What happens when grief collides with faith — and suicide shatters everything you thought you believed? In this candid and raw episode of Grief 2 Growth, Brian sits down with Rachel Powell, widow, author, speaker, and founder of Hope Speaker, to explore the complicated intersection of grief, faith, suicide loss, and hope. After losing her husband André to suicide — and surviving suicide attempts herself — Rachel shares her story with courage, clarity, and compassion. This conversation goes be...

Grief 2 Growth

Brian D. Smith

Grief, Faith, and Suicide Loss: When Belief Is Shaken and Hope Feels Impossible- with Rachel Powell | EP 469

JAN 6, 202675 MIN
Grief 2 Growth

Grief, Faith, and Suicide Loss: When Belief Is Shaken and Hope Feels Impossible- with Rachel Powell | EP 469

JAN 6, 202675 MIN

Description

What happens when grief collides with faith — and suicide shatters everything you thought you believed?In this candid and raw episode of Grief 2 Growth, Brian sits down with Rachel Powell, widow, author, speaker, and founder of Hope Speaker, to explore the complicated intersection of grief, faith, suicide loss, and hope.After losing her husband André to suicide — and surviving suicide attempts herself — Rachel shares her story with courage, clarity, and compassion. This conversation goes beyond platitudes and into the realities many people are afraid to name: church hurt, spiritual abuse, suicidal thinking, and the long road back to hope.This episode is for anyone who has:Lost a loved one to suicideStruggled with faith after lossFelt silenced, blamed, or misunderstood in griefWondered if hope is still possible🧠 In this episode, we discuss:Why suicide is not a failure of love or faithHow grief becomes more complicated when faith communities cause harmThe difference between religion and faith in healingRachel’s concept of the “black box” of suicidal thinkingWhy suicide prevention must include helping people save their own livesHow hope can still grow — even after devastating loss💬 A gentle note to listenersThis episode includes honest discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation. Please listen with care and take breaks as needed.Share your reflections and connect with others at 👉 https://grief2growth.substack.com🔗 Guest ResourcesRachel Powell – Hope Speaker: https://hopespeaker.comChristian Widow Community: https://hopestronghold.comInstagram & Facebook: Hope Speaker / Rachel Powell📝 Helpful Resource from BrianNot sure where you are in your grief? Take the GrieVisit the Grief 2 Growth store for FREE items as well as other tools to help you along your journey:Guided MeditationsMy book GEMS of Healing (signed copy)My Oracle deck to help you connect with your loved onesMini-coursesMini-guidesCheck it out at https://grief2growth.com/store Grief doesn’t follow stages, timelines, or rules.If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing this right?”—you’re not alone.That’s why I created the Grief Check-In. It’s not a test. There are no right or wrong answers. In just a few minutes, you’ll gain clarity, reassurance, and language for what you’re experiencing.👉 Visit grief2growth.com/checkin This deck is a labor of love. It's a 44 card oracle deck that's about connecting you to your loved one in spirit. The deck comes with a companion digital guide that gives you an affirmation, a reflection, and an activity for the day.Check it out at https://stan.store/grief2growth/p/oracle-deckSupport the show🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏻 Join Facebook Group- Get Support and Education 👛 Subscribe to Grief 2 Growth Premium (bonus episodes)📰 Get A Free Gift📅 Book A Complimentary Discovery Call📈 Leave A ReviewThanks so much for your support