Mourning Glory Grief Podcast

Show Notes In this special bonus episode of the Morning Glory Podcast, Jennifer Thomas welcomes back bereavement doula and sociologist Abbey Jorgensen to discuss an upcoming summer book club centered on On Death and Dying by Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. Together, they explore common misconceptions about the “five stages of grief,” the importance of discussing grief in community, and how loss shapes our lives in many ways. The episode closes with personal reflections on faith, hope, and finding beauty even in difficult seasons.Watch the conversation HERE on WCAT TVBook Club DetailsDates: Wednesday June 3rd, June 10th, and June 17thTime: 8:00 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.Register HERE. (Be sure to use the coupon code, mourningglory to receive your discount.)Buy a copy of the book, On Death and Dying HERELinksMourning Glory Podcast S5 E13: Accompaniment in Grief with Dr. Abigail JorgensenHaven Bereavement DoulasJournaling QuestionsHave you ever participated in a virtual book club? If yes, what did you enjoy most? If not, what are you looking forward to?Have you read On Death and Dying by Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross? What intrigues you most about reading this book?Abigail shared that the book “became the ideal model in the western world for grief, like the idea that there are five stages of grief and you knock them off and there you go” Has this been your approach to grief? Take some time to reflect on this and write down your thoughts.What do you hope to get out of reading this book, whether you join the virtual book club or not?What is your mourning glory?What are some topics you would like to hear about here on the Mourning Glory Podcast? Are there people you would like us to have on the show? We’d love to hear your feedback and ideas so be sure to send us an email, mourningglorypodcast@gmail.com. Also, be sure to check out our website where you can find links to all of our episodes, including a link to our brand new private online community on our website at www.mourningglorypodcast.com. God Bless!~ Jennifer

*NOTE: This episode was originally published in Season 2.ShownotesWe talk a lot about grief and loss and suffering on the Mourning Glory Podcast but not just when it relates to death. Sometimes it is the loss of identity we may experience when we become parents or the loss of particular seasons of life. Listen as Jennifer discusses these topics and more, including how we can find the joy in letting go with our guest. Our GuestDanielle Bean is an author, speaker, and host of the podcast. She has ten published books, including , , and . She and her husband Dan have been married 29 years and have eight children.Links from the showwww.DanielleBean.comPrayer for focus from Aleteia Prayer for the repose of the soul of Danielle's former neighbor, LouiseWe hope you enjoy this episode of the Mourning Glory Podcast and share it with others who are on a journey through grief. You can find links to all of our episodes on our website at www.mourningglorypodcast.com. God bless!

Show Notes As we enter the month of May, we recognize that in our Catholic faith, it is a month dedicated to Mary. But it is also a month dedicated to Mental Health and awareness. And while there have been great strides made in terms of helping those who have suffered the loss of a loved one or are in any state of grief and sorrow, there are resources, how can we integrate our faith into our healing? And how can this help us understand that redemptive suffering can help us move forward in our lives? Our GuestMarie is an Arizona native who has called North Texas home since 2006. A cradle Catholic, her faith was shaped through years of Catholic education and the influence of her grandmother, the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, an Irish immigrant priest from her childhood parish, and the Franciscan Friars who led her high school.She was married for 17½ years and is the mother of five children. After the sudden loss of her husband in September 2019, she felt called to walk alongside others in their healing, which led her to earn a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Divine Mercy University graduating in 2023.Today, Marie is the founder of Spes Et Fortitudo Counseling in Colleyville, Texas, where she integrates her faith and clinical training to support those she serves. She loves spending time with her children, close friends, and traveling whenever she can.Connect with Our Guest Spes Et Fortitudo CounselingContact MarieMarie on catholictherapists.comDevotionLiturgy of the HoursScripture“Jesus wept.” (John 11:35)Resources mentioned in this episodeGriefshareStephen MinistriesFocus MinistriesRedbird Ministries S6 E14 Let Yourself Be Loved with Elizabeth LeonS1 E13 Moving Forward with Mark MyersInternational Association of Catholic Mental Health MinistersCatholicPsych.comRoundtable Discussions About Mental Health (USCCB)CatholicTherapists.comAdditional LinksMGP S6 E3 The Lord is Near to the Brokenhearted with Kate LeFaivreDivine Mercy UniversitySt. Francis de Sales quote St. Dymphna S3 E3 A Widow’s Camino: The Road to Healing with Sherry Hayes-PierceS5 E5 New Grief, New Community with Lindsay Machnick Prayer for Marie’s husband, Michael and all those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.Journaling QuestionsIn the beginning of the episode, Marie stated that “God allowed for us to just experience life, although not always easy, but always reminding us of our faith all around us.” What are some instances of your life where you can look back to see that God was present?Marie spoke about the meaning behind the name of her counseling practice, Spes Et Fortitudo, Latin for hope and strength. In thinking about your own times of grief and loss and sorrow, are there places where you found hope and strength through others? How do you deal with changes and adjustments in your life? Have you found helpful tools, prayers, or scriptures that have been helpful?Do you have a supportive faith community or trusted friends or family members with whom you feel safe sharing when you are feeling down or lost?Throughout the episode, Marie and Jennifer spoke about several resources available to help those in need of support. Did any of them speak to you? Take some time to explore each of them to see if one could benefit you.In thinking of your own times of loss or sorrow, where did you find comfort, strength, and support? Have you asked God to be part of your healing journey? Marie and Jennifer discussed the importance of having patience with yourself through your own process of grieving. Is this something that you find difficult? How do you think having more patience with yourself could benefit you personally?What is your morning glory?We hope you enjoy the Mourning Glory Podcast Feel. You can find links to all of our episodes, including a link to our brand new private online community on our website at www.mourningglorypodcast.com. God Bless!

*Click HERE to watch the interview on WCAT TVShownotesWe might often find ourselves going to the rote prayers of the Rosary or even the Divine Mercy Chaplet. While we may think they are separate, are they really so separate in terms of how we think of them? Or is there a way that God can bring us together through both of these prayers? Is there a way that they can, no pun intended, marry each other? In this week’s episode, Jennifer has a conversation with guest, Shane Kapler, to discuss the fact that there is a relationship between the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.Our GuestFor the past 30 years Shane has been involved in evangelism and catechesis within the Archdiocese of St. Louis. He holds an M.A. in Theology with a Specialization in Sacred Scripture. Shane currently serves on the board of the Image of God Institute, an apostolate dedicated to unpacking God’s plan for the human person in the teachings of Popes St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI.He is also the author of several books, including the one we will be discussing today, Marrying the Rosary to the Divine Mercy Chaplet (2016). He has been featured on EWTN's The Journey Home, is a frequent guest of Catholic radio, and contributes articles to a number of websites, including Catholic Exchange and Epic Pew. Shane also holds an M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology and is engaged in clinical practice.Connect with Our GuestWebsite: Explaining Christianity.comContact ShaneLinksShane’s booksMarrying the Rosary to the Divine Mercy ChapletThe Biblical Roots of Marian Consecration: Devotion to the Immaculate Heart in Light of Scripture (2022), James: Jewish Roots, Catholic Fruits (2021)The Epistle to the Hebrews and the Seven Core Beliefs of Catholics (2016)Through, With, and In Him: The Prayer Life of Jesus and How to Make It Our Own (2014)The God Who is Love: Explaining Christianity From Its Center (2009)Tending the Temple: 365 Days of Spiritual and Physical Devotions (co-author; 2011)Lectio DivinaSt. Thomas Aquinas and the Divine Mercy ChapletSt. FaustinaPrayer for the repose of the soul of Daniel Kapler, Shane’s dad and for Lori Wright, Jennifer’s aunt.Journaling QuestionsDo you have a normal prayer routine? What does it look like? Could it use a reset? Take some time to reflect on this.How often do you pray the Rosary?What are your thoughts on the fact that there are so many similarities between the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet? Did you ever think about the fact that there could be a relationship between them?Have you ever tried Lectio Divina, the practice of taking a particular verse on scripture and mediating on it? If not, try it practicing the prayerIn talking about the best time to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet being three o’clock, Shane brought up the point that “it’s three o’clock somewhere.” Does that give you encouragement to pray it more frequently, regardless of what time it might be where you are? Why or why not?What is your biggest takeaway from this episode?What is your mourning glory?We hope you enjoy this episode of the Mourning Glory Podcast and share it with others who are on a journey through grief. You can find links to all of our episodes, including a link to our brand new private online community on our website at www.mourningglorypodcast.com. God Bless!

**Trigger Warning: This episode may be sensitive to some listeners and viewers, as it discusses the topic of domestic abuse. Listener and viewer discretion is advised.***Disclaimer: If you are a victim of domestic violence or domestic abuse seeking information or assistance or know someone who is, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). You can also text the word “START” to 88788.Show Notes In previous episodes, we’ve explored a variety of stories that have shared the different ways we can grieve and the different types of losses we may experience. However, some experiences with grief and loss can prove far more complex, especially when someone is dealing with grief and loss while still in the presence of the person or even in a relationship. How can one both move through the unique type of grief associated with domestic abuse? Is it possible to heal from it and become whole? In this episode, Jennifer has a conversation about a topic that may be difficult to hear or watch. Tune in to this candid interview with our guest, Jenny duBay, as she courageously shares about a topic near and dear to her heart to help others know they are not alone. Our GuestJenny duBay writes historical fiction inspired by the lives of medieval mystics - women who walked through chaos, suffering, and spiritual fire, and emerged with a grace that still speaks across centuries. Their courage became a lifeline in her own healing journey. Now she tells their stories, weaving history with themes of resilience, beauty, and the search for truth, so they can inspire others the way they inspired me.In addition to her fiction, she also writes non-fiction for women navigating betrayal, trauma, or spiritual wounds—not with formulas or platitudes, but with honesty, clarity, and the reminder that they are not alone.Connect with Our Guest www.jennydubay.comContact Jenny duBay FacebookSubstackSaint Quotes“All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well.” - Julian of Norwich"I am she who is not; God is the One Who is.” - St. Catherine of SienaScriptureRevelation. 21:5“Ask and ye shall receive.” Luke 11:9“[I] can do all things through [Christ] who strengthens [me].” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)Psalm 55: A Lament over Betrayal"Blessed are You, O God, with every pure blessing ... Blessed are You because You have made me glad. It has not turned out as I expected, but You have dealt with us according to Your great mercy" (Tobit 8:15-16).LinksCognitive Dissonance/DistortionHope’s GardenDon’t Plant Your Seeds Among Thorns: A Catholic’s Guide to Recognizing and Healing from Domestic Abuse“When I Call for Help: A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence Against WomenWorld Between Worlds: A Novel Based on the Early Life of Caterina, the Mystic of Siena Prayer for the repose of the soul of Kendall Jones, Jenny’s brother-in-law; all the ladies of the Hope’s Garden Community and all victims of domestic abuseJournaling QuestionsWhat part of Jenny’s story touched you most? Were there parts that you related to more than others?Jenny quoted two very powerful and influential saints, Saint Julian of Norwich and St. Catherine of Siena. Which of the two resonated most with you? Jennifer and Jenny touched on the topic of “cognitive dissonance” or “cognitive distortion. Are there instances in your life, whether related to abuse or not, when you have experienced this? What were the circumstances? Has there been any resolution?Jenny spoke of the many different types of abuse and the fact that with domestic abuse, it is a pattern of behavior. How does this change the way you view domestic abuse?Of the scripture verses mentioned and discussed in this episode, which one struck you most and why?What changed, if anything, about your view of domestic violence after listening to this episode?What is your mourning glory?.

Show Notes When tragedy strikes a person or a family, a normal reaction is to feel overwhelmed. Consumed by grief, sorrow, even worry. But what happens when tragedy after tragedy emerges? How can we come to a place of feeling like God isn’t punishing us? How can we handle it when God gives us more than one Cross to carry? When will this end? In this episode, Andrea interviews her friend, Denise Johnson, who shares the trials of navigating multiple medical diagnoses in her children and how she chooses to carry each cross with great faithOur GuestDenise Johnson has navigated the medical complexities of a daughter’s survival of terminal brain cancer, three children living with hemophilia as well as a son with epilepsy. By focusing on the peace of Christ, rather than the weight of a diagnosis, she has fostered an environment where her children lead active, service-oriented lives. Currently, Denise is developing new scriptural Rosary and Sunday Mass guides for all ages aimed at helping 21st century families connect more deeply with the mysteries of the faith.LinksPassion of the ChristLiving on a PrayerIt’s My LifePrayer for the souls of John and Minnie Imvelise, Ray and Helen Kalsinski, Jack and Jackie Farrell, and Harold and Arlene Johnson.Journaling QuestionsAndrea and Denise talk about being Peters and Johns. Which one do you think you align with more? As discussed in the interview, one day we will all meet Jesus at the tomb. What are you doing right now to help you as you prepare to know Jesus in your daily life? Through the struggle? Through the joy?How can a mindset be important when dealing with difficult life issues? Reflect on Denise’s experience and how she has leaned toward God in the many hurdles. How can her story be a consolation for your own story? Andrea admitted she admired Denise's faithwalk and relied on her experience to help her with her own mother’s cancer. Is there someone who has been a great role model to help you carry those difficult battles? How can you also serve as a mentor to someone else? What is your mourning glory?Are you new to the podcast? We’d love to hear your feedback. Send an email to mourningglorypodcast@gmail.com. Also, we would greatly appreciate it if you would subscribe to our show and rate us on your favorite podcast platform. This helps us continue to reach others so they know they are not alone on their journey. You can also follow us on Facebook or check out our website, www.mourningglorypodcast.com where you’ll find links to all of our episodes with shownotes, links to our private online community hosted by Mighty Networks, resources, and more. God bless!

Show Notes It can be difficult when you are in the midst of deep grief and sorrow to feel like you will ever find joy again. From special moments shared with loved ones who have now left us to the simple joy of their presence in our everyday lives, it can become overwhelming. How can we not only have faith and trust that we will experience joy again but that our joy will return greater than ever after deep sorrow?Join Andrea and Jennifer as they discuss this topic with Kelly Guest in this truly beautiful episode.Guest BioKelly Guest is a wife and the mother of ten children, one of whom is in heaven. Working for the Catholic Church for over 30 years, she has been a religious sister, teacher, youth minister, DRE, and is now the Director of Family Faith Formation at her church. She is the author of "Saintly Moms: 25 Stories of Holiness" and blogs at nun2nine.com.Connect with Our Guestnun2nine.comScriptureJohn 16:22 Nehemiah 8:10 James 1:5 LinksSaintly Moms: 25 Stories of HolinessSt. Elizabeth Ann SetonThe National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann SetonPrayer for the souls of Kelly’s parents*, Richard Louis Hauf and Katherine "Cookie" Hauf; also for Kelly and her siblings.*Special note: Since the recording of this episode, Kelly sadly lost her mom, “Cookie”. We send our deepest condolences to Kelly and her family as we pray for the repose of the souls of both of her parents.Journaling QuestionsKelly shared about how she used to seek her dad’s feedback in her writing and that it is something she deeply missed after his passing. What are some special moments or memories you shared with your loved one who has passed?Andrea asked Kelly what some of the joys are that she is starting to feel right now. What are some joys you feel in our life in this present moment?What are some things that make you happy, even small things that you can do now to bring a little more joy into your day? In talking about St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Andrea brought up how at some point in her life, St. Elizabeth came to a place of acceptance and found the strength to persevere through her pain. Have you been able to “sit in a place of ‘it just is what it is’” as Andrea mentioned? Is this something you currently struggle with in your own journey?Have you ever had any times in your life when you found it difficult to trust God because you were in a season of darkness? What helped bring you out of it? What is your relationship like in terms of trusting God now? It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and allow that to affect our prayer lives. How do you feel about your prayer life right now? Take some time to explore that.When was the last time you took time to rest, to really withdraw in silence for God to meet you where you are?What is your mourning glory?Are you new to the podcast? We’d love to hear your feedback. Send an email to mourningglorypodcast@gmail.com. Also, we would greatly appreciate it if you would subscribe to our show and rate us on your favorite podcast platform. This helps us continue to reach others so they know they are not alone on their journey. You can also follow us on Facebook or check out our website, www.mourningglorypodcast.com where you’ll find links to all of our episodes with shownotes, links to our private online community hosted by Mighty Networks, resources, and more. ~God bless!

Show Notes As we prepare to enter into the season of Lent, we can often become bogged down by the penitential nature of it. And while we talk a lot about grief, suffering, and loss on the show, we thought we’d take a different approach in this episode and focus on joy. Can joy and sorrow coexist? Is it possible to experience joy while we’re in the midst of sorrow? Join us as we explore The Mystery of Joy with Dr. Peter Kreeft in this week’s episode. Our GuestDr. Peter Kreeft is a professor of philosophy at Boston College and is one of the most respected and prolific Christian authors of our time. His books cover a vast array of topics in spirituality, theology, and philosophy. They include Doors in the Walls of the World, The Greatest Philosopher Who Ever Lived, How to be Holy, Because God is Real, You can Understand the Bible, and Summa of the Summa. His most recent book, The Mystery of Joy, draws from the wisdom of C. S. Lewis and Saint Thomas Aquinas and is sure to become an instant classic by self-proclaimed curmudgeon Peter Kreeft as he walks readers through the long, beautiful task of surrendering to deep joy, the chief work of any life worth living.Scripture​Matthew 5:3-11 (The Beatitudes)​“‘Behold, I make all things new’”. Revelation 21:5 Links​The Mystery of Joy by Peter Kreeft​Love is Stronger than Death by Peter Kreeft​Book review: Love is Stronger than Death​“Jesus, I trust in you” (from the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Diary of St. Faustina Kowalska, 1319)​Cognitive dissonance​Surrender Novena​www.peterkreeft.comPrayer for Mary Kreeft, Dr. Kreeft’s wife. Journaling Questions​Dr. Kreeft pointed out that most impoverished countries experience more joy than developed countries. What does this tell us about where true joy comes from? ​Why have modern societies fed us a lie about what produces joy? ​Dr. Kreeft shares how joy and suffering can exist. In what ways can we find joy despite the trials?​What have been some roadblocks in your life to joy? How are you blocking joy from being a part of your life?​How can Mary be your “cause of joy”? We hope you enjoy this episode of the Mourning Glory Podcast and share it with others who are on a journey through grief. You can find links to all of our episodes including a link to our brand new private online community on our website at www.mourningglorypodcast.com. God bless!

Show Notes When we lose someone, it can be easy to fall into the comparison trap, as we’ve mentioned in previous episodes. From the timelines of going through the emotions associated with grief to even how we seek help and who we seek help from. Yet even with the belief and acceptance of God’s goodness and perfect plan for us and for our departed loved ones, we may find it difficult ourselves to recognize the depths of our own suffering, preventing us from beginning the process of healing. Where can we turn when we find ourselves in situations in which we recognize we need healing? And how can our own journey towards healing lead us to help others heal? Guest BioKate LeFaivre is a certified CatholicPsych mentor partner and the founder of Mosaic Mentorship. Widowed with eight children after twenty-one years of marriage, Kate walks with other widows and those who have experienced loss as a faith-rooted companion offering the hope that healing is possible. Kate is now married with four additional step-sons.Scripture​“The Lord Is Near To The Broken-Hearted, And Saves The Crushed In Spirit.” -Psalm 34:18​Matthew 5:12 ​Sirach 35:18Inspirational Quote“Your tears were collected by the angels and were placed in a golden chalice, and you will find them when you present yourself before God.” - St. Padre Pio of PietrelcinaLinks​KateLeFaivre.com​CatholicPsych.com/kate-lefaivre, ​LinkedIn Kate LeFaivre​FB Kate LeFaivre​Substack Kate LeFaivre ​IG @kate.h.lefaivre​Kintsugi Prayer for Mary, Tom, Turin, Jim LeFaivre, Jim TierneyJournaling Questions​Kate mentioned her husband talked about death a lot and she spoke about the fact that she wondered if he knew the end of his earthly life was coming soon. Have you had an experience like that? What was it that led you to believe your loved one knew?​Jennifer spoke about the concept of a “last hurrah”, the idea that someone has a burst of energy just before death as a blessing for those who will be left behind. Looking back on your own experience, do you feel like you experienced this? What was that like?​How does our faith give us hope for second chances? ​Are there situations holding you back from trusting God's plan for you? What’s holding you back from trusting God? ​Kate spoke about a time when she was unexpectedly triggered. Have you experienced that before? How did you cope with it?​How do you respond when someone asks you to share your story of loss? Are you hesitant to share? ​How has your faith been impacted by your loss?​Kate shared a verse from the bible that has been comforting to her, Psalm 34:18. What are some scripture verses that have brought you comfort? If you don’t have one, take some time to sit with Psalm 34:18 to see if it resonates with you and, perhaps, journal about it.If you are new to the podcast, to sure to follow us on instagram or facebook @mourningglorypodcast or check out our website, www.mourningglorypodcast.com where you’ll find links to all of our episodes with shownotes, links to resources like books and articles, even prayers. We’d also love for you to check out our private online community, which you’ll find linked on our website.

Show Notes In the premier episode of Season 6, Jennifer and Andrea provide an update on how they did with their respective words of the year from last year before sharing their words for 2026. Quotes​“The origins of true courage are always found in humility and surrender.” Alexandria DeSanctis (Evangelization Culture, issue #22) ​“Courage, courage, my daughters. Remember that God does not give anyone more trials than can be suffered and that his majesty is with the afflicted. For this is certain; there is no reason to fear but to hope in his mercy. He will reveal the whole truth; and some machinations, which the devil kept hidden so as to create a disturbance, will be made known.” St. Teresa of Avila​“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear—not absence of fear.” Mark TwainPrayer​Unity Prayer - Elizabeth KindlemanMy adorable Jesus, may our feet journey together. May our hands gather in unity, may our hearts be in unison, may our souls be in harmony. May our thoughts be as one. May our ears listen to the silence together. May our glances profoundly penetrate each other. May our lips speak to pray to the eternal father.Scripture​Luke 21:19​Romans 5:3-4​1 Corinthians 13:1-13​John 15:4​Luke 10:38-42 (Martha and Mary)​Book of Songs (Song of Songs)​1 John 4:7Links​Flame of Love​Sarah Kroger, Belovedness​Deacon Joe book ​Diary of St. FaustinaPrayer for all of our listeners and the souls who have gone before us.Journaling Questions​If you had a word of the year last year, how did it go? And if not, what is a word that you feel sums up how God formed 2025 for you?​Have you discerned a word for 2026? If you are still discerning, where do you feel God is guiding you? ​How do you see your word stretching you and helping you become all that God wants you to be? What's exciting about this? What's scary? ​Think of some bible references that may help you in 2026. How can your word of the year apply to these verses?​In what way has your grief helped shape your word of the year? ​If you have followed along with a word of the year in the past, how has this built off of previous years? What can you see taking shape in the path that God has laid out for you?

ShownotesWhen we lose a loved one, we can often feel like we’ve lost a piece of ourselves. We might even feel like we’ve lost our identity because so much of who we were was tied to our loved one, whether it was as a wife, a mother, son, or daughter. How can we begin to figure out who we are without that person in our lives and, more importantly, who we are in God’s eyes? Our GuestDr. Jerry Woodbridge is a Christian author, grief advocate, and educator with over 40 years of classroom experience. After losing her husband unexpectedly, she began writing faith-based books to help children and families navigate grief—including Joy Overcame Sorrow, a touching children’s story told from a 10-year-old’s perspective, and Joy’s Journal, a companion guide for emotional healing. Jerry blends personal insight, educational expertise, and deep faith to support grieving families in rediscovering joy.Dr. Woodbridge’s Social Media Links​Website: drjerrylwoodbridge.com ​Blog: https://jerrylwoodbridge.blog/ ​Amazon Author Page​LinkedIn: Dr. Jerry Woodbridge​Facebook: facebook.com/jerry.woodbridge.7​Instagram: @jerrywoodbridge7​YouTube: @jerrywoodbridge1749Links​Parenting Teens: Advice Redefined for Today's Complex World: "Navigating Teen Grief When Parents Grieve" with Dr. Jerry Woodbridge​Widowed 2 Soon; Advice on Faith, Mental Health, and Dating Again: 183-Caring for Widows and Children: With Dr. Jerry Woodbridge on Grief Resources​Saved & Strong Podcast: Joy Overcame Sorrow with Dr. Jerry Woodbridge​God Attachment Healing: Finding Joy Amid Loss: A Christian Perspective on Grief w/ Dr. Jerri Woodbridge​Joy Overcame Sorrow Book Trailer Scripture​Psalm 10:14 (Scripture about the fatherless)​Isaiah 25:8 He will swallow up death forever. The sovereign Lord will wipe away tears from all faces…​Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed away.Prayer for the soul of Jerry’s husband , David WoodbridgeJournaling Questions​What struck you most about Jerry’s story? ​If you have lost a loved one, whether it is a parent, son, sibling, or someone else, how do you think the book, Joy Overcame Sorrow can help on your journey of healing?​Is there someone in your life who you think could benefit from sharing this book? What is it that compels you to share it?​At the end of the interview, Jerry shares the last part of the book, Joy Overcame Sorrow. How did her words make you feel? Take some time to think about it and perhaps journal about it. ​What is your mourning glory?If you are new to the podcast, to be sure to follow us on Instagram or Facebook @mourningglorypodcast or check out our website, www.mourningglorypodcast.com where you’ll find links to all of our episodes with shownotes, links to resources like books and articles, even prayers. We’d also love for you to check out our private online community, which you’ll find linked on our website.

ShownotesIn this week’s episode, Andrea and Jennifer reflect on the impact grief can have on the holidays and share some tips inspired by St. Francis of Assisi’s Prayer for Peace.Tips ​Let go of expectations ​Be present for what is vs. what isn't​Be patient with yourself​Do something for someone else​Let go of fear ​Forgive​Give thanks ​Be steadfast and courageous​Have hope ​Be joyful ​Pray St. Francis of Assisi’s Prayer for PeaceLord, make me an instrument of your peace:where there is hatred, let me sow love;where there is injury, pardon;where there is doubt, faith;where there is despair, hope;where there is darkness, light;where there is sadness, joy.O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seekto be consoled as to console,to be understood as to understand,to be loved as to love.For it is in giving that we receive,it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.Scripture​Psalm 55:22 ​John 15:4 ​Revelations 21:3 ​1 Corinthians 13:4​Proverbs 28:13 ​1 Thessalonians 5:18 ​1 Corinthians 15:58​Isaiah 40:31 ​Revelations 21:4 ​Nehemiah 8:10 Links​Prayer to St. Francis of Assisi (Prayer for Peace​Quote from C.S. Lewis about fear​Footprints prayer​St. Thérèse of Lisieux Relics Tour◦Jennifer's blog post about her Mourning GloryPrayer for all who are missing loved ones this holiday season and even in the normal every moments Journaling Questions​Which part of the St. Francis of Assisi Prayer for Peace resonated with you most? Is there a particular line of the prayer you find yourself pondering more than others? Ponder it.​Andrea and Jennifer both spoke of the need to let go of expectations. What are some expectations you have been holding on to and why?​Have you ever found yourself “running past a verse,” as Andrea shared? Maybe not even a verse but simply going through the motions of rote prayer instead of taking the time to actually reflect on what God might be trying to communicate with you? Take some time to discern why you may feel compelled to do that.​Andrea shared a quote from C.S. Lewis about the connection between grief and fear. What are some of the fears you associate most with your grief? How can you turn those fears over to the Lord and surrender them to Him?​When was the last time you went to confession? What might be holding you back from going? ​Is there an area of your life where you see hope or where you feel like there is still hope? Take some time to explore that. ​What is your mourning glory? We hope you enjoy this episode of the Mourning Glory Podcast and share it with others who are on a journey through grief. You can find links to all of our episodes including a link to our brand new private online community on our website at www.mourningglorypodcast.com. God Bless!

ShownotesFor the longest time, Jennifer thought purgatory was a place of limbo. Somewhere you went after you died and it was there that God determined whether or not you went to Heaven. She thought if you went to purgatory, you could still go to Hell. Thanks to learning more about the Catholic faith and, more specifically purgatory, Jennifer has come to realize this is not true. But it raises questions: If your soul does go to purgatory, how does it get out? Is there something specific one must do in order to get to heaven? Are there any saints or prayers that can help us or, more importantly, help our loved ones make the leap from purgatory to Heaven? In this week’s episode, Andrea and Jennifer have a conversation with guest Dana Nygaard about this and more.Our GuestDana is a Catholic Licensed Professional Counselor, who has a devotion to St. Gertrude the Great. Especially after the death of her Father Bennie, she found great consolation in St. Gertrude’s prayers. Scripture​⁠2 Maccabees 12:44-45⁠​⁠Psalm 46:08⁠​⁠1 Corinthians 3: 11-13 ⁠Biographies of St. Gertrude the Great ​Catholic Culture Bio of St. Gertrude ​Given Institute Bio of St. Gertrude ​Sacred Heart: St. Gertrude the Great Links on Purgatory ​Descriptive and clear bible passages about Purgatory (National Catholic Register)​St. Gertrude bringing comfort and joy (TheDivineMercy.org) Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great for the Souls in Purgatory ​Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.Prayer for the souls of Fr. Richard Hart, a former priest of Jennifer's.Journaling Questions​Dana talks about Holy Spirit goose bumps and how she knows He is working in our lives. Have there been times where you have felt Holy Spirit goosebumps? What peaceful encounter did you experience?​Like St. Gertrude, how does God use our talents and gifts to glorify him? In what times do we need to withdraw from those gifts so that we can focus on Him? ​Who is someone in your life right now that needs prayer? ​Think of opportunities throughout the day to ask the souls of purgatory to intercede. How can this be a gift for the faithfully departed? ​How can you make the prayer of St. Gertrude a regular part of your prayers in November? We hope you enjoy this episode of the Mourning Glory Podcast and share it with others who are on a journey through grief. You can find links to all of our episodes including a link to our brand new private online community on our website at www.mourningglorypodcast.com. God Bless!