Grief, Clichés, and the Courage to Lament: A Practical Theology of Suffering - w/ Bonnie Lewis

Sep 12, 2016

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How do we walk with people through pain when words fail and comfort clichés do more harm than good? In part two of our conversation with friend and author Bonnie Lewis, the Voxology crew explores a practical theology of grief, suffering, and lament during the holiday season—a time when joy is expected but heaviness looms for so many. From horror stories of well-meaning but damaging responses, to the power of simply being present, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and biblical insight for navigating dark seasons with honesty and hope.

Key Takeaways: • Cracking the Code of Christian Clichés – Why sayings like “God won’t give you more than you can handle” and “everything happens for a reason” miss the mark and how they hurt more than help. • A Biblical Case for Lament – Exploring Psalms of disorientation and the theological power of grieving as a form of covenant faithfulness. • Sitting in the Silence – How Jewish grieving practices like sitting Shiva offer a counter-cultural model for communal empathy and presence. • How to Actually Help – Concrete, compassionate ways to support someone in grief without fixing, comparing, or rushing the healing process. • Jesus Wept—So Can We – What the shortest verse in the Bible teaches us about mourning even when the resurrection is on its way.

Guest Highlights: Bonnie Lewis – Writer, theologian, and new host of the Find the Blue podcast, Bonnie shares from her lived experience of loss and faith, offering heartfelt wisdom and practical encouragement for anyone walking through or walking with others in grief.

Resources Mentioned: • Bonnie Lewis’s Podcast – Find the Blue • Book: Astonished: Recapturing the Wonder of Jesus by Mike Erre • Dallas Willard’s Writings on Joy and Resistance • Walter Brueggemann’s Typology of Psalms • Jewish Practice of Sitting Shiva – Learn More • Voxology Non-ference Updates – [Link]

Reimagine what healing, community, and theological honesty can look like. Join us in un-learning harmful habits, reclaiming the biblical beauty of lament, and offering something deeper than thoughts and prayers.

Share your experience with grief, hope, or questions by emailing hello@voxpodcast.com, or join the conversation on our social media platforms.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford (@GoneTimothy on Instagram & Twitter)

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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