Grief Lifted: Rising Above Through Faith

In this episode, you’ll hear a deeply personal and heartfelt conversation that begins with the loss of Vicki’s father—a grief that marked her heart in a profound way. But her story doesn’t stop there. Over the last 18 months, she has walked through the devastating loss of her sister and her mother, while also facing repeated health challenges with both herself and her husband—all unfolding in such a short and overwhelming span of time.This is what compound grief looks like. It’s layered, it’s heavy, and it doesn’t give you much space to catch your breath. Vicki shares what it’s like to carry that kind of weight—the way grief can reopen wounds, the way healing can feel fragile, and the way loss can reshape you.But woven through it all is her faith. A steady reminder that even in the darkest valleys, through trials and tribulations that keep coming, we are not alone. Our hope is in Jesus.This episode is for anyone who is grieving, anyone walking through multiple losses, or anyone trying to understand and support someone who is. It’s a reminder that even in brokenness, God is still present, still working, and still bringing beauty in His time.Scripture References:Hebrews 13:5Romans 8:18Ecclesiastes 3:11Episode referenced: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grief-lifted-rising-above-through-faith/id1879623311RSS Feed: https://media.rss.com/grief-lifted-rising-above-through-faith/feed.xmlConnect with me further:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/griefliftedpodcast/Email Me: [email protected]

In this episode, we talk about compound grief—when loss comes in layers and the weight feels overwhelming. If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t have time to grieve one loss before another came, you’re not alone.We anchor ourselves in Scripture, reminding us that God is near in our pain. Psalm 34:18 tells us “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted,” and in Matthew 7:24–27, we’re reminded that even when storms come, a life built on God will stand firm.This episode offers gentle, practical ways to move through grief—giving yourself permission to grieve, releasing the pressure to be “okay,” and leaning into God and others for support.Most of all, it’s a reminder of this: even when grief comes in waves, so does grace. You are not alone, and there is still hope and purpose in your grief and pain.🌿 Scripture ReferencedEcclesiastes 3:1, 4Psalm 34:18Lamentations 3:19–23Isaiah 41:10Ephesians 6:10–11Matthew 7:24–27Matthew 6:33Romans 4:162 Corinthians 1:3–4Revelation 21:4Episode referenced: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grief-lifted-rising-above-through-faith/id1879623311RSS Feed: https://media.rss.com/grief-lifted-rising-above-through-faith/feed.xmlConnect with me further:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/griefliftedpodcast/Email Me: [email protected]

In this deeply moving episode of Grief Lifted: Rising Above Through Faith, we sit down with Jolene as she shares the tender and challenging journey of loving her husband Karl through dementia.With honesty and grace, Jolene opens her heart about the reality of anticipatory grief—the quiet, ongoing mourning that begins long before a loved one passes on. She reflects on the emotional weight of watching the person you love slowly change, while still holding onto the deep connection that remains.Through moments of heartbreak, resilience, and unwavering faith, this conversation reminds us that even in the valley, God is present—even when it feels like we’re walking alone.It brings to mind the beautiful promise in the Footprints in the Sand poem… that in the hardest moments, when we only see one set of footprints, it is then that He is carrying us.This episode is for anyone walking alongside a loved one with dementia, navigating loss in real time, or searching for hope in the midst of uncertainty.✨ You are not alone. ✨ Your grief is seen. ✨ And even here—there is still love. ✨ And when the path feels too heavy… He will carry you.📖 Scripture for ReflectionPsalm 34:18Psalm 23:4Isaiah 41:10Matthew 11:28Footprints in the Sand by Mary StevensonOne night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there were one set of footprints.This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints.So I said to the Lord, “You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there have only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?”The Lord replied, “The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, is when I carried you.”Episode referenced: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grief-lifted-rising-above-through-faith/id1879623311RSS Feed: https://media.rss.com/grief-lifted-rising-above-through-faith/feed.xmlConnect with me further: Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/griefliftedpodcast/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/grief_lifted_podcast/Email Me: [email protected]

In this episode, we’re talking about anticipatory grief—the kind of grief that comes before a loss. It’s what we feel when someone we love is still physically here, but things are changing… and we begin to realize that life may never be the same again.It’s the fear of what’s to come. The weight of the unknown. And the heartbreak of slowly losing someone you love… while they’re still alive.This kind of grief can look like walking alongside a loved one through a terminal illness, dementia, or unexpected changes. It’s grieving not only the person in front of you, but also who they once were—holding tightly to the glimpses of familiarity that still shine through.But anticipatory grief isn’t only experienced as a caregiver or loved one… It can also be deeply personal. It can come when you yourself are facing illness, uncertainty, or a life-altering diagnosis—grieving the life you once knew while navigating what lies ahead.In this episode, I share a piece of my own journey walking through anticipatory grief with my mom after her liver transplant… the changes, the quiet realizations, and the tender moments of holding on while learning to let go.If you’re carrying this kind of grief today, I want you to know—you are not alone.Scripture for ReflectionIsaiah 41:10Psalm 23:4Job 3:26Matthew 26:38Matthew 11:28Deuteronomy 31:8Psalm 147:3Revelation 21:1–5Episode referenced: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grief-lifted-rising-above-through-faith/id1879623311RSS Feed: https://media.rss.com/grief-lifted-rising-above-through-faith/feed.xmlConnect with me further: Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/griefliftedpodcast/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/grief_lifted_podcast/Email Me: [email protected]

In today’s episode of Grief Lifted: Rising Above Through Faith, we step into a deeply honest and tender conversation about complicated grief—the kind that comes with unresolved relationships, unspoken words, and lingering questions of “what could have been.”I sat down with my father-in-law, Karl, as he shared about the recent loss of his mother and the weight of navigating a relationship that wasn’t always easy. Together, we explored what it looks like to grieve not only the loss of a loved one, but also the loss of the relationship we longed for.This conversation touches on themes of regret, forgiveness, and the healing power of faith. It’s a reminder that even in the most broken and complicated places of our hearts, God meets us with grace, mercy, and peace.As our family walks through this new season following Karl’s recent dementia diagnosis, we are choosing to put God first, lean into our faith, and trust in His guidance through every step.If you’re carrying grief—especially the kind that feels complicated or unresolved—this episode is for you. You are not alone.Scripture References:Philippians 4:6–7The Lord’s PrayerOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.Episode referenced: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grief-lifted-rising-above-through-faith/id1879623311RSS Feed: https://media.rss.com/grief-lifted-rising-above-through-faith/feed.xmlConnect with me further: Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/griefliftedpodcast/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/grief_lifted_podcast/Email Me: [email protected]

In this heartfelt episode of Grief Lifted, we explore a deeply personal and often unspoken part of loss—the guilt that can accompany grief.From the weight of “what if” questions to the struggle of feeling joy again after losing someone we love, this episode gently reminds listeners that these emotions are a natural part of the grieving process.Through biblical truth and personal reflection, we’re encouraged to release guilt, embrace both grief and joy, and trust God even in moments when life feels out of our control.As we reflect on Easter, we look at Mary at the cross and the powerful example of surrender and faith in the face of unimaginable loss. This episode points us to the hope found in Jesus—the One who carries our burdens, redeems our pain, and reminds us that grief is not the end of our story.Ultimately, this message offers comfort, reminding us that:We are not alone in our griefJoy is not a betrayal of loveGod is still working, even in our painAnd through Christ, hope and healing are always within reachScriptures Referenced in This EpisodeJohn 19:25Proverbs 3:5–6Matthew 11:281 Peter 5:7Romans 8:28John 16:33Genesis 50:20Hebrews 12:1Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4Psalm 34:18James 1:17Episode referenced: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grief-lifted-rising-above-through-faith/id1879623311RSS Feed: https://media.rss.com/grief-lifted-rising-above-through-faith/feed.xmlConnect with me further: Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/griefliftedpodcast/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/grief_lifted_podcast/Email Me: [email protected]

In today’s episode of Grief Lifted: Rising Above Through Faith, I sit down with my dear friend Kerian Gaston as she shares her journey through the loss of her beloved grandparents.Kerian opens her heart about the deep love they shared, the memories she continues to carry, and the reality of walking through layered grief. Together, we talk about what it looks like to honor those we’ve lost, hold onto the love they gave us, and continue moving forward with faith.This conversation is a gentle reminder that grief and love go hand in hand… and that even in loss, there is hope in the promise of reunion through Christ.If you have experienced the loss of a grandparent or loved one, my prayer is that this episode brings you comfort, encouragement, and peace.🎙️Episode Touch PointsIn today’s episode, we’re talking about the deep love shared between grandparents and grandchildren, how the loss of a grandparent is often our first experience with grief, and how those relationships continue to shape our hearts long after they are gone. Through Kerian’s story, we’re reminded that even in loss, love remains — and through faith, we hold onto the hope of reunion.The unique bond between grandparents and grandchildrenExperiencing the loss of a grandparent as a first introduction to griefProcessing layered grief and the emotions that come with lossCherishing memories and honoring the legacy of loved onesNavigating life after loss while carrying their love forwardFinding comfort in faith during seasons of griefLetting go of guilt and embracing the love that remainsThe promise of Heaven and the hope of being reunited againScriptures that bring peace, comfort, and eternal perspectiveLearning to live, love, and move forward while holding onto those we’ve lostScriptures Referenced in This Episode2 Corinthians 4:18Hebrews 12:11 Thessalonians 4:13–14John 14:1–3Revelation 21:4Episode referenced: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grief-lifted-rising-above-through-faith/id1879623311RSS Feed:https://media.rss.com/grief-lifted-rising-above-through-faith/feed.xmlConnect with me further:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/griefliftedpodcast/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/grief_lifted_podcast/Email Me:[email protected]

Spring is a season of renewal—buds forming, flowers pushing through the soil, and life beginning again after winter. But what does renewal look like when you’ve walked through deep loss?In this episode, I reflect on how grief changes us and how, much like the changing seasons, a new version of ourselves slowly begins to emerge. After losing both of my parents within six months of each other, I’ve learned that grief doesn’t simply pass—it transforms us. The “old you” withers in many ways, and through pain, reflection, and faith, a new person begins to grow.I share personal reflections on mortality, faith, and the hope that carries us forward. I talk about the reminders grief gives us about how short and precious life is, and the grace God offers us even when we fall short.Grief is not the end of the story. Just like spring follows winter, healing and growth can emerge even after profound loss.🎙️Episode Touch PointsIn today’s episode, we’re talking about how grief reshapes our lives — from our relationships, to our priorities, to learning how to give ourselves grace when life feels heavy. And how even through loss, God is still growing something new within us.How grief changes who we areThe connection between grief, mortality, and perspectiveLosing both parents within six monthsWhy the “old you” sometimes has to fade for a new version of you to growFinding faith and hope in the midst of lossA Scripture that has anchored me for over 26 years (1 John 1:9)How seasons of life mirror the seasons of natureWhy healing after grief is less about “moving on” and more about transformationScriptures Referenced in This EpisodeProverbs 17:17Ecclesiastes 4:9–101 Corinthians 15:33Proverbs 4:23Matthew 6:211 Timothy 6:7Psalm 90:12James 4:14Ephesians 5:15–16Colossians 3:22 Corinthians 4:18Galatians 1:10James 4:141 Peter 1:15–16Micah 6:8Matthew 11:28–301 John 1:92 Corinthians 12:9Psalm 34:182 Corinthians 5:17Episode referenced: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grief-lifted-rising-above-through-faith/id1879623311RSS Feed:https://media.rss.com/grief-lifted-rising-above-through-faith/feed.xmlConnect with me further:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/griefliftedpodcast/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/grief_lifted_podcast/Email Me:[email protected]

In this second episode, I’m joined by a very special guest and dear friend, Karen Shelton, who courageously shares her grief story with us.In May of 2020, Karen lost her stepmother. Later that same year, in December, her father passed away unexpectedly. Then, just four years later, in 2024, she experienced the loss of her mother.Karen’s journey through multiple losses in such a short span of time is one marked by heartbreak, resilience, and faith. Today she opens up about what those losses looked like for her, how her faith helped carry her through the darkest moments, and the ways grief has shaped her life and perspective moving forward.I’m so honored that she’s here to share her story with us today.🎙️ Episode Touch Points – Karen SheltonIn this episode, Karen shares her journey through losing three parents within four years and how that season reshaped her heart and faith. We talk about:Her background and what life looked like before and after the lossesThe emotional weight of experiencing multiple parent losses in a short timeHow each loss felt different and the challenges of compounded griefWhat the early, raw stages of grief were like and how she copedThe role her faith played and the Bible verses that anchored herHow grief changed her in unexpected ways — spiritually, emotionally, and relationallyThe ways she continues to honor and remember her parentsWhether she has experienced moments that felt like reminders or “touches of heaven”Encouragement and hope for listeners walking through similar lossEpisode referenced: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grief-lifted-rising-above-through-faith/id1879623311RSS Feed:https://media.rss.com/grief-lifted-rising-above-through-faith/feed.xmlConnect with me further:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/griefliftedpodcast/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/grief_lifted_podcast/Email Me:[email protected]

About Myandi Peterson & Grief Lifted: Rising Above Through FaithHi, I’m Myandi Peterson, your host and fellow traveler in grief. I created Grief Lifted after experiencing profound personal loss: in March 2025, I lost my mom, and just six months later, my dad passed away peacefully. In the midst of caring for my mom during her final months, and navigating the shock of losing my dad shortly after, I faced grief that reshaped my world. Along the way, I also lost other family members, leaving me to navigate life without the generation above me.This podcast is my heart — a space to share my journey through grief, faith, and hope, and to walk alongside others doing the same. Grief has layers, and while it may never fully leave us, I have found that Jesus walks with us through it, offering peace, love, and a hope that extends beyond this life.Grief Lifted is a safe place for fellow grievers — whether you’ve lost a parent, spouse, child, friend, pet, or dream. Here, we’ll talk openly about loss, share stories, explore scripture, and bring on guests who have navigated profound grief. These conversations are real, raw, and vulnerable, because walking through loss changes you, and growth through grief can be painful yet purposeful.I’m not a licensed counselor, but I bring a background in communications and broadcast journalism from Liberty University, and more importantly, lived experience in profound loss. My hope is that this podcast becomes a place of comfort, truth, and community — a place where we can grieve with hope, lean on Jesus, and learn to carry our sorrow with peace, love, and faith.Thank you for joining me on this journey. Stay tuned for future episodes, and know that you are not alone.Episode referenced: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grief-lifted-rising-above-through-faith/id1879623311RSS Feed:https://media.rss.com/grief-lifted-rising-above-through-faith/feed.xmlConnect with me further:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/griefliftedpodcast/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/grief_lifted_podcast/Email Me:[email protected]