E148: The Gift of Lament [Held Together When Things Fall Apart]-- Amber Smith

In this heartfelt conversation, Amber shares her journey through profound grief after the loss of her son, River, and how it transformed her life and faith. She discusses the complexities of grief, the importance of lament, and the challenges of navigating public scrutiny while grieving. Amber emphasizes the significance of supporting one another as a family during difficult times and the signs of hope she received from God. Ultimately, she reflects on the joy of welcoming her son, Maverick, and how their loss has led to a deeper purpose in sharing their story and faith with others.Key TakeawaysLamenting is a gift from God that allows us to express our pain and find healing.Grief can often be accompanied by feelings of shame, which can be difficult to articulate.Navigating grief as a family requires understanding that everyone grieves differently.About AmberAmber Smith is a Christ follower, wife and mama. She and her husband Granger have been married since 2010 and live on a little farm with lots of animals in central Texas with their kiddos, London, Lincoln and Maverick. Their lives were forever changed when their youngest son River went to be with Jesus in June of 2019. Amber began Arise with Amber to share her journey through grief and how Jesus saved their lives in the middle of it all. She strives to bring good from pain, to find meaning and purpose, and to share their hope in Jesus to a lost, hurting and broken world. The River Kelly Fund honors their son and since its inception, they have given back over half a million dollars to other non-profit organizations and those in need. Amber believes that grief and joy can co-exist and is so grateful to serve a God who is writing a better story than she ever could. Connect with AmberWebsite:https://arisewithamber.com/Social Media:IG: @amberemilysmithBook:The Girl On the Bathroom Floor: Held Together When Everything Is Falling ApartConnect with ErinIG @erincucciowww.erincuccio.comOrder Any of Erin's Books  HERE