EP9 - Navigating Loss and Grief: Lydia Gessner on Experiencing God’s Love and Joy even in the Midst of Tragedy

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Lydia Gessner recently graduated from Bethel University. Lydia is a creative writing major who harbors aspirations of becoming an author. Known for her resilience and joy, she has navigated personal grief with strength and faith, notably after losing her father to cancer during her adolescence. Lydia is set to step into the role of Development Coordinator at a nonprofit supporting children and families in foster care.

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EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this episode of “Rooted,” hosts Josie and Symone Harms sit down with Lydia Gessner to discuss navigating life, faith, and grief. Lydia shares her foundational roots in a Christian family, her early acceptance of Jesus, and the impactful experiences of her upbringing. Her deep, personal testimony reveals her journey through her father’s illness and passing, and how those events shaped her faith and understanding of God’s love.

Lydia delves into the importance of choosing joy, even amidst suffering, drawing on her own struggles and insights. She emphasizes the significance of gratitude lists, finding joy in simple pleasures, and seeking community support. The conversation also touches on vulnerability, the roles of different types of comfort, and how understanding one’s own and others’ grief processes can foster connection and healing. As Lydia transitions to her new role in supporting foster care families, she reflects on the lessons learned from her past and how she plans to apply them in her future endeavors.

• 00:00 Introduction to Rooted
• 00:35 Meet Lydia Gesner
• 01:01 Lydia's Early Faith Journey
• 02:08 Balancing Denominational Upbringings
• 04:05 High School Activities and Overcommitment
• 06:21 Navigating Grief and Finding Joy
• 15:16 The Power of Vulnerability
• 19:23 Supporting Others Through Grief
• 28:20 Looking Ahead: Lydia's Future Plans
• 34:17 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Choosing Joy in Hardship: Lydia underscores that true joy can coexist with pain and emphasizes the power of choosing joy, especially on difficult days.
• Gratitude Practices: Cultivating gratitude through daily lists and finding contentment in small moments can significantly enhance one’s happiness.
• Power of Vulnerability: Sharing one’s struggles and being honest with close companions and community can be profoundly healing.
• Effective Support: Simply acknowledging someone’s grief and offering presence, rather than attempting to “fix” their pain, can be the most supportive act.
• Embracing Unexpected Paths: Lydia’s journey into her new role highlights that sometimes the best opportunities come unplanned, and passion can often outweigh qualifications.

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NOTABLE QUOTES:

• “We have a God who stepped down from a really comfortable place in heaven to a really uncomfortable place on earth. And that just shows the depth of his love for us.”
• “True joy can only come on the other side of pain.”
• “Choosing joy doesn’t always mean ignoring your pain.”
• “In order to choose joy and actually have true joy, you have to face your suffering.”

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FOLLOW & SUPPORT:

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Support: https://bio.site/rootedtoprosper

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