Episode 56 – Where I Am Now

In this episode of The NEXT Podcast, I share honestly about where I am now — not as a pastor or teacher, but as a man still walking forward after loss.Grief has reshaped me. It has changed how I see myself, my future, and even my voice. As a widower who loved being married, I wrestle with what it means to still speak about marriage. I grieve not only the loss of my bride, but for the person I might have become with her by my side.In this episode, I talk about:• Loss does not disqualify you from having a voice• Grieving the version of yourself that might have been• Beauty as God’s invitation back to life.• Why grief feels like “the fast you never break”• Why ordinary memories — bananas, coffee, tea — carry sacred weight• Trusting God’s goodness without requiring something “good” to come from your painIf you are grieving more than just a person — if you’re grieving identity, future, or the ordinary rhythms of life — I hope this conversation reminds you:You’re not strange.You’re not behind.You’re not doing this wrong.You are heard.God is good. He is always good. And He answers out of His goodness.Find out more about me here: https://jaycookingham.comI’m on @buymeacoffee. If you like, even maybe love my podcast, you can buy me a coffee and support me. It’s a simple way of showing your support and helping me grow the podcast. Thank you!Here’s the link: buymeacoffee.com/jcdude56t