Episode 42: Sacred Silence (the Grief of Stillbirth)

“And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” - Luke 2:19

Summary:

In this episode, Elizabeth Leon, Brittany Primeaux, Pam Stanford, and Anna Gowasack discuss the presence of sacred silence in grief, especially surrounding stillbirth and the unique grief that accompanies it. They share personal stories of loss and offer practical suggestions for embracing silence as a means of healing. The episode concludes with reflections on the intimacy found in silence and the hope that comes from faith in God during times of loss.

Takeaways:

  • The silence of stillbirth is a unique and profound grief.

  • God’s silence is not absence but intimacy. 

  • Silence can be both healing and isolating in grief.

  • Personal stories of loss can foster connection and understanding.

  • The role of the Blessed Mother is significant in navigating grief.

  • Intimacy with God can be found in moments of silence.

  • Practical steps can help individuals embrace silence in their grief.

  • Grief is a lifelong journey that requires patience and openness.

  • Our children are with God and part of the communion of saints.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How comfortable are you with silence in your grief?

  2. What steps could you take to allow the Lord to meet you in sacred silence? 

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.

Previous
Previous

Episode 43: The Health Impact of Grief

Next
Next

Episode 41: Baby Brian & Baptism of Desire