Have you ever experienced a soul crushing loss? Was your world so shattered that even breathing hurt? Did you feel that God had failed you? Or that you might never recover from or be able to go on with your life?
I have. On February 7, 2022, my life changed in the most unimaginable way, my eleven year old son, Ethan, my baby died unexpectedly. He was my heart.
In the days that followed, I focused on what needed to be done making sure my daughter, his sister was supported, the funeral arrangements made, all of the necessary things were done.
But in the days and weeks that followed, I had to face what my life had now become.
In this podcast, I will share with you what grief looks like, but I will also show you what it looks like to journey through it to the other side.
If you're still stuck, unable to move through what has hurt you so deeply, then I'm inviting you on this journey with me as we draw closer to Jesus and rise out of the ashes of grief to live a life filled with joy.
Grief is different for all of us. If I can serve you as you travel your road from grief to joy, I would love to connect.
www.blueskiesareonthehorizon.com
Instagram @grief_plus_grace_podcast
Email: grief_plus_grace_podcast@use.startmail.com
Welcome back to a new season of the Grief + Grace Podcast. In this deeply personal episode, I share a life updarte that marks a major transition-both spirtually and practically. From an unexpected career ending after 28 years to stepping fully into my calling to prepare for a missionary journey to Ghana and a possible relocation to Rwanda- this season is one of obedience, faith and surrender.
But this episode is not just about where I'm going. It's about who I'm becoming. Today we begin a new series on the Fruit of the Spirit, starting with joy- a word that can feel almost out of reach when you've experienced deep grief. So the question becomes: How do you experience joy... when your heart has been broken?
What you'll learn in this Episode:
Why grief and growth can coexist
The truth about "unexpected" life transitions and divine timing
How loss can become a release into purpose
What it means to live in obedience- even when it stretches you
Why the fruit of the Spirit must be cultivated before crisis
A biblical definition of joy that goes beyond emotion
How joy and grief can exist at the same time
Key Takeaway:
Joy is not the absence of grief- it is the presence of God in the midst of it.
Scripture Focus:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..
Let's Stay Connected
If this episode spoke to you, I would love to hear your story. Share this episode, leave a review, or reach out because you don't have to walk this journey alone.
Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help this message reach more women navigating grief and growth.
26 Jan 2026
079: Four Years Without My Son: Grief, Healing and Staying the Course
In this deeply personal episode of Grief + Grace, I reflect on what it means to live four years without my son, Ethan, as his 15th birthday approaches. I share updates on my physical recovery from recent shoulder surgery and draw parallels between physical healing and the long, sacred work of grief.
This episode is an honest meditation on motherhood, loss, faith, guilt, hope, and the daily decision to stay the course as a Christian after devastating loss. I speak openly about grief shared with my daughter Emily, the comfort of believing Ethan is whole and at peace with God, and the courage it takes to continue living faithfully in an unfair world.
This is an episode for anyone navigating life after loss, questioning their faith, or learning how to carry love forward when someone you cherish is no longer physically here.
Topics Covered
Life four years after child loss
Remembering Ethan on what would have been his 15th birthday
The emotional and spiritual parallels between physical healing and grief
Parenting through grief and watching your surviving child find strength
Faith, guilt, and hope after loss
Choosing to live faithfully in an unfair world
The courage to begin again and envision a future after profound loss
Scripture Reflection
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
— Psalm 34:18
Key Takeaway
Grief does not disappear with time—but it does change us. Healing is not about becoming who we were before loss, but about becoming someone new who can carry both sorrow and hope at the same time.
Listener Encouragement
If you are walking through grief, please know this: you are not failing because it still hurts. Love doesn't end, and neither does the God who walks with us through the valley. You are allowed to heal at your own pace while still longing for what has been lost.
Connect & Share
If this episode spoke to you, please consider sharing it with someone who may need comfort or encouragement today. You can also leave a review to help others find the Grief + Grace podcast.
Thank you for listening—and for holding space for grief and grace together.
5 Jan 2026
078: It's a New Year... What's New About It?
The start of a new year often comes with pressure—resolutions, goals, and expectations shaped by the world. But what if this year looked different?
In this encouraging first episode of the year, we talk about stepping away from unrealistic resolutions and choosing intentional faith instead. This episode invites you to reflect, reset, and realign your priorities with God's purpose rather than cultural standards.
You'll hear practical examples of building sustainable spiritual habits, the power of accountability, and how Scripture anchors us through every season. We also explore four biblical ways to glorify God and experience peace—without striving, pressure, or burnout.
If you're entering this year seeking clarity, stability, and a deeper walk with Christ, this episode is for you.
Scriptures Referenced
Philippians 4:6
Psalm 1:1–3
Psalm 23:1–3
Psalm 34:17–19
James 1:5–6
Luke 22:32
Key Takeaways
Faithful consistency matters more than lofty resolutions
God meets us where we are—not where we think we should be
Prioritizing Christ brings clarity, not chaos
Peace grows when our focus shifts from metrics to meaning
Stay Connected
Tiktok@the_native_southerner
www.blueskiesareonthehorizon.com
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
3,557
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.8 / 5
21 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 51 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
46
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
71
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