of the book reads, 'You are my angel, my darling, my star, and my love will find you wherever you are.' Since Chase's death, Lindsay has truly realized the truth of that little board book. The book was certainly not written for grieving parents, but we can hold fast to the words of that book, can't we? Death does not end our love for our children. Our love continues to follow them after death. Lindsay's love for Chase has followed him all the way to heaven. In the year since Chase died, her love for Chase has not diminished. Her love has continued to grow just as it does for all mothers. On Chase's birthday, Lindsay now donates 70 copies of 'Wherever You Go: My Love will Find You' to the NICU where she works and Baby Chase once stayed. Certainly, Chase should be here as a laughing, smiling toddler, but as she sees parents read these books to their new babies, Lindsay remembers that their love for each other continues to grow, and these books will help spread that love even further.
“Surrender is not a moment; it's a posture I've had to return to again and again.”With these words, Julie South describes the ongoing journey she's walked since her daughter Bellah's homegoing. In this second part of our conversation, Julie shares honestly about living with PTSD, how trauma has impacted her family, and what surrender has looked like as she continues to walk with God through grief.She also reflects on how her grief has evolved nearly six years later, why simple practices like worship rooted in Scripture and putting up the Christmas tree in October have become anchors of hope, and the significance of the phrase “the best is yet to come.”Julie shares encouragement for moms who are just beginning their grief journey and talks about the new While We're Waiting support group she and her husband, Scott, are preparing to begin in Florida.This conversation is tender, honest, and full of reminders that even in the darkest seasons, God holds us fast.Click HERE to learn more about the Sibling Lifeline retreats for adult bereaved siblings. 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
“Even in the halls of the hospital, God showed me I was not alone.” I'm excited today to introduce you to my friend Julie South. In this first half of our conversation, Julie shares the story of her daughter Bellah—a joyful, compassionate little girl whose life was marked by both laughter and serious medical challenges. Julie talks about how her daughter Makaylah's health struggles prepared their family for medical adoption, how God led them to Bellah, and the joy Bellah brought to their home.We also discuss what it looked like to navigate countless hospital stays, major surgeries, and ultimately a five-organ transplant—and how God's presence was evident even in the darkest hospital hallways.Next week, in Part 2 of our conversation, Julie will share about her experience with PTSD after Bellah's homegoing and how she is now coming alongside other grieving parents to bring hope and encouragement. I know you will be blessed by what she has to share in both episodes! 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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