Turning Grief Into Purpose: How to Keep Dreaming When Life Falls Apart

In Episode 29 of Never Stop Dreaming Biggie, I'm joined by Jill Forbes for one of the most powerful conversations we've had on this podcast. Jill is a missions leader, marriage ministry facilitator, business owner, and widow who's learning to dream again after the sudden loss of her husband Heath in May 2024. This raw, honest episode dives deep into how to keep building your dreams when life falls apart, why your circumstances don't disqualify you from your calling, and how to prepare for life's most unexpected moments.Jill shares her incredible journey from meeting Heath on a mission trip to building a 23-year marriage with a family mission statement that guided every decision, to standing on the front row of his funeral at age 43 with three kids still at home. Her transparency about the fear of dreaming without "bumpers" (Heath was her engineer dream-crusher who kept her grounded), continuing in SYMBIS marriage ministry as a widow, and developing curriculum to help others prepare for unexpected loss will challenge how you think about grief, purpose, and ministry qualification.This episode also reveals how Brian and I found SYMBIS marriage ministry after our own stories of divorce and remarriage, why getting your relationships right today matters more than you think, and the practical ways you can prepare—emotionally, relationally, and spiritually—for life's hardest moments. Whether you're walking through grief, feeling disqualified from your calling, or simply want to make sure you're prepared for whatever comes, this conversation offers both comfort and actionable wisdom.The "B" in Biggie stands for Believe - and this episode challenges us to believe not just in our own dreams, but to surrender to God's dreams for us, which are always bigger than what we can imagine for ourselves.Key Takeaways:Continue in your calling even when circumstances make you feel disqualifiedLearn to dream without "bumpers" while creating your own healthy parametersPrepare for unexpected loss practically, relationally, and spiritually nowMake sure your relationships are in the right place today (not when it's too late)Remember funerals are for the living - create space for healingDon't waste a season of pain - find the purpose God has in itSoldiers prepare in peace, not in war - get things in order before crisis hitsAsk: "If I lost my spouse tomorrow, what would they worry about most?"Forgive and release grudges for your benefit and abundanceDream God's dreams for kingdom purpose, not just personal successConnect with Us:🎙 @neverstopdreamingbiggie📱 @angelpholmes🌐 sipindipity.com📧 [email protected] More:🌴 The Holmestead Bar & Retreat👩‍💼 The Brighter Side Society🪓 Lumberjills Axe Throwing (Summerville, SC)⛪ SYMBIS Marriage Ministry - Seacoast Church