Creative Aids for Grieving Kids

He Always Hears: Teaching Kids Biblical Lament

How do we help our kids bring their sadness, confusion, and questions to God without fear? Together, we explore how Scripture models honest grief, how lament builds resilient faith, and how even young hearts can learn to cry out to a God who truly listens.

Facing Childhood Trauma

When childhood trauma gets suppressed, it can have dire consequences. Julie watched her mom battle cancer throughout her childhood, culminating in her death when Julie was in her early 20's. She then navigated the grief of losing her dad to suicide. The weight of her sorrows became too much when she was serving as a missionary in Turkey. It was a weight that nearly cost her her own life. This story depicts hope at levels you won't see coming and reminds us that even at a young age, we should place all our heavy burdens into the hands of a God who cares.

Creative Aids for Grieving Kids

Aby knows the pain of deep loss. After the loss of her 14 year old sister in a swimming accident, she learned unique tools to process grief. She also walked through cancer twice with her mom. Now, as a young adult, she runs an equine business that helps aid other children in pain. Learn unique tools to help you enter into the sorrow of a child and point them toward the hope of Jesus.

Brave Not Broken: God's Special Care for Special Needs Kids

In this episode, Julia shares her story as a mother who deeply delights in her children and cherishes each moment she is given with Hazel and Russell. As she raises two children with special needs and fatal diagnoses, Julia's life is marked not only by profound challenges, but by a visible, contagious joy rooted in love, gratitude, and faith. During her second pregnancy with Russell, Julia also received a diagnosis of cervical cancer, a season that further revealed the nearness and kindness of God. This is a testimony of abounding grace and resilient joy — a reminder that the joy of the Lord is not fragile or fleeting, but a deep and enduring source of strength in weakness. Julia's story points us to a faithful God whose grace sustains, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Preparing Kids for Trials

Walking kids through trials can be a daunting task. Pastor Rick Holland, one of our Shepherds in the Valleys, helps us prepare to guide children through heartache. We discuss ways to instill Biblical truth and hope in situations like divorce, illness and the death of loved ones.