Unlocking Joy After Grief | Christian Grief Support, Life After Child Loss, Bereavement, Hope and Healing for Grieving Moms

Religion & Spirituality Podcas

Does the thought of having to live in a world without your child cripple you? Do you lay awake at night with the ”what if’s” and the ”why’s” constantly playing in your mind, wondering if you’ll ever feel peace again? Does everything seem hard, even the little things? Do you just want someone to understand how you feel? I see you friend. In this podcast you will find the hope you’re looking for, the healing you’re longing for, and the key to living again after losing your child, all through the only way it’s possible - Jesus. Hi, I’m Courtney. Wife and mama to 6 kiddos, 1 in heaven waiting for us - and that’s why I’m here. I lost my precious 4 year old son, Sam, in 2017 and the pain and grief that instantly took over was crippling. Everything I went through after that horrific night threatened to consume me. But here I am. Years have passed. And the ONLY.WAY. I made it through was Jesus. His strength and his love carried me through a time that I could NOT have carried myself. His goodness and faithfulness were my life preservers that kept me from drowning. The hope and healing I was searching for was found in him. And it’s my joy to share with you everything this journey has taught me so far. Get ready for encouragement for your faith, tactical tips in dealing with your grief, finding hope and healing for your shattered heart, and learning how to live again. If you are screaming YES to not having to walk this road alone and letting Jesus carry you through, then I’m ready to lace up my shoes and begin walking this road with you. Learn ＞＞ www.unlockingjoy.com Connect ＞＞ courtney@unlockingjoy.com Facebook ＞＞ @unlockingjoy Instagram ＞＞ @unlockingjoy Get to know God’s Character with this Free 30 day Scripture Calendar ＞＞ www.unlockingjoy.com/godscharacter

Location:

United States

Genres:

Religion & Spirituality Podcas

Description:

Does the thought of having to live in a world without your child cripple you? Do you lay awake at night with the ”what if’s” and the ”why’s” constantly playing in your mind, wondering if you’ll ever feel peace again? Does everything seem hard, even the little things? Do you just want someone to understand how you feel? I see you friend. In this podcast you will find the hope you’re looking for, the healing you’re longing for, and the key to living again after losing your child, all through the only way it’s possible - Jesus. Hi, I’m Courtney. Wife and mama to 6 kiddos, 1 in heaven waiting for us - and that’s why I’m here. I lost my precious 4 year old son, Sam, in 2017 and the pain and grief that instantly took over was crippling. Everything I went through after that horrific night threatened to consume me. But here I am. Years have passed. And the ONLY.WAY. I made it through was Jesus. His strength and his love carried me through a time that I could NOT have carried myself. His goodness and faithfulness were my life preservers that kept me from drowning. The hope and healing I was searching for was found in him. And it’s my joy to share with you everything this journey has taught me so far. Get ready for encouragement for your faith, tactical tips in dealing with your grief, finding hope and healing for your shattered heart, and learning how to live again. If you are screaming YES to not having to walk this road alone and letting Jesus carry you through, then I’m ready to lace up my shoes and begin walking this road with you. Learn ＞＞ www.unlockingjoy.com Connect ＞＞ courtney@unlockingjoy.com Facebook ＞＞ @unlockingjoy Instagram ＞＞ @unlockingjoy Get to know God’s Character with this Free 30 day Scripture Calendar ＞＞ www.unlockingjoy.com/godscharacter

Language:

English

Website:

https://www.unlockingjoy.com/

Email:

support@unlockingjoy.com

Episodes

37 | 3 Ways Walking Outside Can Play a Role in Your Healing Journey

5/2/2024

Y’all know how big a fan I am of walking! Walking outside in nature has played (and continues to play) such a huge part of my healing journey. But why? Why would walking outside help with healing your heart? I’m here to tell you! Here are 3 ways that walking outside in nature, in God’s creation, is a great thing to do in your grief journey. 🔗Links Mentioned in Episode: Ep. 29 | How Does Grief Affect Your Body and Mind? 5 Ways to Start Healing After Grief ✨Free Resources: Find Your Lifesaver Verse 31 Days of God’s Character Scripture Calendar FREE Facebook group for grieving moms 💚Connect With Me: Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com Facebook >> @unlockingjoy Instagram >> @unlockingjoy

Duration:00:14:55

36 | Having a Bad Day? 7 Ways You Can Survive Hard Days Missing Your Child

4/18/2024

Sometimes you just have a plain old bad day. Either you wake up missing your child or a wave of grief knocks you down and you find it hard to come back from it. What do you do? It can be hard to feel like you can turn the day around when it starts going south. Almost like you’ve fallen in a pit of quicksand that’s pulling you down and you don’t see any way to escape it. No worries friend! I’m here with 7 things you can do the next time you’re having a hard day missing your child. I pray that these tips will help you survive the next time a bad day hits. 🔗Links Mentioned in Episode: Ep. 17 | The Power of Distractions in Your Grief Journey Ep. 16 | Sleeping After Child Loss: 5 Tips to Help You Fall Asleep After Losing Your Child ✨Free Resources: Find Your Lifesaver Verse 31 Days of God’s Character Scripture Calendar FREE Facebook group for grieving moms 💚Connect With Me: Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com Facebook >> @unlockingjoy Instagram >> @unlockingjoy

Duration:00:22:24

35 | The ONE Thing That Helped Me Survive After Losing My Child

3/14/2024

If you were to ask me... Courtney, what is the one thing that helped you get through after losing Sam? What would I say? What is the one thing that helped me survive? Well my friend, in today's episode, I tell you. And I also will let you know how you can use this same thing in your grief journey to help you make it too. ✨Free Resources: Find Your Lifesaver Verse 31 Days of God’s Character Scripture Calendar FREE Facebook group for grieving moms 💚Connect With Me: Etsy Shop >> unlockingjoyshop.etsy.com Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com Facebook >> @unlockingjoy Instagram >> @unlockingjoy

Duration:00:18:19

34 | 3 Simple Ways to Create a Peaceful Home

3/7/2024

When we’re walking through our grief journey anything we can do to help bring some peace to our lives is helpful! So today I wanted to bring you 3 simple ways you can make your home a place of peace. These things are NOT hard at all! And most of them will cost you nothing! I pray that as you listen to this episode it will give you some ideas that you can implement inside of your own home! 🔗Links Mentioned in Episode: YouTube channels: Clutterbug and The Minimal Mom Plant Therapy Oils: Chill Out blend, Worry free blend, Tranquil blend (Kid Safe) 🤗Help Support My Ministry https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unlockingjoy ✨Free Resources: Find Your Lifesaver Verse 31 Days of God’s Character Scripture Calendar 💚Connect With Me: Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com Facebook >> @unlockingjoy Instagram >> @unlockingjoy

Duration:00:13:24

33 | How my Lifesaver Verse Has Kept Me From Drowning in my Grief Journey (Plus how you can find yours!)

2/29/2024

There are a few things that have been critical in me being able to make it after losing my child. One of those things, without a doubt, is my lifesaver verse. So what is a “lifesaver verse”? And how can you find yours? In this episode I go all into what this is and how I’ve used it in my own grief journey to help keep me from drowning in my grief. I pray that the Holy Spirit will help you be able to find the one that’s perfect for you and your journey. 🔗Links Mentioned in Episode: Find Your Lifesaver Verse 🤗Help Support My Ministry https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unlockingjoy ✨Free Resources: 31 Days of God’s Character Scripture Calendar FREE Facebook group for grieving moms 💚Connect With Me: Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com Facebook >> @unlockingjoy Instagram >> @unlockingjoy

Duration:00:13:22

32 | Stepping Out in Faith - Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back!

2/23/2024

Stepping out in faith and doing something that God has called you to do can be so scary. What if it wasn’t God telling you to take that step? How is it going to work out? How will I know what my next step is supposed to be? The fear of not knowing can hold you back from doing what you feel God is telling you to do. This recently happened to me. I had God telling me to do something, but I was scared out of my mind! I had NO IDEA how it was going to work out! But I’m here to tell you that it not only worked out, it exceeded my expectations! Listen to my story and be encouraged if God is telling YOU to step out in faith. Don’t let fear hold you back from the blessings God has for you! 🤗Help Support My Ministry https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unlockingjoy ✨Free Resources: Find Your Lifesaver Verse 31 Days of God’s Character Scripture Calendar FREE Facebook group for grieving moms 💚Connect With Me: Etsy Shop >> unlockingjoyshop.etsy.com Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com Facebook >> @unlockingjoy Instagram >> @unlockingjoy

Duration:00:13:01

31 | How to Meditate as a Christian

2/15/2024

Meditation. What’s the first thing you think of when you hear that word? Is it how God defines meditation - or is it how the world defines it? This short episode is actually a clip I pulled out of another episode. After pulling it out I realized I wanted to share it with y’all! So in this little baby episode we dive into what meditation is, what God says about meditation, and if you should meditate at all. I pray this episode blesses you! 🔗Links Mentioned in Episode: 31 Days of God’s Character Scripture Calendar 🤗Help Support My Ministry https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unlockingjoy ✨Free Resources: Find Your Lifesaver Verse FREE Facebook group for grieving moms 💚Connect With Me: Etsy Shop >> unlockingjoyshop.etsy.com Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com Facebook >> @unlockingjoy Instagram >> @unlockingjoy

Duration:00:06:20

30 | The Power of God’s Love as a Grieving Parent

2/8/2024

Valentine's Day is next week. And when I think about love, I can't go without talking about the greatest love I've ever experienced... The love of God in my grief. After I lost Sam, the depth of my pain and sadness was so very deep, but God met me with love that was equally as deep. So this episode is dedicated to him, the one who has been there for me every moment since we lost Sam and will be there for me every moment until I see him again. The one whose love is literally the glue that has held me together. And this love is the greatest love that was ever given - which produced the greatest gift that we will ever receive as grieving parents... Hope. 🤗Help Support My Ministry https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unlockingjoy ✨Free Resources: Find Your Lifesaver Verse 31 Days of God’s Character Scripture Calendar FREE Facebook group for grieving moms 💚Connect With Me: Etsy Shop >> unlockingjoyshop.etsy.com Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com Facebook >> @unlockingjoy Instagram >> @unlockingjoy

Duration:00:13:34

29 | How Does Grief Affect Your Body and Mind? 5 Ways to Start Healing After Grief

2/1/2024

Grief affects every part of us - emotionally, mentally, and physically. Anyone who has walked through deep grief will know the effect of grief mentally and even on our physical body. So how do we start healing after grief? Today I wanted to talk through 5 things we can do to bring healing mentally and physically so we can better process our thoughts and emotions during this journey. And remember it’s just that - a journey. Show yourself lots of grace and kindness 💚 🔗Links Mentioned in Episode: Ep. 16 | Sleeping After Child Loss: 5 Tips to Help You Fall Asleep After Losing Your Child - 50 Grief Journal Prompts 🤗Support My Ministry https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unlockingjoy ✨Free Resources: Find Your Lifesaver Verse 31 Days of God’s Character Scripture Calendar FREE Facebook group for grieving moms 💚Connect With Me: Etsy Shop >> unlockingjoyshop.etsy.com Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com Facebook >> @unlockingjoy Instagram >> @unlockingjoy

Duration:00:20:14

28 | How to Find Joy in Your Grief Journey

1/25/2024

In my grief journey after losing Sam, there have been many times that I’ve experienced joy and sadness all at the same time. But an important lesson I’ve learned is, feeling joy again IS POSSIBLE! I know it doesn’t seem like you will ever feel anything but sadness (especially if you’re early in your grief journey), but I want to encourage you that feeling joy again is possible. And I share with you 5 things you can do to experience the joy of the Lord daily in your life. 🔗Links Mentioned in Episode: Ep. 27 | 4 Ideas to Breathe New Life Into Your Daily Quiet Time Ep. 25 | Finding New Purpose in Life After Losing Your Child: A Simple Way You Can Start Today Ep. 21 | In Memory Of: 5 Ways to Honor Your Child After They Go to Heaven Ep. 22 | Stop the Scroll! A Step-by-Step Plan to Reduce Social Media Usage ✨Free Resources: Find Your Lifesaver Verse 31 Days of God’s Character Scripture Calendar FREE Facebook group for grieving moms 💚Connect With Me: Etsy Shop >> unlockingjoyshop.etsy.com Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com Facebook >> @unlockingjoy Instagram >> @unlockingjoy

Duration:00:19:29

27 | 4 Ideas to Breathe New Life Into Your Daily Quiet Time

1/18/2024

Is your daily quiet time getting a little stale? Are you tired of doing the same thing day after day and are looking for a way to freshen it up, make you excited to spend time with Jesus again? We’ve all been there! But no worries - I’ve got you friend! In this episode I bring you 4 things that you can do to help bring a new excitement to your quiet time. I pray that you can use one of these ideas to help bring a new spark into the most important part of your day. 🔗Links Mentioned in Episode: My Bible Free SOAP Download Bible Study Pinterest Board ✨Free Resources: Find Your Lifesaver Verse: www.unlockingjoy.com/lifesaver 31 Days of God’s Character Scripture Calendar: https://www.unlockingjoy.com/godscharacter/ 💚Connect With Me: Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com Facebook >> @unlockingjoy Instagram >> @unlockingjoy

Duration:00:17:49

26 | Struggling to Find Community in Your Grief Journey? 3 Places You Can Look!

1/11/2024

Community is so important in this grief journey. Losing a child can make you feel so alone. But I'm here to tell you that you do NOT have to walk this road alone! There are so many options for you when it comes to having a support system in your life. Today I'm going to dive into 3 different places you can look for a community to walk alongside you. Plus we never need to forget the one who will never leave us, the one who started walking this journey with you from the very moment you lost your child, the one who will be with you every step until we get to heaven and see our babies again. And he is so very, very faithful. 🔗Links Mentioned in Episode: Join my Facebook Community! ✨Free Resources: Find Your Lifesaver Verse: www.unlockingjoy.com/lifesaver 31 Days of God’s Character Scripture Calendar: https://www.unlockingjoy.com/godscharacter/ 💚Connect With Me: Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com Facebook >> @unlockingjoy Instagram >> @unlockingjoy

Duration:00:11:30

25 | Finding New Purpose in Life After Losing Your Child: A Simple Way You Can Start Today

1/4/2024

Everything changes after you lose your child. Your purpose and passions in life is no exception. It can be hard feeling purpose or passion for anything after walking through such deep grief. And you’re right. In the beginning it’s all we can do to survive. However, there will come a point in your grief journey that you’ll feel the pull to find a new purpose for your life. But how? Where do you even start? In today’s episode I bring you simple steps you can do today to start finding your new purpose. 🔗Links Mentioned in Episode: Ep 8 | Making it Through the Early Days After Losing Your Child ✨Free Resources: Find Your Lifesaver Verse: www.unlockingjoy.com/lifesaver 31 Days of God’s Character Scripture Calendar: https://www.unlockingjoy.com/godscharacter/ 💚Connect With Me: Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com Facebook >> @unlockingjoy Instagram >> @unlockingjoy

Duration:00:24:30

24 | Is There a Wrong Way to Grieve? My Answer Might Surprise You.

12/28/2023

I know I’ve mentioned so many times that there’s not a right way to grieve. But is there a wrong way? My initial reaction would be no, there isn’t a wrong way. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized there is a wrong way - a way that doesn’t bring lasting peace and comfort. So today I wanted to share what that is and then give you some ideas on ways you can process your grief - all partnered with Jesus. 📄Show Notes: Find all links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.unlockingjoy.com/is-there-a-wrong-way-to-grieve-my-answer-might-surprise-you/ ✨Free Resources: Find Your Lifesaver Verse: www.unlockingjoy.com/lifesaver 31 Days of God’s Character Scripture Calendar: https://www.unlockingjoy.com/godscharacter/ 💚Connect With Me: Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com Facebook >> @unlockingjoy Instagram >> @unlockingjoy

Duration:00:16:38

23 | The #1 Gift that Jesus’ Birth Gave Us as Grieving Parents

12/21/2023

Jesus' birth brought us many things, but there is one gift that his birth brought us that is the greatest gift we could have as grieving parents. Today I want to talk about everything that Jesus' birth brought us - all based off of Isaiah 9:6. And then I want to add one important gift that he gave us. One that is the greatest gift we can have on our grief journey. One that I can’t talk about without crying. I pray that we always remember the reason for this season. And that we continually give thanks to Jesus for this amazing gift. 📄Show Notes: Find all links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.unlockingjoy.com/gift-that-jesus-birth-gave-us-as-grieving-parents/ ✨Free Resources: Find Your Lifesaver Verse: www.unlockingjoy.com/lifesaver 31 Days of God’s Character Scripture Calendar: https://www.unlockingjoy.com/godscharacter/ 💚Connect With Me: Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com Facebook >> @unlockingjoy Instagram >> @unlockingjoy

Duration:00:16:22

22 | Stop the Scroll! A Step-by-Step Plan to Reduce Social Media Usage

12/14/2023

Social media. It’s the thing that takes up so much of our time, but we all know we should turn it off. So why is it so hard to stop the scroll? That’s what I go into in this episode. Plus I go through steps you can take to help reduce (or stop) your social media use and begin tasting the freedom that being away from your phone will bring. 📄Show Notes: Find all links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.unlockingjoy.com/stop-the-scroll-a-step-by-step-plan-to-reduce-social-media-usage/ ✨Free Resources: Find Your Lifesaver Verse: www.unlockingjoy.com/lifesaver 31 Days of God’s Character Scripture Calendar: https://www.unlockingjoy.com/godscharacter/ 💚Connect With Me: Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com Facebook >> @unlockingjoy Instagram >> @unlockingjoy

Duration:00:23:09

21 | In Memory Of: 5 Ways to Honor Your Child After They Go to Heaven

12/7/2023

After your child goes to heaven, there will come a time when you want to do something in their memory. Something to honor them. And there are so many different things you can do! I wanted to bring you 5 ways that you can honor your child that you’ve lost. You can use these 5 ideas to spark your own ideas of what you can do. Everyone’s journey is so different and unique to them, so there’s no right or wrong way and there’s no right or wrong time to do something in honor of your child. I know that whatever you end up doing, it will be perfect and will bring such honor to your precious child’s memory. 📄Show Notes: Find all links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.unlockingjoy.com/in-memory-of-5-ways-to-honor-your-child-after-they-go-to-heaven/ ✨Free Resources: Find Your Lifesaver Verse: www.unlockingjoy.com/lifesaver 31 Days of God’s Character Scripture Calendar: https://www.unlockingjoy.com/godscharacter/ 💚Connect With Me: Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com Facebook >> @unlockingjoy Instagram >> @unlockingjoy

Duration:00:13:30

20 | Dreading Get Togethers After Losing Your Child? Tips on Preparing For and Making it Through Holiday Parties

11/30/2023

The holidays are upon us. After losing a child everything about the holidays can seem hard. But today I wanted to touch on one specific part of this holiday season - holiday parties. Getting together with family and friends while you’re processing your grief can seem so overwhelming and impossible. So I wanted to bring you some tips you can use to prepare for the party and also some things you can do while you’re there. Remember, our goal is to survive! I pray that these tips will help you be able to survive the parties and get togethers that happen during this time of year. 📄Show Notes: Find all links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.unlockingjoy.com/dreading-get-togethers-after-losing-your-child-tips-on-preparing-for-and-making-it-through-holiday-parties/ ✨Free Resources: Find Your Lifesaver Verse: www.unlockingjoy.com/lifesaver 31 Days of God’s Character Scripture Calendar: https://www.unlockingjoy.com/godscharacter/ 💚Connect With Me: Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com Facebook >> @unlockingjoy Instagram >> @unlockingjoy

Duration:00:15:35

19 | Give Thanks to the Lord, For He is Good: A Walkthrough of Psalm 107

11/22/2023

All holidays are hard after losing a child, and Thanksgiving is no exception. It’s just another reminder that our child isn’t here. So today, I want to help us get through the day by taking you through one of my favorite “Thanksgiving” verses in scripture - Psalm 107. I walk through this portion of scripture verse by verse and relate it to this grief journey that we’re walking. Inside is a promise that is so crucial to us on not just Thanksgiving Day, but every day. 📄Show Notes: Find all links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.unlockingjoy.com/give-thanks-to-the-lord-for-he-is-good-a-walkthrough-of-psalm-107/ ✨Free Resources: Find Your Lifesaver Verse: www.unlockingjoy.com/lifesaver 31 Days of God’s Character Scripture Calendar: https://www.unlockingjoy.com/godscharacter/ 💚Connect With Me: Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com Facebook >> @unlockingjoy Instagram >> @unlockingjoy

Duration:00:12:56

18 | Gratitude and Grief? 5 Ways to Experience Gratitude After Child Loss

11/16/2023

Gratitude and grief. They just don’t seem like they go together. How can we have thankfulness after we’ve lost our child? It seems impossible. While it’s not impossible, it also isn’t easy. It really takes concentrated effort to have gratitude in the middle of your grief. So why even try? What’s the big deal about gratitude? In this episode I tell you why it’s important and I give you 5 ways that you can experience gratitude in the midst of healing after losing your child. 📄Show Notes: Find all links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.unlockingjoy.com/gratitude-and-grief-5-ways-to-experience-gratitude-after-child-loss/ ✨Free Resources: Find Your Lifesaver Verse: www.unlockingjoy.com/lifesaver 31 Days of God’s Character Scripture Calendar: https://www.unlockingjoy.com/godscharacter/ 💚Connect With Me: Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com Facebook >> @unlockingjoy Instagram >> @unlockingjoy

Duration:00:20:20