How to Navigate Grief so it Doesn’t Destroy You or Your Faith with Kay Warren

Sometimes, life isn’t tied up in with a pretty bow. Twelve years ago, Kay and Rick Warren (The Purpose Driven Life; Saddleback Church) lost their youngest son to suicide. In this heartfelt episode, I chat with Kay Warren about navigating the profound grief of losing a child and what to do when our hearts and minds are filled with “Why?” or “What if?” Kay shares her journey after her son Matthew's passing, revealing how her beliefs were shaken but ultimately strengthened–and how ours can be, too. This episode is for anyone who has lost a loved one or wants to help someone who has.  We explore practical ways to support ourselves or our loved ones through grieving, and Kay offers some fresh insights (ones you’ve likely never heard) about what to do and what not to do in seasons of grief, especially during the holidays.  Kay’s story highlights the coexistence of joy and sorrow, reminding us that moments of happiness can aid healing and that mystery and faith go hand-in-hand. Tune in for a moving conversation on loss, love, and the balance of joy and pain in rebuilding faith. Xo, Donna   Listen in to learn more! (02:26) Understanding Grief and Healing (09:38) Navigating Overwhelming Grief  (14:27) Navigating Grief During the Holidays  (21:57) Understanding the Non-Linear Nature of Grief  (24:37) Embracing Contradictory Emotions  Connect with Kay Website - https://kaywarren.com/  Kay Warren cofounded Saddleback Church with her husband Rick in Lake Forest, CA, in 1980, where they served until Rick’s retirement in September 2022. After the death of her son, Matthew, who lived with serious mental illness for most of his life, she founded Saddleback’s Hope for Mental Health Initiative as a way to support individuals and family members of loved ones with mental illness and suicidal ideation. In 2019, Kay started BREATHE, a ministry to support parents of children with serious mental illness. BREATHE events include weekend respite retreats, online retreats, and free Zoom calls with mental health professionals. Kay is the author of Sacred Privilege: Your Life and Ministry as a Pastor's Wife, Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn't Enough, Say Yes to God: A Call to Courageous Surrender, and the coauthor of Foundations, a popular systematic theology course used by churches worldwide. Her children are Amy, Josh, and Matthew (who is in Heaven), and she has five grandchildren.   Donna’s Resources:   Order a copy of my new book -  Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life: A Biblical Guide to Communicating Thoughts, Feelings, and Opinions with Grace, Truth, and Zero Regret.    It is available anywhere books are sold– here is the link on Amazon.    If you need a helpful resource for someone exploring faith and Christianity or simply want to strengthen your own knowledge, you’ll want a copy of my book, Seek: A Woman’s Guide to Meeting God.   It’s a must for seekers, new believers, and those who want to be more confident in their faith!   Connect with Donna    Instagram: @donnaajones       Website:  www.donnajones.org       Donna’s speaking schedule:   https://donnajones.org/events/     Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.