Bereavement &Joy

Send us Fan Mail Grief has a way of shaking everything- your emotions, your thoughts, even your sense of stability.  In this episode, we talk about what it looks like to lean on God's promises when everything feels uncertain.  If you've ever felt overwhelmed, numb, or unsure of where God is in your pain, this conversation will gently remind you that His truth is still steady, even when y...

Send a text Grief often makes us feel like we're falling behind in healing. But Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 reminds us that life is made up of seasons- including a time to mourn.  In this episode, we talk about honoring the season of grief, allowing space for sorrow, and recognizing that God draws near to us even in the weeping.  Tracy@bereavementjoy.org

Send a text Grief has a way of wearing down both body and soul. In this episode, we reflect on Psalm 31:9–10 and the honest prayer of David , who cried out to God in deep distress. His words remind us that sorrow is not a sign of weak faith—it is an invitation to draw near to God. Together, we’ll explore what it means to entrust our grief to the Lord: not by denying our pain, but by placing it int...

Send a text Psalms 34:18 - The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. God doesn't distance himself from pain - He draws near to it. When life breaks your heart, it can feel like God has stepped back. Silent. Distant. Unmoved. But what if the opposite is true? In this episode, we explore the powerful truth that God does not distance Himself from pain - He draws near...

Send a text Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make straight your paths." What does it really mean to trust God will all your heart when your heart feels shattered? When loss, disappointment, or unanswered prayers leave you wounded, trusting God can feel impossible- or even unfair....

Send a text In this episode, we talk about what it really means to actively hold on to God when life is painful, confusing or overwhelming.  When answers are absent and emotions feel heavy, choosing to cling to God often looks less like confidence and more like persistence. It's waking up and deciding- again and again- to trust His heart even when you don't understand his ways.  If you&a...

Send a text Trusting God is easy when we understand His ways- but what about when we don't agree?  In this week's episode, we explore what it means to trust God even when His plans feel confusing, painful, or unfair.  We talk honestly about surrender, faith in the tension, and choosing trust when our hearts are wrestling with God.  If you've ever loved God and still questioned Him,...

Send a text Psalms 121:1-2    " I lift my eyes to the hills - from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth." H- hold on to God E - entrust Him with your pain L - Lean on His promises P - Preserve in faith In this week's episode we are going to explore where we can find true lasting help. The steps we need to take to begin to find it a...

Send a text Following Jesus doesn't require perfection-only willingness.  This podcast is an invitation to take the next step toward Jesus, no matter how small it feels.  Together, we explore faith, healing and everyday life through the lens of grace, hope and God's unfailing presence.  Tracy@bereavementjoy.org

Send a text God meets us in our grief with gentleness- never demanding strength we do not yet possess. So..... Take a deep breath Trust that God will meet you exactly where you are. Release the weight of others' expectations and the pressure to "be strong" Rest in the everlasting arms of Jesus. Knowing He comes to you in your own place and at your own pace. In Him you are given a sa...

Send a text Few experiences test our faith as deeply as the loss of a loved one. But what if the fire you are walking through is not meant to consume you- what if it is meant to reifine you, strenthen you, and prove the depth of your faith? What if, in the moments when your faith feels fragile and slipping away, it is actually being fortified - becoming steadier, deeper, and more enduring than eve...

Send a text Salvation does not only affect eternity it means a changed live now! You may be wondering what the helmet of Salvation has to do with your grief.  Check out this week's episode and find out How the helmet of salvation protects and guides you through your grief journey. You have an enemy that wants to kill steal and destroy your life.  The hope of Salvation if the one thing the ene...

Send a text Interesting question huh?  Do you know the difference between the two?  They are radically different attitudes.  One will leave you insecure and doubting unable to maintain your footing while the other will anchor you in a steadfast truth. This week let's explore the difference between optimism and Hope in our grief journey.  It was an enlightening concept for me and has helped me...

Send a text "Oh taste and see that the Lord is good!  Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!  Psalms 34:8 Sometimes faith is tasting the sweetness of God in the saltiness of our tears. In this week's episode I will share the analogy God showed me about how salt enhances sweetness like our grief enhances the goodness of God.  This bereavement and joy dance that we are learning to do...

Send a text James 1:17  " Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." We can so easily get caught up in an attitude of entitlement without even realizing it.  Our loved ones are good and perfect gifts that are sent down from the Father as a blessing to us.  Often, we lose sight of t...

Send a text "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" Psalms 147:3 In last week's podcast we learned what it means to draw near to God so He can draw near to you.  This week I will share my experience under that tree with God. Letting you see how I showed up for God and how he responded to me.  Learning about the healing power found in our tears.  When we allow God to c...

Send a text Get down on your knees before the master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.   James 4:10 (The Message) Scripture tells us that if we will draw near to God he will draw near to us!  In this grief journey, we as believers have to draw near to God to find true strength and healing.   Do you know what it looks like to draw near to God? In this episode we will explore the...

Send a text Hebrews 12:1 Death in this temporary world is crossing the finish line into the eternal reward of Heaven.   How could your perspective of death and grief change if you were able to understand that this life is a race and if you have accepted the free gift of grace bought for you on the cross then you are running for an eternal reward that will far outweigh your greatest accomplishments...

Send a text Psalms 34:18  The Message  " If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; If your kicked in the gut he'll help you catch your breath." The book of Psalms expresses worship. Throughout its many pages, Psalms encourages its readers to praise God for who He is and what He had done.  The Psalms illuminate the greatness of our God, affirm His faithfulness to us...

Send a text Did you know that Jesus was forsaken by God so that we never will be?  His covenant love is unbreakable.  Even when we feel alone, He is present.  We might feel forsaken in our grief, but God's presence is constant.  Feelings can lie but God's word does not! Isaiah 41: 10; Psalms 9:10; 2 Corinthains 4:9  Tracy@bereavementjoy.org

Send a text Death matters to God.  It was not part of the original design.  Life in the garden of Eden was made for eternal relationship but then entered sin.  So, God took death to battle and won!!  How can we not find solace in knowing the great depth God went to so that our separation will only be temporary as well. Tracy@bereavementjoy.org

Send a text In today's episode we are going to reflect on the story of the woman at the well.  Jesus has given me a beautiful analogy of how he meets us at the well of grief and provides "living water" that will help shape our perspective.  Tracy@bereavementjoy.org

Send a text Proverbs 18:24  " A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" Does this grief journey feel lonely and isolating?  What if I told you that you have a friend that is closer than a brother?   Listen to this episode as Jesus reveals his heart for us and how his companionship and loyalty means that we are never alone.    Tracy...

Send a text Colossians 3:1-2 When we grasp the reality of heaven then we can live the abundant live Jesus promised. It can happen right here and right now.  As citizens of heaven, we are just passing through this temporary world.  Tracy@bereavementjoy.org

Send a text Romans 5:3-5 and Romans 8:18 Dare we change our perspective on grief and suffering and see it not as something that holds us down and keeps us back; but rather the very thing that can build our spiritual formation and make us more like Jesus. Tracy@bereavementjoy.org