177: Meeting God on the Bathroom Floor - Amber Smith on Faith, Hope, and Life After Loss

Sep 25, 2025

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Where do you turn when heartache threatens to take over your whole life?

This week, Dr Alison is joined by Amber Smith to talk about her journey from crushing grief to quiet, hard-won hope. Many of you know part of her story: the unthinkable loss of her three-year-old son, River, in 2019.

Together, they talk about the raw reality of grief; how faith can be both anchor and wrestle, how a marriage can survive when each person’s pain looks different, and why welcoming joy again is not a betrayal of what you’ve lost.

If you’ve ever faced heartbreak or walked alongside someone in deep pain, this conversation will meet you right where you are - whether you’re on your own bathroom floor or standing beside someone who is.

In this episode, we explore:

Amber’s story of losing her son, River, and the spiritual transformation that followed
The “before and after” shift that tragedy brings to faith and identity
How she and her husband, Granger Smith, fought for their marriage
Why grief can quietly become an idol
How holding space for grief can bring a family closer

This episode blends honesty, tenderness, and practical wisdom, exploring what it means to choose life and love while discovering God’s presence in moments when hope feels distant.

📥 Grab your 3 free Boundaries For Your Soul resources here

📥 Download Alison’s free printable with the five boundary tools when you sign up for her weekly email.

📚 Find Amber’s Book here: The Girl on the Bathroom Floor by Amber Smith

Other episodes you might like :

Episode 76: Finding the Faith & Strength to Move Forward after Loss & Heartache With Granger Smith

Episode 133: From Feeling Numb to Meaning-Making — Navigating the 6 Stages of Grief

📖 Find a full transcript and list of resources from this episode here

💬 Got a question? Call 307-429-2525 and leave a message for a future episode.

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Music by Andy Luiten

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