Grieving Parents Sharing Hope

315: Grieving Parents in the Bible

Have you ever taken the time to look at parents in the Bible who have lost a child as a powerful resource that speaks directly to the heart of  grieving parents walking through child loss today? In this episode, Laura takes us on a short journey of just a few parents in the Bible who experienced the death of a child. From Adam and Eve's loss of Abel, to King David's grief over his infant son, to Job's unimaginable pain of losing all his children, these ancient stories have deep truths for those of us who have lost a child, as well as reminding us that we are not alone in our grief. Laura also takes a deeper look at God's goodness and mercy, even within the intense pain of child loss, and why our faith must rest on who God is rather than what we think He should (or shouldn't) do. This conversation will reassure you that you're not alone, and that there is no pressure or timetable when it comes to what you keep or release. Your child's life is worth remembering in the way that brings you comfort and peace.  Links Mentioned in this episode: The insights Laura shares in this episode were taken from her newly released book The Bible's Grieving Parents: Finding Comfort, Hope and Faith from Their Stories. If you've been struggling with questions like Where is God in this pain? or How do I keep living with a broken heart? I wrote this book for you. My prayer is that these biblical stories will remind you that you are not alone, and that God's goodness and mercy are still at work in your life, just as He was in the lives of those we read about in the Bible. Laura Available now through September 26 at a special price: Kindle edition on Amazon: only $2.99 Click here (Affiliate link GPS Hope will receive a small portion of the purchase price) PDF download from GPS Hope: only $4.99 Click here Grief Cruise & Renew and Remember Retreat February in FloridaSpecial discounted cabin prices coming to an end soon! Click here Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Nicole Zanoni Romualdo was born on September 21 and left us at 16 months. Cassandra Noel Persichetti  was born on September 24 and left us at age 17. Jennifer Howell was born on September 27 and left us at age 50. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child's name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. Grieving parents and belongings refers to the deep emotional connection between bereaved parents and the cherished items left behind by their child. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered. The post 315: Grieving Parents in the Bible appeared first on GPS Hope.

314: Sacred Reminders

As grieving parents, we often find ourselves, understandably, holding tightly to the belongings of our child who has died. A favorite shirt, a treasured toy, a blanket, even something as simple as a toothbrush. These are not just objects. They are sacred reminders of the bond we still have with our child. In this episode of Grieving Parents Sharing Hope, Laura opens her heart about facing this very struggle herself. While sorting through family belongings, she was reminded how difficult it is to decide what to keep and what to release. Through her personal story of a current situation she finds herself in, along with the experiences of other bereaved parents, she shares gentle encouragement that: Keeping or letting go is not about being stuck in grief. It's about love. It's okay to hold onto items for as long as you need. God will give you peace and direction in His timing. The bond with your child remains, no matter what happens with their belongings. This conversation will reassure you that you're not alone, and that there is no pressure or timetable when it comes to what you keep or release. Your child's life is worth remembering in the way that brings you comfort and peace.  Links Mentioned in this episode: Renew & Remember Weekend + Grief Cruise February in Florida, with an optional 4-night grief support cruise click here. GPS Hope & Healing Retreat October in New York State A safe space for connection and healing click here. Weekly Word of Hope Sign up for Laura's weekly encouragement emails click here. Get a free PDF that will help you take steps toward a greater measure of hope and healing click here. Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Rodney Lorenz was born on September 18 and left us at age 49. Cali Minor was born on September 19 and left us at age 19. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child's name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. Grieving parents and belongings refers to the deep emotional connection between bereaved parents and the cherished items left behind by their child. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered. The post 314: Sacred Reminders appeared first on GPS Hope.

313: Rebuilding Your Life After Child Loss

Ever find yourself standing in your kitchen, forgetting how to peel an orange? Or panic in a parking lot because you don't remember driving to the store, much less remember where you parked? You are not alone. In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Laura shares what it's like to experience a mental breakdown in grief; the fogginess, the forgetfulness, the moments of overwhelming disorientation that can feel both terrifying and isolating. What you’ll hear in this episode: Raw and relatable stories about the mental chaos of grieving like driving away from a grocery store without your groceries, or feeling lost in your own car. A compassionate reminder that these experiences are more common than we realize and they aren't a sign of failure. Gentle truths to hold when you feel alone in the fog, and permission to believe that mental clarity and peace are possible again. Practical encouragement on how to begin transforming thoughts and faulty beliefs, moving from I'll never function again to this is hard, but it doesn't define me. This episode also introduces a hopeful next step, as Laura invites you to stay connected as she unveils a series of workshops that are gentle, faith-based paths designed to guide grieving parents toward healing and purpose. Think of them as nourishing steps, not flashy fixes, crafted to help you move forward because of your love, not despite your loss. Grief is disorienting, but you are not disqualified. Even foggy moments aren't failures, but invitations to remember: clarity does return, and one small step can help you walk toward a life of meaning again. Whether you stay just to listen, or one day feel ready to walk forward with community, you are always welcome here. Links Mentioned in this episode: Explore gentle, self-paced workshops that walk alongside you as you reclaim your mind, your identity, and your future: Rebuilding Your Life After Child Loss Workshops Join the GPS Hope community where grief is seen, your doubts are understood, and hope is real: About GPS Hope   GPS Hope Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Brady Keith Herbert was born on September 7 and left us at age 30. Jacob Sorouri was born on September 8 and left us at age 32. Emma Ho was born on September 9 and left us at age 10. Petrina Charlean Bostic was born on September 12 and left us at age 23. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child's name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered. The post 313: Rebuilding Your Life After Child Loss appeared first on GPS Hope.

312: Can God Really Heal My Hurting Heart? (with Rachel Wojo)

In this episode of Grieving Parents Sharing Hope, I sit down with Rachel Wojo Wojnarowski, who knows the deep pain of child loss firsthand. After miscarriages and saying goodbye to her precious daughter Taylor, who lived 22 years with courage and faith, Rachel learned to cling to prayer as her lifeline in the darkest valleys. Rachel shares Taylor's story, the peace God gave her in the hardest moments, and how prayer has carried her through seasons of grief. We talk about her book Desperate Prayers, the surprising secret fast-track to healing, and the ways God meets us when we feel like we can't breathe, let alone pray. If you've ever wondered whether God can really heal your broken heart, this conversation will remind you that His grace is stronger than our deepest pain. Rachel's honesty and faith are a true gift for pareavors walking this hard road. After experiencing profound loss through miscarriage and saying goodbye to her beloved daughter, who blessed their family for 22 years, Rachel Wojo Wojnarowski embraced prayer as her lifeline in life's darkest valleys. Her transformative Three-Word Prayers approach has become a sanctuary for countless believers when words seem impossible. The author of Desperate Prayers and three forthcoming books on prayer, Rachel's authentic ministry reaches families worldwide. A sought-after speaker who brings both compassion and biblical wisdom to faith-based events, Rachel lives in Ohio with her husband Matt and six children. Rachel's ministry stands on the unshakable truth, discovered in her darkest valleys and shaped by the memory of her two children in heaven: Prayer moves mountains. (Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.) Links Mentioned in this episode: Take the free prayer class and connect with Rachel at: DesperatePrayers.com Parents in the Bible Who Lost a Child my upcoming eBook (currently in editing, coming soon!) The Grief Cruise & pre-cruise Renew and Remember retreat learn more at gpshope.org/cruise Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Daniel Cavallaro was born on September 2 and left us at age 21. Raelyn Huffman was born on September 2 and left us at age 22. Bryanna Dugan was born on September 5 and left us at age 22. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child's name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered. The post 312: Can God Really Heal My Hurting Heart? (with Rachel Wojo) appeared first on GPS Hope.

311: Bringing Our Pain to God After Child Loss

In this episode of Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope), I talk with Carol Renfro, a mom just two years into this journey of child loss. Carol's only child, Jeff-Free (known as Free), died by suicide at the age of 33. Though her grief is still very fresh, she leans heavily on God and has found unexpected joy in the midst of deep pain. Carol shares her son's story, her raw emotions, and the ways she has experienced God's comfort, even through something as simple as watching the night sky. You'll hear how she has learned to bring her pain to the Lord, allowing Him to meet her there with His truth, comfort, and hope. This episode is a beautiful reminder that we don't have to hide our feelings from God. He already knows. What He desires is for us to come honestly to Him so that He can exchange our pain with His peace and help us carry the unbearable weight of child loss. Whether you're new in this journey or years down the road, Carol's testimony will encourage you to keep looking up and trusting that God can take the ashes of grief and make something beautiful. Carol Renfro lost her son and only child to suicide on July 18th, 2023. He was 33 years old. Shortly after, she and her husband moved next door to the little 105-year-old Baptist Church that her husband pastors. Carol retired from her job as Administrator of an assisted living facility and now spends her days helping with needs of the church and leading the women’s ministry. Her hobbies are crafting, decorating and working in her flower beds. She loves spoiling her 3-year-old grandson as much as possible and the rest of her day is filled with taking care of the needs of her beloved pets. Carol gives all the glory to our Lord for providing the comfort and strength she prays for and so desperately needs every moment of every day. (Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.) Links Mentioned in this episode: GPS Hope Share and Care Groups connect with other pareavors in your area or learn how to start a group. Reflections of Hope September Edition daily readings and scriptures for encouragement through a difficult month. Forever Free Grief Support (Carol's page) Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Nathan Hatfield was born on August 25 and left us at age 16. Corey Thompsen was born on August 28 and left us at age 28. Samantha Kesich was born on August 28 and left us at age 22. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child's name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children's birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered. The post 311: Bringing Our Pain to God After Child Loss appeared first on GPS Hope.