Grief + Grace

080: Fruit of the Spirit-Joy

Welcome back to a new season of the Grief + Grace Podcast. In this deeply personal episode, I share a life updarte that marks a major transition-both spirtually and practically. From an unexpected career ending after 28 years to stepping fully into my calling to prepare for a missionary journey to Ghana and a possible relocation to Rwanda- this season is one of obedience, faith and surrender. But this episode is not just about where I'm going. It's about who I'm becoming. Today we begin a new series on the Fruit of the Spirit, starting with joy- a word that can feel almost out of reach when you've experienced deep grief. So the question becomes: How do you experience joy... when your heart has been broken? What you'll learn in this Episode: * Why grief and growth can coexist * The truth about "unexpected" life transitions and divine timing * How loss can become a release into purpose * What it means to live in obedience- even when it stretches you * Why the fruit of the Spirit must be cultivated before crisis * A biblical definition of joy that goes beyond emotion * How joy and grief can exist at the same time Key Takeaway: Joy is not the absence of grief- it is the presence of God in the midst of it. Scripture Focus: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.. Let's Stay Connected If this episode spoke to you, I would love to hear your story. Share this episode, leave a review, or reach out because you don't have to walk this journey alone. Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help this message reach more women navigating grief and growth.

079: Four Years Without My Son: Grief, Healing and Staying the Course

In this deeply personal episode of Grief + Grace, I reflect on what it means to live four years without my son, Ethan, as his 15th birthday approaches. I share updates on my physical recovery from recent shoulder surgery and draw parallels between physical healing and the long, sacred work of grief. This episode is an honest meditation on motherhood, loss, faith, guilt, hope, and the daily decision to stay the course as a Christian after devastating loss. I speak openly about grief shared with my daughter Emily, the comfort of believing Ethan is whole and at peace with God, and the courage it takes to continue living faithfully in an unfair world. This is an episode for anyone navigating life after loss, questioning their faith, or learning how to carry love forward when someone you cherish is no longer physically here. Topics Covered * Life four years after child loss * Remembering Ethan on what would have been his 15th birthday * The emotional and spiritual parallels between physical healing and grief * Parenting through grief and watching your surviving child find strength * Faith, guilt, and hope after loss * Choosing to live faithfully in an unfair world * The courage to begin again and envision a future after profound loss * Scripture Reflection "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18 Key Takeaway Grief does not disappear with time—but it does change us. Healing is not about becoming who we were before loss, but about becoming someone new who can carry both sorrow and hope at the same time. Listener Encouragement If you are walking through grief, please know this: you are not failing because it still hurts. Love doesn't end, and neither does the God who walks with us through the valley. You are allowed to heal at your own pace while still longing for what has been lost. Connect & Share If this episode spoke to you, please consider sharing it with someone who may need comfort or encouragement today. You can also leave a review to help others find the Grief + Grace podcast. Thank you for listening—and for holding space for grief and grace together.

078: It's a New Year... What's New About It?

The start of a new year often comes with pressure—resolutions, goals, and expectations shaped by the world. But what if this year looked different? In this encouraging first episode of the year, we talk about stepping away from unrealistic resolutions and choosing intentional faith instead. This episode invites you to reflect, reset, and realign your priorities with God's purpose rather than cultural standards. You'll hear practical examples of building sustainable spiritual habits, the power of accountability, and how Scripture anchors us through every season. We also explore four biblical ways to glorify God and experience peace—without striving, pressure, or burnout. If you're entering this year seeking clarity, stability, and a deeper walk with Christ, this episode is for you. Scriptures Referenced * Philippians 4:6 * Psalm 1:1–3 * Psalm 23:1–3 * Psalm 34:17–19 * James 1:5–6 * Luke 22:32 Key Takeaways * Faithful consistency matters more than lofty resolutions * God meets us where we are—not where we think we should be * Prioritizing Christ brings clarity, not chaos * Peace grows when our focus shifts from metrics to meaning Stay Connected Tiktok@the_native_southerner www.blueskiesareonthehorizon.com

077: Christmas Week When Grief is Heavy

Christmas can be one of the hardest seasons for those navigating loss. In this episode, Angela shares compassionate encouragement for anyone grieving the absence of a loved one during the holidays. With honesty, faith, and grace, this episode offers boundaries, emotional permission, and spiritual hope for holding both grief and meaning at the same time. If you're struggling to smile, celebrate, or even show up this Christmas , this episode reminds you that you're not broken and you're not alone. In this Episode, you'll learn: * Why grief often intensifies during Christmas and the holidays * How to set boundaries without guilt * Practical ways to participate in the season without overwhelming your heart * Why it's okay to leave early, say no, or rest * Meaningful ways to honor and remember a loved one at Christmas * How faith in Christ sustains us when grief feels unbearable * The enduring truth that love never ends Scripture Focus: The hope of Christ's birth and the promise of eternal reunion through Him. Support your body this season: During the busy holiday season, dehyration and nutrient depletion are common. Learn more about supportive nutritional supplements at shop.vitalhealthglobal.com/acireland Follow me here: Tiktok@the_native_southerner

076: Walking Through The Memories of the Season

The holiday season can reopen wounds we thought had healed. In this tender episode of Grief + Grace, Angela reflects on grief during winter, the unexpected memories that surface, and how this quieter season can become a sacred time of healing and preparation for spring. Through personal storytelling, faith, and gentle reflection, this episode offers encouragement for anyone navigating loss during the holidays. In This Episode, You'll Hear: * Why the holiday season can intensify grief * How winter can be a season of healing, not pressure * The importance of setting and sharing boundaries * Personal reflections on loss, faith, and hope * Questions to help you prepare emotionally and spiritually for spring Key Takeaways: * Grief often resurfaces through memories and everyday moments * Boundaries are essential for emotional survival during the holidays * Winter is not wasted—it can be a season of restoration * Faith offers hope beyond loss and assurance beyond pain Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 13:13 Sponsor: VitalHealth Global — supporting your body as you care for your heart Visit: shop.vitalhealthglobal.com/acireland Follow Me: TikTok@the_native_southerner www.blueskiesareonthehorizon.com Listen, Subscribe & Review: If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with someone who may need it.