Red Bird Ministries

Today we have Heidi Indahl on our "Grieving Together Show" She is such a bright light into a world of pregnancy and infant loss. It has been such a blessing getting to know Heidi and allowing this beautiful conversation to happen. I know you will enjoy the message of today's show. Below is the link to her book and the write up: https://www.amazon.com/Blessed-Fruit-Thy-Womb-Reflections/dp/1944008381 Mothers who travel the hard road of miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss often feel profoundly alone; few people who haven’t experienced it truly understand its heart-wrenching nature. The good news, however, is that there is someone else who has a crystal-clear understanding of what it means to lose a child, someone who knew of the agony that her son would endure long before his death: the Blessed Mother. Mary understands pregnancy and infant loss, and wants to offer us comfort and encouragement. The mysteries of the rosary are her perfect tools for doing so. Mary’s journey closely reflects the journey of women experiencing pregnancy and infant loss, one that travels through joy, sorrow, and, eventually, glory. Blessed Is the Fruit of Thy Womb: Rosary Reflections on Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss invites grieving mothers to let the Blessed Mother accompany them on their journey of grief and healing. Mary not only understands their loss, but wishes to bring mothers to healing through the saving work of her son. For each mystery of the rosary, author Heidi Indahl compassionately shares her own experiences of miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss, offering insights about how those losses are connected to the experience of Jesus and Mary as revealed by the mysteries of the rosary. A Scripture quote, questions to ponder, and prayer intentions help readers meditate on each mystery. Readers can record their thoughts, prayers, or even a note to their little one in the provided writing space, making Blessed Is the Fruit of Thy Womb a journal for healing, as well.

Susan Skinner is a wife, mom of 4 beautiful children on earth and 1 little saint in heaven. She currently serves as the RCIA and Adult Faith Formation Director; and humbly serves on the deliverance team at St. Philip Neri in Franklin, TN. Over 10 years ago, Susan was traumatized by the murder of her best friend Veronica and something profound happened to her. Through her own grief and restoration God captivated her heart and she started living her life for God. She shares how to listen to the voice of God and to walk in grief with all of the emotions that come along with losing someone you love. Walking with grief can seem terrifying, and it's totally normal, but keeping your eyes on Christ is the key to not sinking in despair. Her eloquent way of sharing about how looking away at the wind can be the difference in surviving loss and actually thriving after loss. Susan has this beautiful way of looking at situations since her loss and says that sometimes today we just have to breathe. Restoration and healing comes one day at a time.

In 2016, Stephanie lost her son Jackson Jumonville. He was only 7 years old at the time of his accident. Jackson had come down with a stomach virus at his dad's house. He went from a healthy child to passing away within less than 24 hours later. After getting to the hospital she found out Jackson was not intubated correctly and was declared brain dead. Jackson saved 4 lives and gave eye sight. Stephanie found her platform to to tell others about donation through losing Jackson. After his death, she could not believe she was a grieving mom. She was in shock and felt like she was living in a BAD dream. 6 months later, this bad dream was her "new" normal. She immediately felt the need to help other grieving moms, because as she helped others she felt that it was helping her. She has felt the calling to journey and talk to other grieving moms. Today, you will find Stephanie telling other grieving moms to "call me" Because what we are all looking for is something positive to this awful new life. God has a big purpose on your life, because this does not happen to many moms, but when it does .... you have big purpose. Stephanie has been known to always say "God knew that I would do anything for him," so taking Jackson home early has changed her forever and now God has my full attention. She often shares that this is is not her story - this is God's story because her story would look different. She would be a mom with 3 living children not a mom of 2 living and 1 deceased. However, she knows we are passing through this temporary life and one-day she will see him again, so she just tells her "Jesus" story of how grief has changed her.

What our love creates is the source of the growth of our family. When that source dies, the child, there is something that happens. Today I will focus on the grace of the Sacrament of Marriage, and how best to articulate what losing a child does to a family while looking to the Trinity.

I said no first, but I'm saying yes today. Be a yes girl for God like Mary!