Finding God in Our Pain

“Faith is the Anchor in the Storms of Grief”

When I sat down to share my story on “Finding God In Our Pain,” I found myself reflecting on how losing my father as a teenager in our blended family became the unexpected catalyst that shaped everything: my calling to ministry, my passion for counseling, and ultimately my understanding of how God meets us in our deepest pain.

I was excited to dive into the beautiful intersection of biblical truth and scientific understanding of grief. We explored concepts from my book "Overcoming the Overcast," discussing how grief isn't something we simply "get over" but rather a journey we learn to navigate with hope as our companion. I opened up about how childhood experiences and shame can deeply influence our adult grief responses, and why it's so crucial that we engage honestly with our own stories.

One of the most meaningful parts of our conversation was discussing something the truth that we can hold both joy and grief simultaneously. This is something I see too often dismissed in Christian circles. God doesn't ask us to choose between them; He invites us into the fullness of human experience while assuring us of His constant presence. We also talked about how the church can do better at supporting those who are suffering, moving beyond quick fixes to truly walking alongside people in their pain. If you're in a season where grief feels overwhelming, I hope our conversation reminds you that even in the storm, God's presence offers genuine hope and healing.