137: Finding Meaning and Purpose Again (with Bev Shoemaker)

For Beverly Shoemaker, finding meaning and purpose in her life was extremely difficult after her husband ended his own life three years after their son, Nick, died. Her husband’s decision to take his own life left Bev in an even darker place, filled with anger, bitterness, and deep depression. Bev thought she would never ever forgive the drunk driver who killed her son and struggled to forgive her husband for leaving her the way he did.  Not only did God help Bev work through the long process of forgiveness, but He also led her to a place of having meaning and purpose in her life once again, even when she didn’t realize what was happening and resisted it. This episode is a continuation of Laura and Bev’s conversation last week. If you missed it, you can listen to it here.   Having faced serious trauma in her own life, Beverly is no stranger to adversity. After losing a husband to suicide and her son in a drunk driving crash, she wanted to give up. She battled depression and discouragement, loneliness and pain, yet she persevered and ultimately found hope. Now Beverly seeks to share that hope with others. She speaks to churches, schools, businesses, and military events, showing strength and courage in a way that offers hope to those listening. She makes it her mission to help others rediscover their identity and purpose after loss and trauma. Beverly is a published blogger, Podcaster (The Resilient Heart Podcast) resilience mentor, and Inspirational speaker. She is certified through ICISF in individual and group crisis intervention. She is certified in ASIST, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training through LivingWorks. (Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)   Links Mentioned in this episode:   Connect with Bev on her website: theresilientheartpodcast.com or beverlyshoemaker.com Find out about our GPS Hope & Healing Retreats Please consider giving a special gift to keep this podcast going.   Birthdays: Brian was born on December 17 and is forever 26. Austin Smith was born on December 18 and is forever 30. Luke Getchell was born on December 19 and is forever 14.   Fill out the short form with the needed information to have your child’s birthday shared with our listeners. The special song “I Remember Well“, which was written by Laura for our children’s birthdays, can be heard on your favorite music app. To hear samples of Laura’s other songs, click here.   Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org