Ep 111: Grief To Growth: How Journaling Helps Us Lament with Cara Ray & Kristin Vanderlip

What do we do with grief when the words won’t come—or when they won’t stop coming?In this episode of The Writers’ Bloc Podcast, I’m joined by writer, journaling guide, and founder of The Pen and Mend Collective, Kristin Vanderlip, for a thoughtful conversation about grief, lament, journaling, and the healing power of putting words on the page.After experiencing the devastating loss of her first child, followed closely by the death of her father and other seasons of deep grief, Kristin discovered journaling as one part of a larger journey toward healing and hope.We talk about why biblical lament gives Christians permission to bring our whole hearts before God, how journaling can help us notice and name what we’re feeling, and why healthy processing requires more than simply rehearsing our pain.We also explore the connection between our inner lives and our creative lives—including the possibility that writer’s block isn’t always a craft problem. Sometimes fear, grief, exhaustion, insecurity, or an unprocessed emotion may be asking for our attention first.In this conversation, we discuss:• Why lament is not the opposite of faith• How journaling can help us process grief and difficult emotions• The difference between healthy reflection and rumination• Why our emotions aren’t the enemy—but shouldn’t be our ultimate guide• How to move from emotional honesty toward hope in God• Writing for catharsis vs. writing for an audience• Why writers may need to “write it for themselves” before crafting it for others• What writer’s block may reveal about our internal lives• Giving ourselves permission to write differently in seasons of grief• Kristin’s Rest: A Journal for Lament and Rise: A Journal for PerseveranceIf you’ve ever wondered how writing can help you process what you’re carrying—or how to bring grief honestly before God without getting stuck there—this conversation is for you.CONNECT WITH KRISTIN VANDERLIPKristin Vanderlip: https://kristinvanderlip.com/The Pen and Mend CollectiveExplore Kristin’s journals, resources, and free journaling tools on her website.JOIN THE WRITERS’ BLOCCome write, learn, and grow alongside a community of Christian writers: mywritersbloc.comIf this conversation encouraged you, subscribe to The Writers’ Bloc Podcast, leave a comment, and share this episode with another writer who might need it.#ChristianWriters #Journaling #ChristianWriting #WritingCommunity #BiblicalLament #GriefAndHealing #WritersBlock #FaithAndWriting #ChristianCreatives #TheWritersBloc This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit writersblocpod.substack.com/subscribe