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.