January 16, 2025 • 29 mins
What if faith could guide you through life's most turbulent storms? Join us for an inspiring episode as we sit down with Maria, a remarkable woman from Gulfport, Mississippi, who opens her heart about the profound journey of love, loss, and hope after the passing of her son, Matt. Maria's story is a testament to the challenges of addiction, the impact of community support, and the power of prayer as she navigates the aftermath of her son's struggles and untimely death. Through her reflections, we gain insight into the enduring bonds of family and the legacy Matt left behind.
As Maria recounts her son Matt's musical talents and his tireless efforts to turn his life around, she reveals the strength she found in her deep faith and the comfort it provided her during the darkest times. Her journey is marked by the significance of community support and a spiritual encounter Matt experienced, which offered solace to Maria in her grief. Additionally, the remarkable story of Matt's organ donation illustrates how his life continues to impact others in profound ways, providing hope and healing to those touched by his generosity.
The episode also explores the transformative power of faith, encouraging listeners to focus on eternal promises and the peace that faith in Jesus can offer. Personal stories and reflections emphasize the temporal nature of life, urging us to live with love and purpose. Maria's experience underscores the importance of grounding our lives in faith to weather life's challenges and find joy and strength in serving others. Don't miss this heartfelt conversation that reminds us all of the enduring hope and healing found through faith and community.
- If you would like to be a guest and share your story, click this link: https://thepromoter.org/story/
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:01):
It's time now to get the hell out of your life.
A weekly broadcast with realpeople sharing real struggles
and offering real hope.
Today's show will encourage,inspire and empower you to face
life's challenges with a boldconfidence and renewed hope.
Now let's join our host, ronMyers.
The promoter.
Ron Meyer (00:21):
Hello, my friends, it is so good to be with you today
.
I want to say a hi to the folksin the Laurel area.
Brand new station just airingon the radio here today.
My name is Ron Myers, I'm thehost.
The show is called Get the HellOut of your Life.
We are a community of peoplethat share great stories of
Jesus, awesome stories of Jesus,because what we need in this
(00:43):
world is more of Jesus, not morereligion, not more churches,
not more duties to do to pleaseJesus, but to understand the
story about Jesus.
The story he's writing in yourlife and my life is all about
his unconditional love, mercyand grace for you.
It's not about what you do,because he did it all, but when
(01:03):
you understand and walk in thefreedom of his grace and his
finished work, life is good.
So if you have just tuned infor the first time, I think
you're going to like this show.
It is awesome because it's allabout helping restore the
reputation of the greatestperson ever in existence of the
world, and that is Jesus.
(01:25):
Today's story is from Maria,and when I had her in the studio
talking to her, wow, it wastouching because it's about
grief.
Let's take a listen to herstory.
Maria (01:36):
It's great to see you again after all these years that
we used to do music togetherwith our talent stars On the
Gulf Coast of Mississippi.
Ron Meyer (01:44):
I remember we had such a wonderful time and then I
came across you at my Christmasshow a few months ago and you
and I started talking and youhave a story.
Maria (01:53):
OK, well, my name's Maria and I'm from Gulfport,
Mississippi.
I've lived on the coast most ofmy life, from a child and then
also as an adult, and my storyis talking about grief.
What I'd like to share is justsome background of what's
happened in my life with my son,matt, and just to let you know
(02:14):
that he did pass away in Aprilof this past year.
And let me start by sayingfirst that life is not a bed of
roses.
Of course, god doesn't offer usanything other than life after
death and to make our lives thebest we can while we have time
on this earth, maybe to leave alegacy or maybe not to leave a
(02:35):
legacy, but just leave thatimprint, knowing that God guided
you through all the differentthings that you might come
across in your life.
So, matt, when he was younger,in his 20 twenties, when he
passed away, he was 43.
So I had a good time with him,you know, on this earth, where I
could share my life with himand watch him grow up and have
my two beautiful granddaughters.
(02:56):
But in his twenties he wound uphaving a back injury and he got
addicted to prescription drugsat that time and it was just
hard him growing up and beingaddicted.
At the time that he was youngand trying to raise his children
and keep a relationship going,there were times when he would
(03:18):
be out on the streets in Kansas.
After the Hurricane Katrina, heand his little family moved to
Kansas where my ex-husband was,and he wound up, you know, going
through several differentstorms in his life where he was
living on the streets.
He was trying to get over thedrug addictions.
And back about four years agohe moved back to the coast after
(03:39):
he got a divorce from his wifeand left his two daughters up in
Kansas.
So Matt was a great music person.
I mean, he could play any kindof instrument, he could sing, he
wrote music.
His abilities were just awesome.
I'm not just saying thatbecause I was his mom, but he
was just so musically talentedand I was hoping that he got
(04:01):
some of that from me because Ilove music, I love to sing and I
sing on my praise team atchurch.
But he was trying to get hislife together and I could see
that he was making that effortand throughout all those times
that he was living on thestreets and I didn't know what
to do because I was down here inMississippi and he was up in
Kansas.
God kept compelling me, constantprayer and supplication, so I
(04:23):
followed God's will on that.
I knew there was nothing else Icould do, because you have no
control over another person,especially an adult child.
So about April 16th he had hada back procedure done that
Monday, on the 15th.
But when he came in town heworked over in Panama City and
lived over there.
(04:44):
But he would come in town tovisit on the weekends and then
go to the doctor's appointmentsand so forth for his back.
So about April 15th he wentinto procedure but you could
tell there was something wrongand so he wanted to go back to
work the next day, on Tuesday,the 16th.
But I kind of talked him out ofit and that night I could tell
(05:05):
there was something wrong and Itold him.
I said we need to go to thedoctor and find out what's going
on with you.
He actually went into cardiacarrest that night at my house.
Ron Meyer (05:13):
At your house, oh goodness yeah.
Maria (05:15):
So I tried to resuscitate him.
I checked for pulse and did allthat and then I called the 911.
And of course the ambulancecame.
It seemed like it took forever,but he was in the hospital for
a whole week before he passedaway.
But during that time they kepttelling me, you know, that he
was not alive anymore, that hewas brain dead and that you know
(05:36):
we just needed to make adecision.
But I had over 3,500 peoplepraying for him and us, our
family, which to me it was justmiraculous in itself.
You know, even if he was to dieand we had to pull the plug or
whatever, just that miracle ofthirty five hundred people
praying and maybe more than that.
(05:57):
I don't even know what thetotal numbers were, but the more
people I kept asking to pray,they kept telling other people.
So you know God had his hand inthat part of it.
The other part was he was anorgan donor and I didn't even
know that about my own son.
And when we did the donor walk,we had a donor walk at the
Singing River Hospital andCommunity Road and there was
(06:20):
over 100 people in the hallwayson that day, on the 15th I'm
sorry, it was the 23rd and therewere over a hundred people in
the honor walk for him, donatinghis organs.
They were all ready, you know,to go ahead and take the organs
once he passed away.
So we sat in the room withdoctors and the nurses, you know
, waiting on him.
(06:40):
They had taken him off of lifesupport on the 23rd that
afternoon, but he didn't go andfor whatever reason, he wanted
to stay longer.
So my ex-husband and I were inthe room, my granddaughters were
there, but they didn't want tobe around that night.
So that night we just sat withhim and prayed and just enjoyed
(07:02):
some time.
My ex-husband and I just satthere, as his mom and dad and
him and my ex-husband said to me.
He said, you know, I think hejust wanted it that way, just me
and him there, like it started.
So, um, wow.
And then, um, it was justphenomenal, though, all of that
happening, and then he passedaway a little bit after midnight
(07:22):
on April 24th 2024, which iskind of an you know, the date
itself is just kind of you know,and my ex-husband said that's
just like Matt to do somethinglike that, you know.
So it was just you know.
Even though it's such a sad andpainful thing, I think the only
reason that you get throughsomething like that is your
faith and hope in God.
Ron Meyer (07:44):
Is your faith, is what got you through that,
because I don't know how I couldhave done that without faith.
Maria (07:48):
And just the support and knowing that people were praying
and cared so much about us andwhat happened with him.
My, my ex-husband's not superspiritual and my, my
granddaughters don't even haveChristian values.
Although my son wasBible-versed, he could read the
Bible from front to back andtell you every scripture in
there.
Ron Meyer (08:08):
So he had a relationship with Jesus.
Maria (08:09):
Yes, he did.
And that day, when he went tothe hospital on April 16th, we
were sitting in my living roomand he told me that a lady came
in the house and talked to him.
He said I don't know who shewas, but she was sitting right
here because I was sitting on mycouch and he was on my love
seat.
He said I was sitting on thelove seat and she came in house
(08:29):
and was talking to me.
She was so sweet and so kind,he said.
So I have had that feeling thatthe angel came to see him and
prepare him for death.
Ron Meyer (08:40):
You know I've done a lot of interviews in my lifetime
and that is something I hearquite a bit and it's amazing
what God does.
You know, the Bible says thathe wishes that none would perish
, and I believe God sends angels, whatever he has to do, to the
time that we enter into his rest, to just let us know hey, it's
(09:02):
going to be okay.
You know, I'm here for you, wow, wow.
Maria (09:06):
That had to be comforting for you as a mom to hear that
it was and I kept thinkingthere's got to be an.
So it took me a couple ofmonths to get everything because
it was so traumatic having totry to do resuscitation on your
child.
He had he coded three timestwice at my house and then once
when he got to the hospital,once in the ambulance.
(09:27):
So it was four times actually,but he just had this peaceful
look on his face like he washappy.
Ron Meyer (09:34):
You and I are talking here in January of 2025, and
you have a glow.
I mean, you're a believer, youhave a glow on you.
Maria (09:46):
It's just hard for me to see how you can even talk about
it.
It's just something that God'scompelling me to do.
I think he wants me to reachout to others that may have a
more difficult time dealing withthe pain of death, especially
if it's a loved one, a child,because a parent shouldn't be
burying their children.
But we don't have any guaranteeon anything.
He could have taken me first.
You know, I don't know.
Ron Meyer (10:03):
Well, speaking of that, maria, if somebody out
there right now says, oh boy,she is right, because I just
buried somebody very special tome, or a child, and I don't know
what I'm going to do, I don'teven want to live anymore, what
would you tell that person?
Maria (10:18):
Well, I mean there's days that you feel like that.
I mean there's days you may notwant to get out of bed or you
don't want to talk to anybody,but you just have to keep that
hope and that joy, because ifnot, it'll kill you.
I mean, you'll go just as fastas they went, and there's a
reason why God keeps us here.
You know, maybe it's for me toshare my experience and share
(10:38):
what I feel about Jesus and howhe's helped me through it.
I just don't think I could havemade it without it.
Ron Meyer (10:45):
In fact, I like to ask my guests who is Jesus to
you?
Maria (10:49):
Jesus to me is everything .
If I don't have him in my life,I just don't know where I'd be.
I mean, he's brought me throughso many things, especially the
time when Matt was out on thestreets and stuff.
If he didn't tell me to pray,what would I have done?
There's nothing you can do tocontrol something you can't
control death.
God has the last word on it,right?
(11:10):
I mean he's going to say whatare you going to say to him?
Okay, lord, I don't want to dietoday.
I mean just think how crazythat is, because he's everything
.
I mean, he's the way that makesyour life.
Every day you get out of bedbecause of him and people that
don't have him.
They have nothing to hold on to.
Ron Meyer (11:29):
And a lot of people I hear, especially with this show
, ask me well, how can youbelieve in a Jesus when there's
so many bad things going on inthis world?
And I don't have all theanswers.
But Jesus does and I know hepersonally saved my life and he
fills me each day with a joy anda peace, and I don't know what
today's gonna bring, but I knowhe's gonna put me in the right
(11:50):
place at the right time, justlike meeting you.
Maria (11:53):
Yep, and just like me being here, because maybe I can
help somebody else out thatdoesn't understand the
relationship that you need tohave.
I've got some things that Icould say about death because I
read a lot now.
I'm trying to find answers andtrying to find the comfort and
peace.
So death is an opportunity foryou to see God's glory and be
(12:15):
revealed of his promises ofeverlasting life.
So I know I'm going to see myson again and I have that hope
and that promise because Godsaid it, you know and I know
it's true.
Ron Meyer (12:26):
Amen, and that is exactly.
I think of my mom and my dadand friends that aren't here,
but I look forward to the daythat we're all together.
Maria (12:36):
Yeah, and you know, Jesus cried and suffered, through
pain and suffering, like whenLazarus was dying, or you know
died.
Yeah, he said, jesus wept andJesus wept and he felt bad for
Mary and Martha because that washis best friend, apparently.
You know from what the Bibleverses say.
So he was in sorrow, you knowhe was sad for them, you know,
and that shows how he's, youknow, cries with us and he's in
(12:59):
pain with us and I know thathe's always there.
I can't find comfort in peoplesometimes because everybody's
dealing with their own things.
They all have their own crossesto bear or things that they're
trying to work through, or griefmay come in a different way.
They might have lost arelationship or a job or
whatever, but the only person,the only thing that you can turn
(13:23):
to is the Holy Spirit and Jesus, Cause there's, there's no
people that don't have somethinggoing on that they're trying to
deal with.
Ron Meyer (13:29):
Well, I know one of the things that God has put in
you since you're this experiencebut your son is your wisdom.
You are sharing some wisethings out there that people
need to hear is your wisdom.
You are sharing some wisethings out there that people
need to hear, and what elsewould you like to tell them
about death?
Maria (13:45):
Just that life and death are temporal.
You know we're only here for ashort time, so what you do with
that time is so important andyou need to share love, because
Jesus was all about love.
Ron Meyer (13:55):
Yeah.
Maria (13:56):
And love your neighbor, no matter what they're going
through.
I mean, I have people call meup, I still work.
Now I could be retired, but Ithink God gave me the gift and a
blessing of being able to stillwork and have something to do.
And then I also do volunteerwork and I sing at my church and
have a music ministry that I do.
It's a karaoke ministry, but Ifind joy in reaching out to
(14:16):
others and just sharing some joyin a life that maybe they don't
have.
That, especially in nursinghomes and places like that.
Ron Meyer (14:23):
I tell people quite often, maria, that if you know
someone that doesn't believe inJesus and doesn't go to church,
maybe perhaps, instead ofinviting them to church or
giving them a Bible write-off,why not just share what Jesus
did in your life, because somany people don't know what
Jesus can do.
If people hear enough from usthat Jesus did this for me and
(14:45):
he will do it for you, it makespeople curious.
They want to search Okay, wow,he really did that for you.
Would he do it for me?
Maria (14:54):
Oh yeah, that's the thing about it.
I think for non-Christians,they're still searching for
something.
You know, some people call itthe universe.
Well, what's the universe?
The universe is God.
I mean.
Something had to create thismassive universe and the planets
and people and animals andthings.
When you even look at like theGarden of Eden, for example,
(15:15):
there's still prominent thingsfrom there the beautiful roses
or the beautiful flowers, or aloving dog.
You might have an animal thatyou love so much.
There's so many things left,god left with us.
Ron Meyer (15:29):
So if somebody asked you, with all you've went
through, what's the one thingthat's helped you now get
through life?
What's one life lesson that youcan share with someone?
Maria (15:39):
Just hope and believe.
I think, if you have that hopeand you believe that you're
going to go one day too we don'tknow when that is, but we just
need to trust that.
God knows it all.
(15:51):
Wow.
Maria (15:51):
He's got a plan for you while you're still here, then
make the best of it.
Why would you want to bedepressed and, um, not live in
your life?
Your children wouldn't want, myson wouldn't want me to be that
way.
And I know my family.
You know they worry about meand everything, but they always
tell me you're doing so good.
Even my church group, you know.
People at church said you stillhave the joy.
(16:13):
And I said, well, I'm stillalive.
Ron Meyer (16:16):
The joy of the Lord is your strength.
Maria (16:18):
That's right.
Ron Meyer (16:26):
Well, we're almost out of time, but before we go,
would you just pray?
Maria (16:27):
for our listeners and whatever the Lord puts on your
heart, yeah, and I'd like toalso welcome them to contact you
if they need prayer, becauseI'd love to pray for them, even
if you're not a believer.
Just pray for your heart andjust to give you some comfort
somehow, some way.
Sometimes somebody else prayingfor you, even if you're not a
believer, can give you somecomfort.
So I just want to pass that onto your listeners.
(16:48):
But, dear Jesus, we're just sothankful for this time here with
Ferron and his ministry.
Father, he's spreading yourword out to so many people, even
believers and non-believersalike, father, so just bless him
, continue to uplift thisministry.
And we also pray for those thathave lost loved ones,
especially those that have lostyoung children, father to
(17:10):
sickness or disease.
Father, that's got to be soheartbreaking because they had
so little time with them to lovethem and care for them, so
little time with them to lovethem and care for them.
So I'd like to lift up thoseparents that have lost little
children, parents that have losttheir children, whatever age
they are, father, it's stillpainful.
We want to offer them the peaceand comfort that only you can
give them, father.
Just love on them, give them asense of hope and peace.
(17:33):
Father, that only you can do,and we just ask that you
continue to uplift all thosethat are suffering from grief,
father, whether it be from theloss of a loved one, from the
loss of a job, from the loss ofa relationship, no matter what
it is, father, you know how tohandle it, you know what to give
them to help them cope with it,father, and you just know how
to love them.
(17:53):
Father, like no one else can.
We just ask that you're withthem, that you continue to
uplift them and bless them andkeep them in your care, father,
forever and ever, and we pray inyour precious name, amen.
Ron Meyer (18:08):
When I return.
Three action steps to deal withand cope with grief.
(18:13):
You're listening to Get the Hell Out of your Life with your
host, ron Myers.
Real stories, real strugglesand real hope.
I'm sure you saw the newsrecently about the raging
wildfires in Southern Californiaa truly tragic event because
many homes and businesses wereburned to the ground and many
lives lost.
But it serves as a reminder ofjust how temporary this life
(18:37):
really is.
My name is Mark and this is theJourney.
Life is often filled, with ourfocus only on the things we can
see our careers, our fancypossessions, homes, cars and
furniture, and even ourrelationships.
It seems all-consuming at times.
Yet the Apostle Paul reminds usin 2 Corinthians, chapter 4, to
shift our focus from thetemporary, that is, the things
(19:00):
of this world, to the eternal.
He says fix your eyes on thethings of heaven.
The world around us isconstantly changing, but the
unseen realities of heaven,god's promises, his love and the
hope of eternal life remainsteadfast.
When we focus on the eternal,we find strength to endure
(19:20):
life's trials.
Our hearts become anchored inthe hope of glory, not weighed
down by the temporary burdens ofthis world.
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, theauthor and perfecter of our
faith, helps us to navigate lifewith purpose and peace.
In James, chapter 4, jamesreminds us of this truth In the
grand scheme of eternity.
(19:41):
For what is your life Comparedto eternity.
It is even a vapor that appearsfor a little time and then
vanishes away.
Lord, help us to focus on theeternal things of heaven rather
than the temporary things ofthis world.
Give us a heart that seeks youand eyes that see your eternal
promises.
Remind us daily of the hope wehave in Christ, so that we may
(20:09):
live with heaven as our ultimategoal.
The Journey.
The time of how you're livingwill change it.
(20:30):
You don't like where you'reheaded rearrange it.
Ron Meyer (20:37):
I told you before the break that I would offer three
action steps to help you dealand cope with grief.
But first my short story thisweek called Building a Life In a
bustling city, two neighbors,mark and Oliver, each set out to
build a new home.
Mark was ambitious, alwaysrushing through the task, eager
to move.
To build a new home.
Mark was ambitious, alwaysrushing through the task, eager
to move to his next achievement.
(20:59):
He built his house quickly onthe sandy shore, attracted by
the stunning views and theglamour of beachfront property.
Oliver, on the other hand, waspatient and diligent, though the
rocky side he chose requiredmore effort to lay a foundation.
Oliver built his home slowlyand thoughtfully, ensuring that
every beam was secure.
(21:19):
Months passed and both housesstood proudly.
However, one fateful night, afierce storm swept through the
city.
Torrential rain and powerfulwinds battered the buildings.
As the storm raged on Mark'shouse, with its shaky foundation
on the sand, it crumbled underthe pressure, leaving Mark in
despair.
In contrast, oliver's house,built upon solid rock, held firm
(21:43):
.
It endured the pounding storm,providing safety and security.
When the morning sun finallyemerged, oliver stood by his
intact home, grateful for thewisdom that guided his careful
building.
Mark, seeing the ruin of hishome, grateful for the wisdom
that guided his careful building.
Mark, seeing the ruin of hishome, approached Oliver how did
your house survive, he asked.
Oliver replied I built on astrong foundation.
(22:04):
It's the same way I live mylife grounded in faith, not
fleeting desires.
Jesus is the solid rock.
The moral of that story is thata strong foundation is
essential for enduring lifestorms.
When we build our lives onlasting values such as faith and
integrity, we are equipped toface challenges with resilience.
(22:26):
I chose that story because itwas so important to me.
I have had to deal with grief ina few different ways.
One was after Hurricane Katrina.
Eight feet of water in ourhouse totally wiped out
everything I remember standingin the bathroom after walking in
and the only thing I couldsalvage was my toothbrush, some
contact lenses and some dirtyclothes in a laundry basket.
(22:48):
And I'm telling you, friends,the grief of losing things
through the hurricane.
It was absolutely overwhelming.
And even me, a person of strongfaith, loving Jesus with all my
heart, mind and soul, I had toquestion so many things why, why
, why?
So now I want to share with youthree action steps that helped
me deal with grief.
(23:09):
Number one seek comfort inprayer and reflection.
I talk about having coffee withJesus all the time.
Set time aside each day forprayer and conversation,
meditation, I'm telling you,friends, opening up your soul,
your heart, your cares to Jesus.
Jesus said come to me, all youwho are weary and burdened, and
(23:31):
I will give you rest.
Use this scripture versethrough your personal
conversation with Jesus.
Reflect on your feelings,express your pain and ask for
the strength to heal.
Number two find support incommunity.
Now, if, after Katrina, itwasn't hard to find support
because everybody walked into,lost something, whether you're
(23:54):
in the food lines to get a lunchor you're getting water or
you're waiting for FEMA toevaluate your situation, there
was a lot of community.
We were supporting each other.
In Matthew 18, 20, jesuspromises for where two or three
gather in my name, there am Iwith them.
Share your grief with otherswho can provide comfort, pray
(24:16):
with you and offer companionship.
Community can be a powerfulsource of healing and
encouragement.
Action step number three embracehope and healing.
Focus on the hope of theresurrection and eternal life.
In John 11, 25-26, jesus said Iam the resurrection and the
life.
(24:36):
The one who believes in me willlive even though they die, and
whoever lives by believing in mewill never die.
Friends, meditate on thesewords to find hope in the
promise of life beyond death.
As I said, we are here just astravelers, as visitors.
We're going to go on to eternallife with Jesus, which is
(24:56):
absolutely beautiful no morepain, no more suffering and
relive those beautiful memoriesin your mind.
Thank Jesus for those memories,because I promise you those
memories can be a source forhealing.
(25:09):
Are you searching for meaning, struggling through life's
challenges.
You're not alone In thePromoter, a gripping, true story
of perseverance and faith.
One man's journey from failureand despair to hope and purpose
unfolds Through childhoodstruggles, abandonment,
(25:31):
bankruptcy and hopelessness.
Ron encountered Jesus andeverything changed.
The Promoter isn't just a story.
It's an invitation.
An invitation for you todiscover your destiny through
faith and discovery.
Request your free copy today,visit thepromoterorg and take
(25:57):
the first step towards a life ofclarity and purpose, because
with Jesus you have all theanswers.
Here's a refreshing word fromJames, chapter 1, verse 5.
If any of you lacks wisdom, heshould ask God, who gives
(26:18):
generously to all withoutfinding fault, and it will be
given to him.
Ron will be back in a moment towrap up today's conversation.
We want to encourage you todaywith God's promise to you.
It comes from the book ofJeremiah, chapter 29, verse 11.
For I know the plans I have foryou, declares the Lord.
(26:41):
Plans to prosper you and not toharm you.
Plans to give you hope and thefuture.
That's God's promise to youwhen you choose to commit your
plans and future to him.
Now back to Ron.
Ron Meyer (26:58):
Well, listeners, I will be praying for you this
week and remember your time inprayer and conversations with
Jesus.
It's the greatest healingyou'll ever have in your life,
because he wants to minister toyour soul.
I'll be back next week withanother great episode.
In the meantime, remember thisI love you, Jesus loves you, and
when you get the hell out ofyour life, life gets good.
(27:32):
Today's show was produced by Ron Myers Ministries, a
listener-supported ministry.
For a copy of today's broadcast, please visit our website,
thepromoterorg, and would youprayerfully consider making a
tax-deductible donation so thatwe may continue to share stories
of God's amazing grace with theworld.
And join us next week foranother broadcast of Get the
(27:52):
Hell Out of your Life.
Real people sharing realstruggles and offering real hope
.
It's time now to get the hell out of your life.
A weekly broadcast with realpeople sharing real struggles
and offering real hope.
Today's show will encourage,inspire and empower you to face
life's challenges with a boldconfidence and renewed hope.
Now let's join our host, ronMyers.
The promoter.
Ron Meyer (00:21):
Hello, my friends, it is so good to be with you today
.
I want to say a hi to the folksin the Laurel area.
Brand new station just airingon the radio here today.
My name is Ron Myers, I'm thehost.
The show is called Get the HellOut of your Life.
We are a community of peoplethat share great stories of
Jesus, awesome stories of Jesus,because what we need in this
(00:43):
world is more of Jesus, not morereligion, not more churches,
not more duties to do to pleaseJesus, but to understand the
story about Jesus.
The story he's writing in yourlife and my life is all about
his unconditional love, mercyand grace for you.
It's not about what you do,because he did it all, but when
(01:03):
you understand and walk in thefreedom of his grace and his
finished work, life is good.
So if you have just tuned infor the first time, I think
you're going to like this show.
It is awesome because it's allabout helping restore the
reputation of the greatestperson ever in existence of the
world, and that is Jesus.
(01:25):
Today's story is from Maria,and when I had her in the studio
talking to her, wow, it wastouching because it's about
grief.
Let's take a listen to herstory.
Maria (01:36):
It's great to see you again after all these years that
we used to do music togetherwith our talent stars On the
Gulf Coast of Mississippi.
Ron Meyer (01:44):
I remember we had such a wonderful time and then I
came across you at my Christmasshow a few months ago and you
and I started talking and youhave a story.
Maria (01:53):
OK, well, my name's Maria and I'm from Gulfport,
Mississippi.
I've lived on the coast most ofmy life, from a child and then
also as an adult, and my storyis talking about grief.
What I'd like to share is justsome background of what's
happened in my life with my son,matt, and just to let you know
(02:14):
that he did pass away in Aprilof this past year.
And let me start by sayingfirst that life is not a bed of
roses.
Of course, god doesn't offer usanything other than life after
death and to make our lives thebest we can while we have time
on this earth, maybe to leave alegacy or maybe not to leave a
(02:35):
legacy, but just leave thatimprint, knowing that God guided
you through all the differentthings that you might come
across in your life.
So, matt, when he was younger,in his 20 twenties, when he
passed away, he was 43.
So I had a good time with him,you know, on this earth, where I
could share my life with himand watch him grow up and have
my two beautiful granddaughters.
(02:56):
But in his twenties he wound uphaving a back injury and he got
addicted to prescription drugsat that time and it was just
hard him growing up and beingaddicted.
At the time that he was youngand trying to raise his children
and keep a relationship going,there were times when he would
(03:18):
be out on the streets in Kansas.
After the Hurricane Katrina, heand his little family moved to
Kansas where my ex-husband was,and he wound up, you know, going
through several differentstorms in his life where he was
living on the streets.
He was trying to get over thedrug addictions.
And back about four years agohe moved back to the coast after
(03:39):
he got a divorce from his wifeand left his two daughters up in
Kansas.
So Matt was a great music person.
I mean, he could play any kindof instrument, he could sing, he
wrote music.
His abilities were just awesome.
I'm not just saying thatbecause I was his mom, but he
was just so musically talentedand I was hoping that he got
(04:01):
some of that from me because Ilove music, I love to sing and I
sing on my praise team atchurch.
But he was trying to get hislife together and I could see
that he was making that effortand throughout all those times
that he was living on thestreets and I didn't know what
to do because I was down here inMississippi and he was up in
Kansas.
God kept compelling me, constantprayer and supplication, so I
(04:23):
followed God's will on that.
I knew there was nothing else Icould do, because you have no
control over another person,especially an adult child.
So about April 16th he had hada back procedure done that
Monday, on the 15th.
But when he came in town heworked over in Panama City and
lived over there.
(04:44):
But he would come in town tovisit on the weekends and then
go to the doctor's appointmentsand so forth for his back.
So about April 15th he wentinto procedure but you could
tell there was something wrongand so he wanted to go back to
work the next day, on Tuesday,the 16th.
But I kind of talked him out ofit and that night I could tell
(05:05):
there was something wrong and Itold him.
I said we need to go to thedoctor and find out what's going
on with you.
He actually went into cardiacarrest that night at my house.
Ron Meyer (05:13):
At your house, oh goodness yeah.
Maria (05:15):
So I tried to resuscitate him.
I checked for pulse and did allthat and then I called the 911.
And of course the ambulancecame.
It seemed like it took forever,but he was in the hospital for
a whole week before he passedaway.
But during that time they kepttelling me, you know, that he
was not alive anymore, that hewas brain dead and that you know
(05:36):
we just needed to make adecision.
But I had over 3,500 peoplepraying for him and us, our
family, which to me it was justmiraculous in itself.
You know, even if he was to dieand we had to pull the plug or
whatever, just that miracle ofthirty five hundred people
praying and maybe more than that.
(05:57):
I don't even know what thetotal numbers were, but the more
people I kept asking to pray,they kept telling other people.
So you know God had his hand inthat part of it.
The other part was he was anorgan donor and I didn't even
know that about my own son.
And when we did the donor walk,we had a donor walk at the
Singing River Hospital andCommunity Road and there was
(06:20):
over 100 people in the hallwayson that day, on the 15th I'm
sorry, it was the 23rd and therewere over a hundred people in
the honor walk for him, donatinghis organs.
They were all ready, you know,to go ahead and take the organs
once he passed away.
So we sat in the room withdoctors and the nurses, you know
, waiting on him.
(06:40):
They had taken him off of lifesupport on the 23rd that
afternoon, but he didn't go andfor whatever reason, he wanted
to stay longer.
So my ex-husband and I were inthe room, my granddaughters were
there, but they didn't want tobe around that night.
So that night we just sat withhim and prayed and just enjoyed
(07:02):
some time.
My ex-husband and I just satthere, as his mom and dad and
him and my ex-husband said to me.
He said, you know, I think hejust wanted it that way, just me
and him there, like it started.
So, um, wow.
And then, um, it was justphenomenal, though, all of that
happening, and then he passedaway a little bit after midnight
(07:22):
on April 24th 2024, which iskind of an you know, the date
itself is just kind of you know,and my ex-husband said that's
just like Matt to do somethinglike that, you know.
So it was just you know.
Even though it's such a sad andpainful thing, I think the only
reason that you get throughsomething like that is your
faith and hope in God.
Ron Meyer (07:44):
Is your faith, is what got you through that,
because I don't know how I couldhave done that without faith.
Maria (07:48):
And just the support and knowing that people were praying
and cared so much about us andwhat happened with him.
My, my ex-husband's not superspiritual and my, my
granddaughters don't even haveChristian values.
Although my son wasBible-versed, he could read the
Bible from front to back andtell you every scripture in
there.
Ron Meyer (08:08):
So he had a relationship with Jesus.
Maria (08:09):
Yes, he did.
And that day, when he went tothe hospital on April 16th, we
were sitting in my living roomand he told me that a lady came
in the house and talked to him.
He said I don't know who shewas, but she was sitting right
here because I was sitting on mycouch and he was on my love
seat.
He said I was sitting on thelove seat and she came in house
(08:29):
and was talking to me.
She was so sweet and so kind,he said.
So I have had that feeling thatthe angel came to see him and
prepare him for death.
Ron Meyer (08:40):
You know I've done a lot of interviews in my lifetime
and that is something I hearquite a bit and it's amazing
what God does.
You know, the Bible says thathe wishes that none would perish
, and I believe God sends angels, whatever he has to do, to the
time that we enter into his rest, to just let us know hey, it's
(09:02):
going to be okay.
You know, I'm here for you, wow, wow.
Maria (09:06):
That had to be comforting for you as a mom to hear that
it was and I kept thinkingthere's got to be an.
So it took me a couple ofmonths to get everything because
it was so traumatic having totry to do resuscitation on your
child.
He had he coded three timestwice at my house and then once
when he got to the hospital,once in the ambulance.
(09:27):
So it was four times actually,but he just had this peaceful
look on his face like he washappy.
Ron Meyer (09:34):
You and I are talking here in January of 2025, and
you have a glow.
I mean, you're a believer, youhave a glow on you.
Maria (09:46):
It's just hard for me to see how you can even talk about
it.
It's just something that God'scompelling me to do.
I think he wants me to reachout to others that may have a
more difficult time dealing withthe pain of death, especially
if it's a loved one, a child,because a parent shouldn't be
burying their children.
But we don't have any guaranteeon anything.
He could have taken me first.
You know, I don't know.
Ron Meyer (10:03):
Well, speaking of that, maria, if somebody out
there right now says, oh boy,she is right, because I just
buried somebody very special tome, or a child, and I don't know
what I'm going to do, I don'teven want to live anymore, what
would you tell that person?
Maria (10:18):
Well, I mean there's days that you feel like that.
I mean there's days you may notwant to get out of bed or you
don't want to talk to anybody,but you just have to keep that
hope and that joy, because ifnot, it'll kill you.
I mean, you'll go just as fastas they went, and there's a
reason why God keeps us here.
You know, maybe it's for me toshare my experience and share
(10:38):
what I feel about Jesus and howhe's helped me through it.
I just don't think I could havemade it without it.
Ron Meyer (10:45):
In fact, I like to ask my guests who is Jesus to
you?
Maria (10:49):
Jesus to me is everything .
If I don't have him in my life,I just don't know where I'd be.
I mean, he's brought me throughso many things, especially the
time when Matt was out on thestreets and stuff.
If he didn't tell me to pray,what would I have done?
There's nothing you can do tocontrol something you can't
control death.
God has the last word on it,right?
(11:10):
I mean he's going to say whatare you going to say to him?
Okay, lord, I don't want to dietoday.
I mean just think how crazythat is, because he's everything
.
I mean, he's the way that makesyour life.
Every day you get out of bedbecause of him and people that
don't have him.
They have nothing to hold on to.
Ron Meyer (11:29):
And a lot of people I hear, especially with this show
, ask me well, how can youbelieve in a Jesus when there's
so many bad things going on inthis world?
And I don't have all theanswers.
But Jesus does and I know hepersonally saved my life and he
fills me each day with a joy anda peace, and I don't know what
today's gonna bring, but I knowhe's gonna put me in the right
(11:50):
place at the right time, justlike meeting you.
Maria (11:53):
Yep, and just like me being here, because maybe I can
help somebody else out thatdoesn't understand the
relationship that you need tohave.
I've got some things that Icould say about death because I
read a lot now.
I'm trying to find answers andtrying to find the comfort and
peace.
So death is an opportunity foryou to see God's glory and be
(12:15):
revealed of his promises ofeverlasting life.
So I know I'm going to see myson again and I have that hope
and that promise because Godsaid it, you know and I know
it's true.
Ron Meyer (12:26):
Amen, and that is exactly.
I think of my mom and my dadand friends that aren't here,
but I look forward to the daythat we're all together.
Maria (12:36):
Yeah, and you know, Jesus cried and suffered, through
pain and suffering, like whenLazarus was dying, or you know
died.
Yeah, he said, jesus wept andJesus wept and he felt bad for
Mary and Martha because that washis best friend, apparently.
You know from what the Bibleverses say.
So he was in sorrow, you knowhe was sad for them, you know,
and that shows how he's, youknow, cries with us and he's in
(12:59):
pain with us and I know thathe's always there.
I can't find comfort in peoplesometimes because everybody's
dealing with their own things.
They all have their own crossesto bear or things that they're
trying to work through, or griefmay come in a different way.
They might have lost arelationship or a job or
whatever, but the only person,the only thing that you can turn
(13:23):
to is the Holy Spirit and Jesus, Cause there's, there's no
people that don't have somethinggoing on that they're trying to
deal with.
Ron Meyer (13:29):
Well, I know one of the things that God has put in
you since you're this experiencebut your son is your wisdom.
You are sharing some wisethings out there that people
need to hear is your wisdom.
You are sharing some wisethings out there that people
need to hear, and what elsewould you like to tell them
about death?
Maria (13:45):
Just that life and death are temporal.
You know we're only here for ashort time, so what you do with
that time is so important andyou need to share love, because
Jesus was all about love.
Ron Meyer (13:55):
Yeah.
Maria (13:56):
And love your neighbor, no matter what they're going
through.
I mean, I have people call meup, I still work.
Now I could be retired, but Ithink God gave me the gift and a
blessing of being able to stillwork and have something to do.
And then I also do volunteerwork and I sing at my church and
have a music ministry that I do.
It's a karaoke ministry, but Ifind joy in reaching out to
(14:16):
others and just sharing some joyin a life that maybe they don't
have.
That, especially in nursinghomes and places like that.
Ron Meyer (14:23):
I tell people quite often, maria, that if you know
someone that doesn't believe inJesus and doesn't go to church,
maybe perhaps, instead ofinviting them to church or
giving them a Bible write-off,why not just share what Jesus
did in your life, because somany people don't know what
Jesus can do.
If people hear enough from usthat Jesus did this for me and
(14:45):
he will do it for you, it makespeople curious.
They want to search Okay, wow,he really did that for you.
Would he do it for me?
Maria (14:54):
Oh yeah, that's the thing about it.
I think for non-Christians,they're still searching for
something.
You know, some people call itthe universe.
Well, what's the universe?
The universe is God.
I mean.
Something had to create thismassive universe and the planets
and people and animals andthings.
When you even look at like theGarden of Eden, for example,
(15:15):
there's still prominent thingsfrom there the beautiful roses
or the beautiful flowers, or aloving dog.
You might have an animal thatyou love so much.
There's so many things left,god left with us.
Ron Meyer (15:29):
So if somebody asked you, with all you've went
through, what's the one thingthat's helped you now get
through life?
What's one life lesson that youcan share with someone?
Maria (15:39):
Just hope and believe.
I think, if you have that hopeand you believe that you're
going to go one day too we don'tknow when that is, but we just
need to trust that.
God knows it all.
(15:51):
Wow.
Maria (15:51):
He's got a plan for you while you're still here, then
make the best of it.
Why would you want to bedepressed and, um, not live in
your life?
Your children wouldn't want, myson wouldn't want me to be that
way.
And I know my family.
You know they worry about meand everything, but they always
tell me you're doing so good.
Even my church group, you know.
People at church said you stillhave the joy.
(16:13):
And I said, well, I'm stillalive.
Ron Meyer (16:16):
The joy of the Lord is your strength.
Maria (16:18):
That's right.
Ron Meyer (16:26):
Well, we're almost out of time, but before we go,
would you just pray?
Maria (16:27):
for our listeners and whatever the Lord puts on your
heart, yeah, and I'd like toalso welcome them to contact you
if they need prayer, becauseI'd love to pray for them, even
if you're not a believer.
Just pray for your heart andjust to give you some comfort
somehow, some way.
Sometimes somebody else prayingfor you, even if you're not a
believer, can give you somecomfort.
So I just want to pass that onto your listeners.
(16:48):
But, dear Jesus, we're just sothankful for this time here with
Ferron and his ministry.
Father, he's spreading yourword out to so many people, even
believers and non-believersalike, father, so just bless him
, continue to uplift thisministry.
And we also pray for those thathave lost loved ones,
especially those that have lostyoung children, father to
(17:10):
sickness or disease.
Father, that's got to be soheartbreaking because they had
so little time with them to lovethem and care for them, so
little time with them to lovethem and care for them.
So I'd like to lift up thoseparents that have lost little
children, parents that have losttheir children, whatever age
they are, father, it's stillpainful.
We want to offer them the peaceand comfort that only you can
give them, father.
Just love on them, give them asense of hope and peace.
(17:33):
Father, that only you can do,and we just ask that you
continue to uplift all thosethat are suffering from grief,
father, whether it be from theloss of a loved one, from the
loss of a job, from the loss ofa relationship, no matter what
it is, father, you know how tohandle it, you know what to give
them to help them cope with it,father, and you just know how
to love them.
(17:53):
Father, like no one else can.
We just ask that you're withthem, that you continue to
uplift them and bless them andkeep them in your care, father,
forever and ever, and we pray inyour precious name, amen.
Ron Meyer (18:08):
When I return.
Three action steps to deal withand cope with grief.
(18:13):
You're listening to Get the Hell Out of your Life with your
host, ron Myers.
Real stories, real strugglesand real hope.
I'm sure you saw the newsrecently about the raging
wildfires in Southern Californiaa truly tragic event because
many homes and businesses wereburned to the ground and many
lives lost.
But it serves as a reminder ofjust how temporary this life
(18:37):
really is.
My name is Mark and this is theJourney.
Life is often filled, with ourfocus only on the things we can
see our careers, our fancypossessions, homes, cars and
furniture, and even ourrelationships.
It seems all-consuming at times.
Yet the Apostle Paul reminds usin 2 Corinthians, chapter 4, to
shift our focus from thetemporary, that is, the things
(19:00):
of this world, to the eternal.
He says fix your eyes on thethings of heaven.
The world around us isconstantly changing, but the
unseen realities of heaven,god's promises, his love and the
hope of eternal life remainsteadfast.
When we focus on the eternal,we find strength to endure
(19:20):
life's trials.
Our hearts become anchored inthe hope of glory, not weighed
down by the temporary burdens ofthis world.
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, theauthor and perfecter of our
faith, helps us to navigate lifewith purpose and peace.
In James, chapter 4, jamesreminds us of this truth In the
grand scheme of eternity.
(19:41):
For what is your life Comparedto eternity.
It is even a vapor that appearsfor a little time and then
vanishes away.
Lord, help us to focus on theeternal things of heaven rather
than the temporary things ofthis world.
Give us a heart that seeks youand eyes that see your eternal
promises.
Remind us daily of the hope wehave in Christ, so that we may
(20:09):
live with heaven as our ultimategoal.
The Journey.
The time of how you're livingwill change it.
(20:30):
You don't like where you'reheaded rearrange it.
Ron Meyer (20:37):
I told you before the break that I would offer three
action steps to help you dealand cope with grief.
But first my short story thisweek called Building a Life In a
bustling city, two neighbors,mark and Oliver, each set out to
build a new home.
Mark was ambitious, alwaysrushing through the task, eager
to move.
To build a new home.
Mark was ambitious, alwaysrushing through the task, eager
to move to his next achievement.
(20:59):
He built his house quickly onthe sandy shore, attracted by
the stunning views and theglamour of beachfront property.
Oliver, on the other hand, waspatient and diligent, though the
rocky side he chose requiredmore effort to lay a foundation.
Oliver built his home slowlyand thoughtfully, ensuring that
every beam was secure.
(21:19):
Months passed and both housesstood proudly.
However, one fateful night, afierce storm swept through the
city.
Torrential rain and powerfulwinds battered the buildings.
As the storm raged on Mark'shouse, with its shaky foundation
on the sand, it crumbled underthe pressure, leaving Mark in
despair.
In contrast, oliver's house,built upon solid rock, held firm
(21:43):
.
It endured the pounding storm,providing safety and security.
When the morning sun finallyemerged, oliver stood by his
intact home, grateful for thewisdom that guided his careful
building.
Mark, seeing the ruin of hishome, grateful for the wisdom
that guided his careful building.
Mark, seeing the ruin of hishome, approached Oliver how did
your house survive, he asked.
Oliver replied I built on astrong foundation.
(22:04):
It's the same way I live mylife grounded in faith, not
fleeting desires.
Jesus is the solid rock.
The moral of that story is thata strong foundation is
essential for enduring lifestorms.
When we build our lives onlasting values such as faith and
integrity, we are equipped toface challenges with resilience.
(22:26):
I chose that story because itwas so important to me.
I have had to deal with grief ina few different ways.
One was after Hurricane Katrina.
Eight feet of water in ourhouse totally wiped out
everything I remember standingin the bathroom after walking in
and the only thing I couldsalvage was my toothbrush, some
contact lenses and some dirtyclothes in a laundry basket.
(22:48):
And I'm telling you, friends,the grief of losing things
through the hurricane.
It was absolutely overwhelming.
And even me, a person of strongfaith, loving Jesus with all my
heart, mind and soul, I had toquestion so many things why, why
, why?
So now I want to share with youthree action steps that helped
me deal with grief.
(23:09):
Number one seek comfort inprayer and reflection.
I talk about having coffee withJesus all the time.
Set time aside each day forprayer and conversation,
meditation, I'm telling you,friends, opening up your soul,
your heart, your cares to Jesus.
Jesus said come to me, all youwho are weary and burdened, and
(23:31):
I will give you rest.
Use this scripture versethrough your personal
conversation with Jesus.
Reflect on your feelings,express your pain and ask for
the strength to heal.
Number two find support incommunity.
Now, if, after Katrina, itwasn't hard to find support
because everybody walked into,lost something, whether you're
(23:54):
in the food lines to get a lunchor you're getting water or
you're waiting for FEMA toevaluate your situation, there
was a lot of community.
We were supporting each other.
In Matthew 18, 20, jesuspromises for where two or three
gather in my name, there am Iwith them.
Share your grief with otherswho can provide comfort, pray
(24:16):
with you and offer companionship.
Community can be a powerfulsource of healing and
encouragement.
Action step number three embracehope and healing.
Focus on the hope of theresurrection and eternal life.
In John 11, 25-26, jesus said Iam the resurrection and the
life.
(24:36):
The one who believes in me willlive even though they die, and
whoever lives by believing in mewill never die.
Friends, meditate on thesewords to find hope in the
promise of life beyond death.
As I said, we are here just astravelers, as visitors.
We're going to go on to eternallife with Jesus, which is
(24:56):
absolutely beautiful no morepain, no more suffering and
relive those beautiful memoriesin your mind.
Thank Jesus for those memories,because I promise you those
memories can be a source forhealing.
(25:09):
Are you searching for meaning, struggling through life's
challenges.
You're not alone In thePromoter, a gripping, true story
of perseverance and faith.
One man's journey from failureand despair to hope and purpose
unfolds Through childhoodstruggles, abandonment,
(25:31):
bankruptcy and hopelessness.
Ron encountered Jesus andeverything changed.
The Promoter isn't just a story.
It's an invitation.
An invitation for you todiscover your destiny through
faith and discovery.
Request your free copy today,visit thepromoterorg and take
(25:57):
the first step towards a life ofclarity and purpose, because
with Jesus you have all theanswers.
Here's a refreshing word fromJames, chapter 1, verse 5.
If any of you lacks wisdom, heshould ask God, who gives
(26:18):
generously to all withoutfinding fault, and it will be
given to him.
Ron will be back in a moment towrap up today's conversation.
We want to encourage you todaywith God's promise to you.
It comes from the book ofJeremiah, chapter 29, verse 11.
For I know the plans I have foryou, declares the Lord.
(26:41):
Plans to prosper you and not toharm you.
Plans to give you hope and thefuture.
That's God's promise to youwhen you choose to commit your
plans and future to him.
Now back to Ron.
Ron Meyer (26:58):
Well, listeners, I will be praying for you this
week and remember your time inprayer and conversations with
Jesus.
It's the greatest healingyou'll ever have in your life,
because he wants to minister toyour soul.
I'll be back next week withanother great episode.
In the meantime, remember thisI love you, Jesus loves you, and
when you get the hell out ofyour life, life gets good.
(27:32):
Today's show was produced by Ron Myers Ministries, a
listener-supported ministry.
For a copy of today's broadcast, please visit our website,
thepromoterorg, and would youprayerfully consider making a
tax-deductible donation so thatwe may continue to share stories
of God's amazing grace with theworld.
And join us next week foranother broadcast of Get the
(27:52):
Hell Out of your Life.
Real people sharing realstruggles and offering real hope
.
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