While We're Waiting® - Hope After Child Loss

My husband and partner in ministry, Brad Sullivan, joins me on the podcast today to discuss some of the highlights of the While We're Waiting ministry in 2023, including a couple of testimonials from parents who attended one of our retreats this past year.PLEASE NOTE - This episode was recorded prior to Brad's accident on December 22, 2023.  We are so grateful to everyone who has been carrying us before the Great Physician in your prayers over the past several days, and we are hopeful that Brad will be returning to serve in WWW in his full capacity before too long!I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

Barbara Scorza is my guest again today, as we extend our conversation to address issues that all bereaved parents can relate to, including facing the holidays without our precious children.  If you missed last week’s episode, you’ll want to go back and listen to hear the story of her family’s escape from Hurricane Katrina and the homegoing of her son Kevin in 2011.   Barbara is a gifted storyteller and has a great deal of God-given wisdom to share ... I know you'll be blessed by listening in!Click HERE to listen to Part One of my conversation with Barbara.Click HERE to read Barbara's blog, Scorza Sanctuary. Click HERE to listen to Barbara's daily podcast, My Morning Thought.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

Barbara Scorza is my guest on this week's episode, and I'm so excited to introduce you to her!  She is a captivating storyteller, and she has a lot to share ... being a teenage mother, going through a difficult divorce, losing everything in Hurricane Katrina, and experiencing the loss of her son Kevin.  In spite of all she's endured, she tells her story with grace, wisdom, and joy, and I believe you'll be encouraged as you listen in!  Be sure to come back next week as we expand our discussion to include some practical tips for those walking the child-loss journey.  Click HERE to read Barbara's blog, Scorza Sanctuary.  Click HERE to listen to Barbara's daily podcast, My Morning Thought.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

Have you heard the oft-repeated statistic that 80 to 90% of marriages fail after the loss of a child?   Did you know that that is actually a myth?   Today's episode features a webinar that my husband Brad and I recently presented along with our friends, Keith & Shawnda Freer, who are the founders of the GriefHope ministry.  In this webinar, we discussed the impact of grief on marriage, including how men and women express grief differently, how we can respect those differences and support our spouses, and the importance of applying biblical principles of marriage when we’re grieving.  We also debunk the myth about the high percentage of marriage failure following child loss and identify where that idea came from.   Next week, we’ll be back to our usual interview format, and I hope you’ll come back then to hear a powerful story of God’s provision amid unimaginable loss from my friend Barbara Scorza.  For now, I hope you’ll find some help and hope in our discussion about marriage after child loss. Click HERE to watch the webinar on YouTube. Click HERE to learn more about the GriefHope ministry.  This webinar was sponsored by the Our Hearts Are Home ministry.  Click HERE to learn more about this ministry.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

Today's episode features a recording of a panel discussion at the recent Our Hearts Are Home conference for bereaved parents in Indianapolis, Indiana.  The panel includes Gary & Laura House, Keith & Shawnda Freer, Molly Huffman, Greg & Susan Albers, Carol Brown, and my husband Brad & me.  We explore the difficult truths and realities of child loss including the following:The realities of child lossThe individual nature of the grief journeyMoving forward while continuing to grieveHow relationships can change after child lossDealing with guilt and regretsThe difficulty of going back to churchHow to help a grieving friendResources to help navigate griefThis panel of bereaved parents offers helpful insights and shares the hope we have found in Christ, while walking through the painful journey of losing a child.   Our discussion can also be viewed on YouTube by clicking HERE.  Click HERE to learn more about the Our Hearts Are Home ministry and get more information about their 2024 conferences in Lynchburg, Virginia, and Indianapolis, Indiana.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

As I’m recording this episode, it’s the day before Thanksgiving, and the unofficial kickoff to the full-blown Christmas season hustle-bustle.  But before we get into all that, I wanted to take a moment just to slow down, take a deep breath, and acknowledge the sorrow that underlies this time of year for most bereaved parents.   My friend Karen Harmening is a bereaved mom and gifted writer, and I want to share with you a post she recently published on her blog.  She beautifully expresses how I feel, still, on this 15th Thanksgiving eve since my daughter Hannah went to Heaven.  Karen very transparently describes the sorrow we all experience and includes Scripture throughout her post that points us back to Hope.  I believe you’ll find her words both affirming and encouraging.  Click HERE to read and subscribe to Karen's blog, "Listening to Him".  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

Will we know our children when we get to Heaven?   Is my child an angel now that he or she has died?   Does my child send me signs?  Is it possible to "move forward" in our lives without fearing that we're leaving our children behind?   Is the best really yet to come?  Austin and Valerie DeArmond enjoyed 366 days of blessing with their son Gabriel until the Lord took him to Heaven due to a sudden and unexpected illness.  Austin is a gifted and articulate theologian, and Valerie is his equal in wisdom and compassion.  In today's continuation of our conversation from last week, we discuss these questions and more.   Lean in and listen ... and I believe you'll find hope and encouragement in our discussion today.  Click HERE to listen to Part One of my conversation with the DeArmonds.Austin's blog is full of wonderful articles, including some that we discuss in today's episode.  Click HERE to check it out! If you enjoy theologically-rich quotes related to grief and suffering, you'll love following Austin on Twitter/X.  Click HERE to link to his profile.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

Austin and Valerie DeArmond are the parents of a daughter, Addie, and a son, Gabriel, a joy-filled little boy who was known for his enthusiastic and sloppy open-mouth kisses. Gabe was the life of every party, and he relished that role. Austin and Valerie enjoyed 366 days of blessing with Gabriel until the Lord took him Home following a sudden and unexpected illness. We have a wide-ranging discussion today, discussing sensitive issues such as infertility, adoption, medical mistakes, the vital importance of good theology in grief, marriage after child loss, and parenting a young child who’s grieving.  The DeArmonds are less than a year into their loss, but God has gifted them with a great deal of wisdom … I believe you’ll be blessed by listening in.  Austin's blog is full of wonderful articles.  Click HERE to check it out!  If you enjoy theologically-rich quotes related to grief and suffering, you'll love following Austin on Twitter/X.  Click HERE to link to his profile.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

When Neal and Rhonda Harrington's 19-year-old son Adam was killed by a single bolt of lightning in the summer of 2006, their lives were profoundly altered.  As we continue our conversation today, we talk about how grief has impacted their marriage and their relationships with others, and how it has changed each of them individually.    We discuss some practical topics like dealing with the sometimes clumsy things people say, and how they handle special days like birthdays and holidays.   Rainbows have become especially significant in their lives, and we chat about why that is, and close with a discussion of music that's been meaningful to them since Adam's homegoing.  This is the second half of a two-part episode ... To hear the first half of our conversation, click HERE.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org 

My friends Neal and Rhonda Harrington join me on the podcast today to share the story of their 19-year-old son Adam, who was killed by a lightning strike in August of 2006.  Adam was jogging at the high school track with his granddaddy when the incident happened, and in that split second of time, the Harringtons’ lives were forever changed.  In today’s episode, they share who Adam was, the story of what happened and its immediate aftermath, the sovereignty of God in a situation like this, and some of what they’ve learned over the past 17 years since Adam’s homegoing.  They have a lot of wisdom to share about how we can "live forward" after child loss, and I believe you’ll be encouraged by our conversation.  Then be sure and come back next week as we extend our discussion to include some very practical insight into living life as a bereaved parent.You can follow Rhonda's blog by clicking HERE.   I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.  We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at:  jill@whilewerewaiting.org