Hope In The Mourning

If you have walked through deep grief, you have likely experienced seasons of anger—anger over suffering someone else caused, anger at circumstances you never wanted, or perhaps even anger toward God. Shepherds in the Valleys pastor Todd Smith joins us to explore a biblical view of anger: where it comes from, when it becomes sinful, how we can respond to it, and how God brings healing to hearts wo...

Jacob was never expected to survive, but God had beautiful plans for his life. In his 37 years, Jacob taught those around him to enjoy life, cherish one another, and celebrate every blessing from the Lord along the way.  His parents sit down with Emily to share the remarkable ways God used Jacob—not in spite of his disabilities, but through them. His story is a beautiful reminder that every life h...

Even our most carefully laid plans can take an unexpected turn. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, "The mind of a person plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps." Vaneetha has walked through polio, the loss of an infant son, infidelity, and an unwanted divorce—sorrows she never would have chosen or planned. She joins us to share how, through each unexpected turn, God has faithfully directed her path...

Have you ever avoided talking to a grieving person because you didn't know what to say? This episode, with one of our Shepherds in the Valleys, is filled with wise advice for how to be a blessing to the hurting and avoid wounding them with thoughtless words.  

The men and women we turn to in life's scariest moments are often left to silently carry the weight of all they have seen. On this episode we sit down with Los Angeles County Fire Captian, Sven Michaelson and his wife, Alisha. They help us understand the unique challenges first responders face and how the church can serve these families who serve ours so sacrificially.  

The Christian race can feel impossible to endure when we encouter trial after trial, but there is hope! Jesus has given us all we need to run our race with perservernce and encourage our brothers and sisters during the hardest seasons.  

When their daughter, Faith, was diagonosed with Trisomy 18, John and Gillian teathered themselves to the anchor of their faith in the raging sea of uncertainty. They found the Lord to be faithful, even in the midst of great sorrow.  

There is a 4-letter word that every Christian should say on repeat: Able. Our God is able. Able to redeem what seems ruined able to forgive the unforgivable, to accomplish things that are humanly impossible, He is able to do far more abundatly that we ask or think

Cristiana shoulders the heartaches of many precious little ones. Little ones who have gone through neglect, abuse, and uncertain futures. How can the church as a whole love these little ones and care for the ones who care for them during the most vulnerable times in their life. Will we choose to see these kids who are precious to Jesus or will we act like they're invisible?  

From unimaginable loss to unexpected joy, Brighton and Wade share how God transformed widowhood into a story of redemption, love, and hope. Hear how His sovereign grace brought them together and built a family they never imagined. For the first chapter of Brighton's journey, be sure to listen to Episode 28.  

Suicide leaves deep wounds for both believers and unbelievers. Catherine shares how Christ sustained her after the suicide of her brother, Barrett, and offers biblical encouragement for caring for grieving families.    

Does God hear my prayers? How should I pray? What is the purpose of prayer? In this special listener Q&A episode, Pastor Greg Barshaw answers your questions and explores the truth, purpose, and power of prayer. __ Connect with us! Website: hopeinthemourning.org Instagram: instagram.com/hope_in_the_mourning/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?.. . Email: emily@hopeinthemourning.com

When her husband, Ryan, is killed on duty as a firefighter, Jenn seeks the Lord with an authentic vulnerability.  God carries her and her two children through the fires of grief and mourning as she trusts Him.

After the stillbirth of her daughter, Bridget, at 24 weeks, Ashley set out to start a ministry that would comfort mothers facing similar loss. The Lord lead her write a book, start a podcast and start a non profit. The loss of precious Bridget would not be the only loss Ashley would face. How does one keep their mind set on truth when it feels like God has abandoned them in their suffering?  

Suffering often feels confusing, heavy, and without purpose—but Scripture tells a different story. In this episode, we explore what God is actually producing in us through seasons of pain, even when we can't see it clearly. If you've ever wondered whether your suffering has meaning, this conversation will gently point you back to the faithfulness of God.  

Pain often leaves us asking "Why?" Davey Blackburn has wrestled with that question firsthand. In this moving episode, Davey shares how God met him in grief, strengthened his faith through suffering, and revealed that even the darkest chapters of our stories can serve a greater purpose. If you are struggling to see God's hand in your circumstances, this conversation will encourage you to trust the...

 How do we help our kids bring their sadness, confusion, and questions to God without fear? Together, we explore how Scripture models honest grief, how lament builds resilient faith, and how even young hearts can learn to cry out to a God who truly listens.  

When childhood trauma gets suppressed, it can have dire consequences. Julie watched her mom battle cancer throughout her childhood, culminating in her death when Julie was in her early 20's. She then navigated the grief of losing her dad to suicide. The weight of her sorrows became too much when she was serving as a missionary in Turkey. It was a weight that nearly cost her her own life. This stor...

Aby knows the pain of deep loss. After the loss of her 14 year old sister in a swimming accident, she learned unique tools to process grief. She also walked through cancer twice with her mom. Now, as a young adult, she runs an equine business that helps aid other children in pain. Learn unique tools to help you enter into the sorrow of a child and point them toward the hope of Jesus.  

In this episode, Julia shares her story as a mother who deeply delights in her children and cherishes each moment she is given with Hazel and Russell. As she raises two children with special needs and fatal diagnoses, Julia's life is marked not only by profound challenges, but by a visible, contagious joy rooted in love, gratitude, and faith. During her second pregnancy with Russell, Julia also re...

Walking kids through trials can be a daunting task. Pastor Rick Holland, one of our Shepherds in the Valleys, helps us prepare to guide children through heartache. We discuss ways to instill Biblical truth and hope in situations like divorce, illness and the death of loved ones.  

The Persecution Project Foundation is dedicated to providing relief and support to victims of civil war, genocide, and religious persecution, particularly in regions like Sudan. We discuss what this mission looks like up close; the dangers, the challenges and the hope.  

Why is the church so often one of the last places people feel safe to bring their deepest sorrows? In this episode, we explore how the church can become a true refuge for the weary and hurting. Join us as we talk through practical ways to care well for those who are suffering—and what to avoid.  

A young woman's life is changed in an instant when her husband is killed in a bicycling accident, leaving her to raise their three young children at just 29 years old. Through unimaginable grief and the weight of single parenthood, she discovers a deeper story of faith, resilience, and rising again.  

Mikayla Sloat knows all too well that evil lurks in the darkness. As a young child, her innocence was preyed upon. She shares her vulnerable testimony of healing and turning to the Lord for refuge. How can you forgive the unforgivable and how can the Lord redeem such loss and sorrow? Will He shine light in the depths of darkness?