How do we choose to hold on to God's truth when grief makes it so easy to doubt?
In the second half of my conversation with Dennis and Debbie Jordan, we continue exploring Debbie's book, Grief's Deception: Overcoming the 12 Lies Whispered to a Broken Heart. Dennis and Debbie lost their six-year-old son Ryan to leukemia in 1985, and their nearly 41-year journey has given them a unique perspective on grief, faith, and God's sustaining grace. (If you missed the first episode in this series and would like to listen before proceeding, you can find it HERE).
Today, we examine the remaining six lies, including the belief that we need to make a change, that we'll never be able to forgive, that we must always be strong, and that surviving siblings are somehow more resilient in grief. We also confront two of the most difficult lies of all: that we have no hope, and that nothing good can possibly come from our loss.
Dennis and Debbie share candidly about the impact of grief on their marriage and their surviving son, the importance of allowing ourselves and others to grieve openly, and the ways God has used their story to encourage hurting families around the world.
We also discuss the well-meaning but sometimes hurtful things people say to bereaved parents, and how the simple ministry of presence can be far more meaningful than words.
Ultimately, our conversation brings us to the powerful message of Habakkuk: Even when life looks nothing like we hoped it would, we can still choose to trust God.
We would never have chosen this journey, but we can trust that God is still at work in the midst of it. The lies grief whispers do not have the final word. God's truth does.
Debbie's book: Grief's Deception: Overcoming the 12 Lies Whispered to a Broken Heart — available through online booksellers.
Companion workbook: Find the Grief's Deception workbook — designed for individual reflection or group discussion.
Debbie's podcast: Grief's Deception ... Because Grief Doesn't Tell the Truth — short episodes of biblical encouragement for grieving people.
Connect with Debbie: Instagram or email griefsdeception1985@gmail.com.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! ~Jill
** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.
We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting!
Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parents
Click HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country.
Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel
Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page
Click HERE to follow us on Instagram
Click HERE to follow us on Twitter
Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry
Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org
