288 | Grace for the Year Ahead

“Moving forward doesn’t mean leaving my child behind.” 

As one year ends and another begins, many people are eager to turn the page.  For bereaved parents, however, the arrival of a new year can feel heavy and overwhelming. A new calendar can make us feel like we're leaving our child behind—and that can be deeply painful.

In this encore episode, Jill shares ten faith-anchored resolutions shaped by her own journey of grief after the loss of her daughter, Hannah. These are not resolutions about self-improvement or moving on, but about extending grace, caring for a grieving heart, and leaning fully on God’s strength.

Originally recorded near the close of 2020 in the height of the Covid pandemic, this episode acknowledges both personal loss and collective weariness, offering encouragement for grieving parents entering a new year they may not feel ready to face.

In this episode, you’ll hear reflections on:

• Why stepping into a new year can feel especially difficult after child loss
• Being patient and kind with yourself as grief unfolds
• Extending grace to others who don’t know what to say or do
• Learning to communicate what you need—and honoring your limits
• Finding joy in small, God-given moments
• Letting go of guilt, blame, and “if only” thinking
• Standing on God’s truth when emotions feel overwhelming
• Depending on God’s strength when your own is gone

The episode closes with a prayer from Verdell Davis’s book Let Me Grieve, But Not Forever, reminding listeners of the deep lessons learned in the valley and the sustaining grace of God who meets us there.

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.

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