In this heartfelt discussion, Jackie Gibson, author of 'You Are Still a Mother', shares her journey after losing her daughter, Layla, to stillbirth. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging suffering and draws strength from her faith and community. Jackie offers practical advice for supporting those in grief, stressing the value of showing up and acknowledging the loss. Despite the pain, she reflects on how joy can eventually return and honors Layla’s memory through love and remembrance, fostering hope amidst sorrow.
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Suffering Shapes Christian Character
Suffering is a transforming gift from God, shaping believers into Christ's image.
Those who have endured hardship reflect the Lord Jesus more closely to the church community.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Build Spiritual Foundation Early
Build a strong spiritual foundation before hard times through regular Bible study, fellowship, and prayer.
This foundation helps you stand firm during life's storms and suffering.
insights INSIGHT
Jesus' Presence in Suffering
The presence of Jesus is essential in suffering; He is the compassionate companion in grief.
Community presence also embodies God's presence by grieving and supporting those who suffer together.
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Hope for Women Grieving a Stillbirth or Miscarriage
Jackie Gibson
Jackie Gibson's "You Are Still a Mother" offers comfort and guidance to women grieving the loss of a baby through stillbirth or miscarriage. The book explores the unique challenges of this type of loss, where the mother's experience may feel invisible due to the lack of a tangible baby to hold. Gibson shares her personal story of losing her daughter, Layla, and the profound grief that followed. She emphasizes the enduring reality of motherhood, even in the face of loss, and provides spiritual reflections on God's sovereignty and grace. The book aims to provide hope and support to those navigating this difficult journey.
This episode features a heartfelt discussion with FamilyLife Today hosts, Dave and Ann Wilson, and Jackie Gibson, who shares her deeply personal experience of losing her daughter, Layla, to stillbirth at 39 weeks. The conversation focuses on how one can endure suffering, offering guidance on how to walk through valleys of grief and loss. Jackie opens up about the challenges she faced after Layla's death and emphasizes the importance of having a strong spiritual foundation to withstand such hardship. She credits the teachings of scripture and the support of a solid church community for helping her through this immense trial.
Jackie talks about the importance of acknowledging the reality of suffering, not expecting an easy walk through life as a Christian, and finding comfort in knowing that suffering is part of the process of being shaped into Christ's image. She reflects on the pain of loss, the process of grief, and the healing that gradually begins over time. While the pain never fully disappears, Jackie discusses the possibility of joy returning and shares how she now finds solace in the resurrection hope.
She also shares practical advice on how to support those grieving, specifically offering tips on what to do and what not to do when someone experiences a loss. Showing up, offering practical help, and acknowledging the loss are the key themes of her advice. Jackie recounts how, despite the pain, her family continues to honor Layla’s memory and celebrate her life, marking her birthday with special traditions.
The episode also touches on the complex emotions surrounding abortion and miscarriage. Jackie explains how she came to understand the gospel's hope for those who have experienced abortion, sharing that, like any mother who has lost a child, women who have had abortions can find peace and forgiveness through Christ. The conversation is full of compassion and support for anyone struggling with grief, guilt, and the complexities of loss.
The episode ends with a powerful prayer for those listening who are experiencing grief, especially the mothers who have lost children, and a reminder of the hope found in Jesus Christ's resurrection.
FamilyLife Today® 