Walking With Kids Through Grief, Good News in Sad Stories + Singleness in Church (Interview with Annie F. Downs)

2025-02-12

This week, we welcomed author, speaker, fellow podcaster, and overall inspiring, vibrant and magnetic human Annie F. Downs to the show.First, we highlighted the children’s book Annie co-wrote with her sister, ”Where Did TJ Go?”, which helps kids navigate grief and loss. The story was born from personal tragedy. After her sister’s family lost a baby, Annie wrote it for her nephew, Sam, to help him understand where his baby brother, TJ, had gone. What began as a heartfelt story for one child became a beautiful illustrated book that offers comfort to many.

This week, we welcomed author, speaker, fellow podcaster, and overall inspiring, vibrant and magnetic human Annie F. Downs to the show.

First, we highlighted the children’s book Annie co-wrote with her sister, ”Where Did TJ Go?”, which helps kids navigate grief and loss. The story was born from personal tragedy. After her sister’s family lost a baby, Annie wrote it for her nephew, Sam, to help him understand where his baby brother, TJ, had gone. What began as a heartfelt story for one child became a beautiful illustrated book that offers comfort to many.

Annie wrote the book her family needed at the time but couldn’t find — a visual story that kids can connect to, pointing them to heaven, while acknowledging the deep sorrow they feel here on earth. Our conversation was hopeful yet honest, embracing the tension of holding both joy and suffering at once. We found comfort in the truth that “there is good news even in sad stories.”

We also discussed singleness in the church, a topic Annie is passionate about through her work in the Single Purpose League as well as within her own personal life. She instilled wisdom on ways to bridge the gap between single people and married couples within the church, emphasizing the pressing need for increased communication across the board. While acknowledging the church’s shortcomings in embracing and empowering single people, Annie continually returns to grace.

It was an absolute joy to have Annie F. Downs on the show — and we have a feeling this won’t be our last conversation!

Materials + Resources Mentioned:

Where Did TJ Go? (Released February 18, 2025)

Pastoring Singles: A Free Resource for Church Leadership

Single Purpose League

Annie F. Downs: Website, That Sounds Fun Podcast, Books, Instagram

Scripture Mentioned: Romans 5:3-5, 1 Peter 1:6, Hebrews 11:6 + Hebrews 11:1

Marriage Retreat: SOLD OUT

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