Our Hearts Are Home Podcast — Trusting God in Suffering

On today’s podcast, Adam Sacks joins us to share the story of losing his brother and best friend, David, and the profound journey of grief that followed. Adam reflects on the pain of sibling loss, the questions that surfaced in the midst of heartbreak, and the ways God met him through it all. As he shares his story, Adam offers encouragement for anyone walking through grief, reminding us that even in seasons of deep sorrow, the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and faithful to sustain those who seek Him.

In this episode, a panel of bereaved moms share their thoughts and insights about Mother’s Day. The purpose is two-fold. First, if you are not a bereaved mother, we hope you’ll glean helpful ideas of how you can minister to a grieving mother. It’s amazing how even a small act of kindness can be such a huge blessing to her during the most difficult time of her life.If you are a bereaved mother, we hope the podcast will be a comfort and encouragement to you. We understand the depth of pain and grief, and we’ve found tender mercies in the love of Jesus. We hope to walk beside you this Mother’s Day.

In today's podcast, Michael and Peggy Mages share their story of Mason's home-going and the subsequent journey of grief. As they discuss an array of topics, they offer insights gleaned through the difficult road of child loss. Can we still trust that God is good and that He loves us in the midst of unimaginable sorrow? How can we help our remaining children navigate such a profound loss? With honesty and transparency, their words offer hope and encouragement to fellow travelers on this difficult journey.

Today we welcome to the podcast Pastor Daniel and Amy Jepsen. With honesty and transparency, they share the story of their son, Joe, and their grief journey after his passing. The thoughts they share are filled with insights and spiritual truths that are helpful to all who are grieving.

On today’s podcast, Vaneetha Risner shares her story of suffering and how God has met her in the midst of it all. Many people have been encouraged by her books, her podcast, Desperate for Hope, and her testimony. As she unfolds her life’s story, she speaks with honesty about the struggling and wrestling, and offers spiritual insights gained through a lifetime of suffering. Through polio, the loss of her son, Paul, a devastating divorce, and living with post-polio syndrome, Vaneetha has found hope in Jesus. For those who are walking through a season of hardship, her words will bring new insights and encouragement.

In today's podcast, Josh and Nicole Kingsbury, Amber's parents, share their journey of grief. With honesty and transparency, they offer insights gleaned through suffering. They also talk about the process of wrestling with spiritual truths that bereaved parents experience, and how they found peace.

Today's podcast airs part two of a webinar presented earlier this year with Brad & Jill Sullivan, from the While We're Waiting ministry. Our goal was to provide encouragement to those who are new to the grief journey.When our loss is fresh, we often think that our deep pain will never end and wonder how we can make it. But as we discovered, that isn't what happens. We hope you'll listen in and be encouraged!

Today's podcast airs part one of a webinar presented earlier this year with Brad & Jill Sullivan, from the While We're Waiting ministry. Our goal was to provide encouragement to those who are new to the grief journey.When our loss is fresh, we often think that our deep pain will never end and wonder how we can make it. But as we discovered, that isn't what happens. We hope you'll listen in and be encouraged!

In today's podcast, Michael & Christina LaFleur share about their son, Ethan, and his sudden and unexplained death. As they discuss the circumstances surrounding his home-going and their subsequent grief journey, they offer insights they have learned that will resonate with those who have experienced loss. Discovering more about the character of God, they have found a new understanding of who He is and His plan for us.

In today's podcast, Kelly Brockman, a bereaved father and grandfather, talks openly about some of the challenges of bereaved grandparents. He describes child loss as a "pain like no other," and grandparents are not only grieving their own loss, but watching their own child grieve that devastating loss. Do you know a bereaved grandparent? We hope you'll share this episode with them.

Have you lost a sibling or are you a bereaved parent who has children who are grieving? On the podcast today, Bobby and Gabby Bisterfeldt share their journeys of sibling loss. Unbelievably, both have lost two siblings. There are many unique challenges to the grief that accompanies sibling loss, and Bobby and Gabby offer suggestions for bereaved parents to support their remaining children, who are grieving the loss of their sibling.

In today’s podcast, Rhyl Venning shares her journey of loss and hope after the home-going of her daughter, Kari-Lee. Born with cystic fibrosis, Kari experienced the physical challenges that come with the diagnosis, but lived each day to the fullest. She packed in a lifetime of learning, travel, and joy in her twenty-five years and deeply impacted those around her. With honesty and fresh spiritual insights, Rhyl offers hope to those who are navigating the devastation of child loss.

In today's podcast, Tom and Heather Snyir introduce us to their daughter, Katie. After battling childhood cancer at the age of four, she enjoyed ten years of good health. Thinking that cancer was something in the past, it was a shock when Katie received the diagnosis of Stage Four Glioblastoma Multiforme at the age of sixteen. With transparency and insight, Tom and Heather share their journey not only of grief, but of how the Lord has held them. Their words will encourage you, give you hope, and offer spiritual insights that will challenge you to draw nearer to the only One who can truly comfort our broken hearts.

In the blink of an eye, in one horrific accident, Jerry Sittser lost his wife, daughter, and mother. Raising his three remaining children as a single father for the next twenty years, Jerry discovered God's grace in a way he could have only imagined before encountering deep suffering. His book, A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows Through Loss has touched the lives of bereaved people around the world. He writes, and in this episode speaks, with transparency about the realities of loss and shares insights he has learned about God, the One who can truly comfort our broken hearts.

In today's podcast, Todd and Robyn Leyden share the story of their son, Payton, and his unexpected death from a staph infection at the age of thirteen. With transparency, they offer insights learned through suffering and provide encouragement through sharing the details of seeing God at work in their lives. After the loss of Payton, Todd and Robyn discovered many biblical truths and adopted a new perspective about suffering and loss. Their conversation today offers hope and a path through the wilderness to those who are grieving.

In today’s podcast, author and mom, Jenny Leavitt, shares her story of suffering and the Lord’s faithfulness to hold her through the storms of life. She is a stage four cancer survivor, and experienced other severe hardships, but those paled in comparison to the loss of her son, Jacob, when he went to Heaven from a car accident. She offers encouragement for those who are grieving a loss and shares with transparency about her journey of grief, her search for truth, and the discovery of “GodPrints” all along the way.

In December of 2015, Rob & Pam Stalets nearly sixteen-year-old son, Robbie, received the diagnosis of cancer. Remarkably, the doctors stated that he had a 95% chance of recovery, but in only five weeks, Robbie arrived in Heaven. In today’s episode, Rob & Pam share their journey of grief with honestly and transparency. They discuss the faulty view of suffering and healing they had previously held and their quest to learn about Heaven. As you listen to the insights they have learned about God, you’ll be encouraged as you face your own suffering and loss.

In today's episode, Ashley Opliger, Founder of Bridget's Cradles, shares her story of hope amid loss. As she discusses child loss and the subsequent crisis of faith that so many parents experience, she offers her own experience of wrestling with the difficult questions and surrendering her suffering to God. Filled with theological truths, this podcast will give you hope as you seek to trust the Lord through your pain.​

In this episode, Dr. Sean and Candice Thompson share their journey of adoption, special needs, anticipatory loss, helping young siblings process grief, and following Jesus. Their third child, Moses, went to Heaven at the age of six, from a progressive lung disease. As they share their story with transparency, they offer insights from their journey, and talk about spiritual truths that bring hope to all of us walking through earthly life.Listen in today...you are going to be encouraged!

Have you ever wondered exactly what to expect if you come to an Our Hearts Are Home conference online or in person? How will it impact your grief journey? In today's podcast, Gary and Laura House share the details of what you'll encounter if you come. Also in the podcast are the thoughts about the conference from Melanie DeSimone, Bob & Sharon Glazebrook, and Kirk & Lisa Thacker.While not everyone can make it to the conference in person in Lynchburg, VA, everyone can join in online or participate through listening to the recordings. We believe it could be a pivotal moment in your grief journey. Visit ourheartsarehome.org/conference

In today's podcast, Russ and Nancy Sullivan share the story of their precious daughter, Amberly. For many years she suffered excruciating physical pain and the search for answers through new doctors and treatments was continuous. At the age of twenty-four, Amberly could not fight the battle any longer, and she went home to be with Jesus. As Russ and Nancy share their journey with honesty and transparency, they testify to the love and comfort that only Christ can give.

In today's podcast, Mary McNamera shares her journey of her son, Zack, and his homegoing four years ago from asthma. Mary shares with openness and honesty about the difficulty of grief, and offers more than a dozen resources that helped her find her footing in the midst of grief. Through all of the pain, she has seen the Lord strengthen her and give her His peace — a peace that “surpasses all understanding.”

In today's podcast, author, Pat Elsberry, shares her journey of grief after losing her beautiful daughter, Melanie. As Pat speaks, she gives insight into the devastating illness of addiction, and clearly communicates how the Lord has held and sustained her through each day.

In today's episode, Deb Rhodes shares her journey of loss. Her daughter, Natalie, at the age of thirty, went to Heaven after a battle with osteosarcoma. Then a few years later, Deb's thirty-eight-year-old son, David, was in a serious car accident and passed away shortly after. Through the unimaginable grief of losing both children, Deb has seen over and over, the faithfulness of God to carry her through. As she offers her insights and discoveries that she has found through suffering, you'll be encouraged in your own journey of grief.

On today's podcast, Judi Merriam, an author, speaker, actor, and Jenson's mom, shares her experience of loss and of the hope that she has found in Christ. With transparency and honesty, Judi discusses the difficult journey of loss; the wrestling with God, the searching for answers, the discovery of the truth of God's character and love. Her words bring great encouragement and hope to those who are grieving.

In this message given at the recent Our Hearts Are Home conference, missionary pastor, speaker, author, and bereaved father, Mark Roser, shares his heart and shows us through Scripture, the heart of God. "Enlargement by Grief" (aka Good Grief) is a deep dive into God’s redemptive purposes in allowing grief and sorrow. Because God loves, He knows full well what it feels like to have a heart full of pain. But God can use our greatest sorrow to transform us in ways nothing else can. The Bible has much to say about how God works the worst things in life for our good and the good of others. Listen in and be encouraged.

For those of us who have experienced the pain of child loss, we need to draw near to God now more than ever. However, in the midst of our trauma, God can sometimes feel far away. Questions and confusion naturally arise. If we trusted Him and this horrible event happened, how can we continue to trust Him? Who is this God that allowed this to happen? Does He really care about me? Does it even make a difference? What makes a person cry says a lot about them. We certainly have shed our share of tears while grieving the death of our children. In this session, we will explore the things that brought tears to the eyes of Jesus. By examining these events, we hope to better understand the heart and character of Jesus in a way that will help us embrace His love and trustworthiness and experience His personal presence amidst our sorrow.

In this podcast, Ernie and Karen Richards share the story of their son, Levi, and of the grief journey they have walked since his home-going. Levi was a remarkably talented young man who loved Jesus and was loved deeply by his family and friends. In 2016, without warning, he went to Heaven by suicide. If you are a bereaved parent, we hope you'll find the words of Ernie and Karen to be a comfort and that you will glean new insights that may be useful in your own journey. And if you are listening today and have not lost a child, this episode will help you better know how to come alongside grieving parents in their greatest time of need.

For grieving parents, holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, can be especially difficult. This podcast airs the audio from a recent webinar that discusses strategies for navigating these special days, and also suggests a host of ideas of how you can honor and remember your loved ones during the holidays. If you've lost someone dear to you, we hope you'll find encouragement and new ideas in this podcast. And if you haven't lost someone, we hope you'll find insights to help equip you to minister to those who have.

Today we welcome to the podcast, Mike Straley, a dad, author, and along with his wife Robin, founder of Leah's Legacy. An amazing and talented young woman, Leah suffered from addiction for many years. After she passed, he and Robin started an organization to help women in recovery. Incredibly, a few years after Leah died, they lost their son, Christopher, in a car accident. In the midst of the unfathomable grief of losing both children, Mike can testify to the goodness of God in holding them and strengthening them through the devastating days of grief.

Today’s podcast features a conversation with Dave and Janet Boxx, bereaved parents who have three children in Heaven. Their first child, Cole, was born still, then Bethany and Katie passed after a car accident involving the whole family. As they share the story of their children, they share insights that are helpful to those who are new to this journey. If you are grieving the loss of someone you love, this podcast will encourage you.

In today’s episode, Emily Matuza shares her heart about the deep losses of several family members and how the Lord has faithfully held her in her grief journey. She experienced the devastation that suicide brings in the loss of her precious son, Joey. In a short period of time, she also lost her brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and recently, her mother went to Heaven after suffering with Alzheimer's. Through all of the grief, Emily has seen the hand of God working in her life, and felt His sustaining love surrounding her. Emily also offers her thoughts directly to bereaved parents and shares truths learned from her own journey. Her words will encourage you!

In today's podcast, we share a conversation with Dr. Yevgeniy Dovgalyuk, president of Liya Christian Ministry. The ministry was started in memory of his sister, Liya, who went to Heaven at the age of thirteen. The focus of the ministry is to share the Gospel and make disciples through the power of music. As Yevgeniy shares about the work of the ministry in Ukraine, music therapy programs for special needs families, and other areas of ministry, we think you'll be encouraged!

In today’s podcast, speaker and author Nancy Guthrie, and Pastor Gabe deGarmeaux share their stories of child loss. With honesty and transparency, they recount their experiences and testify to the faithfulness of God throughout their grief journeys. They offer words of encouragement to those who are experiencing loss and share a wealth of spiritual insights that they have learned along the way. If you are a grieving parent, you may especially enjoy the conversation about Respite Retreats — special opportunities to find community and hope with others who are walking the same path of grief.

In today’s episode, Leonard and Amy Bailey share the story of their daughter, Ilona, and of her homegoing, just two years ago. They share with honesty and transparency about their grief journey, and offer insights learned through suffering. Prompted by the Lord to use their pain to comfort others as they have been comforted, they founded the Ilona Foundation, a ministry to help other bereaved parents. (theilonafoundation.org)

On today's podcast, we welcome Brad and Jill Sullivan, co-founders of the While We're Waiting ministry. The conversation is rich and covers a variety of topics. The conversation begins by talking about their daughter, Hannah, and her cancer journey, which took her to Heaven in 2009. Brad and Jill testify to God's faithfulness through grief, and offer such encouragement to those who are grieving. We also spent time talking about the While We're Waiting ministry. If you are a bereaved parent, we hope you'll attend a weekend retreat and find comfort, community, and hope that comes from being with others who are traveling the road of child loss.

In August 2022, the unthinkable happened to the family of Kelly Brockman. A deranged neighbor murdered his daughter and granddaughter, and then took the lives of two other people in the neighborhood. In today's podcast, Kelly and his other daughter, Erin Ketchen, join us to share their story. As they recount the events that took Sarah and Kayla to Heaven, you'll be encouraged by the transparency and honesty of the conversation and you will be challenged by the discoveries and truths about God that Kelly and Erin share.

On the podcast today, Carol Brown shares some of the insights that she has learned over the past twenty-seven years since her daughter, Jackie, went to Heaven from a car accident. Carol shares wisdom learned through the crucible of suffering. In her comforting and gentle way, she brings encouragement to those who are grieving, and challenges us all to a deeper relationship with God. As she wrestled with her faith after losing Jackie, Carol discovered that her view of God was flawed, and she found a new understanding of who God really is. As you listen in today, you will find so many new insights that you may not have considered, and a fresh realization of God’s love for you.

Today's podcast is the second of two broadcasts sharing the conversation from a recent webinar. In the webinar, a panel of parents shared their experiences of losing a child by suicide, and shared how the Lord has held them through their grief. If you are a grieving parent, we hope this will bring comfort and hope. And if you have not lost someone by suicide, we hope this will help you better understand this type of loss and equip you to minister to those who are hurting. Part Two discusses the issue of forgiveness, lament, and finding a way to trust Jesus through suffering.

Today's podcast is the first of two broadcasts sharing the conversation from a recent webinar. In the webinar, a panel of parents shared their experiences of losing a child by suicide, and shared how the Lord has held them through their grief. If you are a grieving parent, we hope this will bring comfort and hope. And if you have not lost someone by suicide, we hope this will help you better understand this type of loss and equip you to minister to those who are hurting. Part One discusses the stigma and misconceptions surrounding suicide loss; guilt and regret, and trauma/PTSD.

On today's podcast, Cindy Shufflebarger shares the story of her daughter, Ashlynn, and of how God continues to use her story to touch other grieving parents. Several years down the road of grief, Cindy and her husband reflected on what had been instrumental to them in their early days of grief, and realized that the gift of a beach house for a few days alone had been a balm to their souls. The non-profit ministry, P23 Retreat, was born to do the same for other parents who have experienced child loss.

In today’s podcast, Brittany Liberto shares her daughter’s story. It’s a story of how God has used a tiny baby’s short life on earth to impact many. As Brittany shares her story of Talitha Rose, she provides us with glimpses of God’s heart toward us that she has discovered through suffering. With tenderness and compassion, the Lord carries us through the hardest moments of our lives and never leaves us.

In today's episode, Nancy Manos shares her story of loss and hope after the home-going of her daughter, Alex. In the deepest sorrow she has ever known, she sought to know if God was who she had always known Him to be. Is God still good, even in devastating loss? Listen in and be encouraged through the testimony of a bereaved mother who can answer that question.

In today’s episode, Mark and Pat Roser share the story of their son, Ethan. After a “freak” accident, Ethan went to Heaven, and the Rosers were thrown into a whole new existence. They share their journey, how they learned to lament, and what God has done in their lives. You’ll find comfort, encouragement, and so many insights learned through suffering, and you’ll discover the truth of the deep, deep, love of God for you.

In today's broadcast, we welcome Kirk and Lisa Thacker, Dalton's parents. As you listen to their story of loss and how the Lord has sustained them, you may discover insights into suffering that you have not have considered before. When we go through the darkest valleys of earthly life, it is there that we learn who God is and the depth of His love for us.

In today’s podcast, pastor, author, blogger, and bereaved father Tim Challies joins us. So many grieving parents are grateful for the honesty and transparency that Tim shares in his writings. And more than anything, Tim challenges his readers to a deeper walk with Christ. Listen in as we talk about the hard questions that surface when we experience suffering. You’ll be encouraged!

In this episode, Chuck and Laura Holmes offer insights gleaned from the journey of grief they have walked since their son, Jamie, went to Heaven in a tragic car accident. With honesty and transparency, they share some of the challenges they faced that will resonate with anyone who has suffered a loss. You’ll come away from this podcast with nuggets of truth, new insights about grief, and a deeper understanding of how the Lord will see you through, whatever hardship you encounter.

In today's podcast, Keith and Shawnda Freer share their story of the loss of their daughter, Meghan, and of the Lord's faithfulness throughout their grief journey. With honesty and insight, they offer what they have learned about the character of God. For those who have experienced child loss, and for those who have not, the podcast challenges us to rediscover the truths revealed in scripture, and to trust Jesus amidst suffering.

Joining the podcast from the Amazon jungle, Scott and Tracy Blackburn share their story of child loss and of God’s faithfulness. If you are a bereaved parent, have you struggled with why God allowed your child to die? Scott and Tracy openly and honestly talk about their grief journey, and help us get a glimpse of God’s goodness and love for us. So why are they living in the jungle? That’s the story of Tat’s Place. We hope you’ll listen, and believe you’re going to be encouraged!

In this podcast, we present a recorded message from the fall Our Hearts Are Home conference. It is an incredible message that applies to all of us. Pastor Mark Vroegop teaches about the biblical and historic prayer language of lament. When we encounter suffering, lament offers a way to talk to God about our grief. “Lament is a prayer in pain that leads to trust.” One out of three Psalms are lament, so it seems that churches should give attention to this form of prayer. However, most don’t. Mark talks about this reality, and inspires us to implement lament into our lives and discover the power of knowing how to “turn, complain, ask, and trust.”