What happens when faith collides with grief? For Pastor Amanda McNeil, this question became deeply personal during her journey through infertility. This conversation delves into the complex relationship between faith and loss, offering wisdom for anyone questioning their spiritual foundations after experiencing grief. Amanda, who serves as both a pastor and counselor, brings a rare dual perspective—acknowledging that anger, doubt, and questioning are natural parts of the grieving process that don't indicate spiritual failure.
"God can handle our anger," she reassures listeners, emphasizing that presenting one face to the public while struggling privately is a common experience, especially for those in spiritual leadership. The discussion expands beyond loss related to death, exploring how grief manifests in various life transitions—from divorce to job loss to retirement. Amanda offers practical guidance for helping children develop emotional language through everyday losses, demonstrating how these experiences can build resilience from an early age.
Perhaps most compelling is Amanda's neurological perspective on grief, explaining how our brains function differently when processing trauma. "We aren't designed to live in survival mode indefinitely," she notes, illuminating why avoidance strategies ultimately fail to heal our deepest wounds.
Whether you're questioning your faith after loss, supporting someone through grief, or simply seeking to understand the complex interplay between spirituality and suffering, this conversation offers gentle wisdom without easy answers. Amanda's approach—meeting people where they are without judgment—provides a roadmap for walking alongside others through their darkest valleys while honoring their unique spiritual journey.
Contact:
www.asiliveandgrieve.com
info@asiliveandgrieve.com
Facebook: As I Live and Grieve
Instagram: @asiliveandgrieve
YouTube: asiliveandgrieve
TikTok: @asiliveandgrieve
To Reach Amanda:
Amanda McNeil's Website
Facebook
Twitter / X
Pinterest
Youtube
Instagram
Credits:
Music by Kevin MacLeod
Copyright 2020, by As I Live and Grieve
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!