In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Cindy Shufflebarger, who shares the story of her daughter, Ashlynn Faith, and how God’s immeasurable love met her family in the midst of unimaginable loss. Diagnosed with Trisomy 18, Ashlynn lived for three precious days — days filled with both deep sorrow and sacred joy. Cindy reflects on those moments, the way her faith was reshaped through lament, and how journaling became a lifeline that led to her book Dancing in the Rain: Finding Joy in the Midst of the Storm.
We also talk about the Shufflebarger’s beautiful ministry, P23 Retreat, which provides grieving parents with a private, prayer-covered space to rest and heal. Through this ministry, couples and singles are able to pause, reflect, and experience the peace of Psalm 23 in their own grief journeys.
Here are some of the resources we mention in this episode:
- P23 Retreat Website: p23retreat.org
— Learn more about how to request a retreat, donate a stay, or access the free downloadable resources available there. - Free Downloadable Checklist for Grieving Parents — A simple tool to help you communicate your needs and boundaries to family and friends during grief. (Find it under “Resources” on the P23 website.)
- P23 Retreat on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
- My Messy Grief Podcast — Listen on Spotify or watch video episodes on YouTube
- Cindy’s Book: Dancing in the Rain: Finding Joy in the Midst of the Storm
— A look at how God brings joy and growth even through the hardest seasons. - My Messy Grief Journal — Available on Amazon; a creative, colorful guide filled with prompts and activities to help you process grief in practical, sensory ways.
Cindy’s story is a powerful reminder that God’s love truly has no limits — even in our deepest pain.
If this episode encouraged you, please share it!
** 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 parents
Click HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country.
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Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry
Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org
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