Episode 48: Where is God in My Grief?

“The word of the Lord was scarce and vision infrequent.” - 1 Samuel 3:1 

Summary:

In this episode, Elizabeth Leon, Brittany Primeaux, and Kelly Breaux discuss the profound impact of grief, particularly the loss of a child, on one's relationship with God. They explore the feelings of abandonment and silence that often accompany such loss, emphasizing that these feelings are a natural part of the grieving process. The conversation delves into the complexities of anger, faith, and the mystery of God's presence during times of suffering. The hosts share personal experiences and practical advice on how to navigate grief, including the importance of community support and finding ways to pray when words fail. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to embrace their emotions and trust in God's unwavering presence, even in silence.

Takeaways:

  • Grief can deeply affect one's relationship with God.

  • Feeling abandoned by God during grief is a common experience.

  • Anger is a natural response to loss and can coexist with faith.

  • Silence from God does not equate to His absence.

  • Faith after loss is about staying with God, not understanding everything.

  • It's important to allow oneself to feel all emotions during grief.

  • The mystery of God's plan can be difficult to accept but is part of faith.

  • Personal reflections on parenting highlight the ongoing nature of grief.

  • Community and shared experiences can provide comfort and understanding.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How have you experienced God’s presence or God’s silence in your grief?

  2. What hard questions do you find yourself asking God?

  3. How comfortable are you with silence and stillness in your grief? 

Elizabeth Leon

Elizabeth Leon is the Director of Family Support for Red Bird Ministries. She and her husband Ralph are from Ashburn, Virginia and have ten children between them - five of hers, four of his, and their son, John Paul Raphael who died on January 5, 2018. His short and shining life was a sacred experience that transformed her heart and left a message of love for the world: let yourself be loved. She writes about finding the Lord in the darkness of grief in her book Let Yourself Be Loved: Big Lessons from a Little Life, available wherever books are sold. Read more from Elizabeth at www.letyourselfbeloved.com.

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Episode 49: What We Need in Grief

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Episode 47: When Friends Disappear (The Loneliness of Grief)