Finding Hope in Grief, Loss, and Community

In this episode of the Renew Podcast, Gina Robinson and Megan Haggard sit down with Lori Musser, Morgan Linford, and Ashton Kiesling to talk honestly about community, grief, loss, and finding hope in Jesus through seasons of deep suffering.As Small Groups prepare to launch at Opendoor Church, this conversation centers on why community matters most when life hurts the most.Together, these women share three distinct perspectives shaped by profound loss, including infertility, stillbirth, and the tragic loss of a child and sibling. Through it all, they reflect on what it looks like to walk through a true “Job season” while holding tightly to faith, trust, and the presence of God.This episode is for anyone who:Is walking through grief, loss, or unanswered questionsFeels weary and needs renewal and hopeWonders how community plays a role in healingIs tempted to withdraw instead of leaning inYou’ll hear stories of God’s faithfulness through Small Groups, the power of showing up for one another, and how peace and joy can exist even in the middle of pain.Lori, Ashton, and Morgan also share from their book, Small Signs of Big Hope, a 30-day devotional born out of suffering, faith, and the steady presence of God.Resources & Links• Small Signs of Big Hope (30-Day Devotional)Available locally at Boulevard Hair Company and Coastal Fog• Learn more about Renew:Email: [email protected]• Join the Renew women’s community:Text RENEW to 45000 EPISODE CHAPTERS00:00 – Welcome to the Renew Podcast00:01 – Why this conversation matters: grief, loss, and community00:02 – Meet the guests: Lori Musser, Morgan Linford, Ashton Kiesling00:04 – How Morgan’s family found Open Door Church00:06 – “We’re moving to North Carolina” – following God without a plan00:09 – Why small groups matter before crisis hits00:11 – Creating a family Small Group and bringing kids into community00:14 – Introducing Small Signs of Big Hope00:16 – “Isn’t this enough?” walking through a Job season00:19 – Loss begins: infertility, stillbirth, and grief00:23 – The phone call no parent wants to receive00:27 – How community showed up in practical ways00:31 – Ashton’s story: loss in a short span of time00:35 – Morgan’s hospital journey and a defining faith moment00:39 – Trusting God when outcomes are unknown00:42 – Peace in the room during unbearable loss00:46 – Choosing joy: “Jesus owns you”00:49 – Grief, surrender, and identity in Christ00:53 – When the Holy Spirit prompts you to show up00:56 – Where to find the book and connect with Renew00:58 – Closing encouragement and final thoughts