You Are Still a Mother (Part Three) - Jackie Gibson

May 9, 2025

Johnny Gibson, a pastor and author of 'The Moon Is Always Round,' shares his poignant journey through grief after the stillbirth of his daughter, Layla. He discusses how he and his wife Jackie navigated their loss, emphasizing the importance of communication and support. Their young son, Ben, asked insightful questions that sparked deep conversations about faith and mortality. They highlight personal rituals to honor Layla's memory and how her legacy inspires others through their book, which funds a scholarship for future Christian leaders.

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ANECDOTE

Conversation Inspires Children's Book

Johnny had a deep conversation with his 3.5-year-old son Ben about their stillborn daughter Layla and her being with Jesus in heaven.
This poignant talk inspired Johnny to write the children's book "The Moon Is Always Round" from Ben's perspective.

INSIGHT

Children's Strength in Grief

Children can be stronger in grief than adults expect and including them in grieving can help the whole family heal.
Discovering previous family tragedies revealed generational reluctance to speak about grief openly.

ANECDOTE

Grave Visits Aid Grief

Johnny coped by frequently visiting Layla's grave, integrating these visits with his pastoral work.
The grave became a special place for reflection, prayer, and connection for the family and community support was vital.

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In this FamilyLife Today podcast episode, Dave and Ann Wilson speak to Johnny and Jackie Gibson as they share their deeply moving journey through grief after the stillbirth of their daughter, Layla. Johnny opens up about the painful experience of losing Layla in 2016, a tragedy that left them both devastated. The couple talks about their personal ways of coping with grief, including how they involved their young son, Ben, in the grieving process. Ben, at just three and a half years old, asked poignant questions that prompted profound conversations about death and faith. Johnny shares how these conversations inspired him to write The Moon is Always Round, a book about grief and hope told from Ben’s perspective.

The couple discusses how they handled their grief differently but remained close throughout the process. They mention how they supported each other through the journey and how their marriage grew stronger as a result of facing this tragic loss together. The importance of open communication and space to grieve in different ways is highlighted, as well as the comfort they found in their faith and the church community.

In addition, they share touching personal rituals, like visiting Layla’s grave and engaging in a family catechism, to honor her memory. Johnny reflects on how their daughter's legacy continues to impact many people through the book and how the royalties from The Moon is Always Round fund the Layla the Evangelist scholarship, helping train future Christian evangelists. This episode is a powerful testament to faith, grief, and the ways in which even the shortest lives can leave an enduring impact.

Show Notes and Resources

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