From Grief to Grace: Transformative Journeys
Summary
In this episode, Janet, Jenn and Jacqueline offer a beautiful exploration of grief, examining some of its deepest challenges. As they share personal storied, you'll hear about the growth, grace, and gratitude that can emerge from loss.
Join them as they look at Jesus and Mary for inspiration, and in particular, how both modeled grieving for us. In John 11, Jesus goes and finds that his dear friend Lazarus has died, and Jesus wept. Then in Matthew, when Jesus is in the Garden, He's praying and asking the Father to take this cup. He's expressing His grief over what is about to happen and His longing for something else. Of course, Jesus submits to the Father's will, but He still makes that expression of grief, which is so beautiful.
And then we can all look to Mary.
There were many times in the life of Jesus where Mary had to let go and experienced loss, beginning when Jesus was just a baby. She and Joseph had to flee to Egypt and create a new home! She experienced loss throughout Jesus' life, but most especially when He was on the cross. We can look at John 19, verses 25 to 27, where Mary stays near the cross during His crucifixion.
Mary had courage, faith, love, and perseverance while she was experiencing this deep pain watching her son die a horrible death. But she stayed. She stayed there. She taught us about the process of grief and the importance of not running away from it or trying to cover it up or hold on to something we shouldn't. Mary stayed.
She stayed with open arms and received what God had for her!
In this conversation we also touch on the importance of companionship and support in the grieving process, and discuss how giving God our grief can open us up to receive powerful blessings and tangible grace. Listen and be blessed.
Join us at one of our other Freedom in Christ conferences
Support our mission and donate today!
Check out Unbound and find other resources
Release: October 2023
Music by Christian Harper
Artwork by Rosemary Strohm at Command-S