As you listen to this episode today, our WWW team is getting on an airplane heading home from our first-ever While We’re Waiting Weekend for Bereaved Parents in Botswana, Africa.  So instead of my typical interview format, I’m will be presenting panel discussions from the recent “Discerning Biblical Truth for Bereaved Parents” conference  hosted by the Our Hearts Are Home ministry over the next two episodes.   The panel members include my husband Brad and I, Don and Patsy Akin, blogger Melanie DeSimone, and Gary & Laura House, who founded the Our Hearts Are Home Ministry.  The topic of today’s panel discussion is “Ten Truths About Child Loss” and I believe you’ll find some very practical and helpful information here … and maybe help you realize what you’re experiencing is normal.   For now, just lean in and listen …and be sure to come back next week to hear another great panel discussion.  Click HERE to view this discussion on YouTube.  Click HERE to learn more about the Our Hearts Are Home ministry and read about their many offerings for bereaved parents.  Click HERE to follow Melanie DeSimone's blog, "The Life I Didn't Choose",I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

"Eat the fruit of sorrow, even if it's bitter, because this fruit that you can only eat now at this time has nutrients in it that you can't get any other way. "  ~John PiperThis quote is just part of my discussion with Joyce Toups today, as we talk about some very practical aspects of life after child loss.  Many of her insights are related to the loss of a child to suicide, but no matter what your particular circumstances, I believe you will resonate with  what she has to share.   Lean in, listen, and be encouraged.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Cody Rainwater was described by his kindergarten teacher as “the kind of child you remember.”  He grew into a young man with a big heart, a quiet disposition, and someone who always rooted for the underdog.  His mom, Joyce Toups, was in her church parking lot in November of 2010, when she received word that Cody had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, launching her on a journey she really didn’t think was survivable.  Today she shares how God has gently brought her to a place of trust.  Lean in and be encouraged … I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

"Through all of this chaos, you are writing a symphony" ... these song lyrics from Switch are an apt description of Linda Brown's life.  In last week’s episode,  Linda shared about the abuse she endured as a child, some of the poor life choices that led to, the loss of her adult daughter Jessica two years ago, and how God has taken the chaos in her life and is writing a symphony with it. Today we extend our conversation to cover a wide range of very practical issues faced by bereaved parents.  I believe you'll be encouraged by what she has to share and I hope you'll listen in!Click HERE to listen to "Symphony" by Switch.   Click HERE to find the "While We're Waiting - Christian Grief and Hope" playlist, curated by Scott Harmening.  Click HERE to connect with Linda Brown on Facebook.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Sometimes "Jesus, Help Me!" is the deepest cry of your heart.  That's where Linda Brown found herself after the sudden loss of her adult daughter Jessica a little over two years ago.  Linda has dealt with some very difficult circumstances in her life, beginning with sexual abuse as a child, a series of failed marriages as a result of that, and then the tragic death of Jessica.  But hers is also a story of redemption, and I believe you'll be blessed and encouraged as you hear how Jesus flung open the door of her dungeon and let in the sunlight.  Then be sure to come back next week as we extend our conversation to include issues we face every day as bereaved parents.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

"We may not always be on the same page, but we are on the same team ... We are on Team Fowler."   These wise words from Lou-Ann Fowler are a great description of how we can face the grief of child loss as husbands and wives.  We discuss the marriage relationship in today's episode, along with the “things people say”, dealing with the holidays and other special days, the “before” and “after” of child loss, and, as always, we close with the titles of some favorite songs from the Fowler's playlist.   I believe you'll be blessed by listening in!  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Chuck and Lou-Ann Fowler describe their son Aaron as "unflappable, methodical, and competent" and someone who loved a challenge ... exactly the character traits needed to work in explosive ordnance disposal with the Navy!  Aaron was also a young man of strong faith, which became sight when he died in a training accident on Easter Sunday in 2022. They join me today to share the story of his remarkable life. The Fowlers reference their friends Don and Patsy Akin, who have lost all three of their sons.  I interviewed them in Episode #42 of this podcast on April 28, 2021 and you can listen to that episode at the following link:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1230350/8415488I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Fifteen years ago I faced my first Mother's Day just three months after my 17-year-old daughter Hannah went to Heaven  ... and I honestly did not know if I would survive it.   Over the years, this holiday has softened quite a bit, and I'm so grateful for that.  In today's episode, I share ten thoughts that I hope will encourage another hurting mom facing this incredibly difficult day.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Katie Thornhill and I continue the conversation we began last week about the aftermath of her son Marcus's diagnosis with DIPG brain cancer and his homegoing just shy of his eighth birthday.  We address issues related to lack of control, surrender, finding peace, and the importance of vulnerability in our journeys.  Katie also shares about her own podcast and how we can truly be "anchored in always."  Our discussion is uplifting and encouraging, and I believe you'll be blessed by listening in!   Click HERE to visit Katie's website, where you can find a link to the "Anchored in Always" podcast and her Christian Life Coaching information.Click HERE to connect with the Marcus Strong Foundation on Facebook. I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Katie Thornhill is a bereaved mom, fellow podcaster, and professional Christian Life coach, and she joins me today to share the story of her son Marcus, a rowdy and resilient boy who once described himself as “the luckiest kid in the world”.   In 2018, he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, and fought as a fierce warrior for almost two years before he went to Heaven.  I believe you'll be encouraged by our conversation today! Click HERE to visit Katie's website, where you can find a link to her podcast and her Christian Life Coaching information.Click HERE to connect with the Marcus Strong Foundation on Facebook.  Click HERE to see the "It's Gonna Be A Fun Day" book on Amazon.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org