Mourning Glory Grief Podcast

Show Notes Nothing can prepare anyone for the loss of a loved one. As we continue to learn through the many stories we’ve heard here on the Mourning Glory Podcast, each loss is unique to each individual. But when a parent loses a child, it carries its own unique sense of loss for the parents and other family members. Where can people turn to find comfort, hope, and healing when grieving the loss of a child? Jennifer explores this and more with guest Elizabeth Leon, the Director of Family Support for Red Bird Ministries.Our GuestElizabeth Leon is the Director of Family Support for Red Bird Ministries, a Catholic grief support ministry for families of child loss. Red Bird Ministries accompanies individuals and couples through the complexity and trauma that happens with the loss of a child through miscarriage and stillbirth or as an infant, child, adolescent, or adult. They also serve families who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide and offer sibling support for children ages 2018.  Elizabeth is the founder of the Journey of the Beloved, a ministry that inspires and equips others to find healing and freedom in Christ, a mission that was birthed after the death of her son in 2018. Connect with Our Guest Contact Elizabethletyourselfbeloved.orgScriptureMark 25:21-34 (The hemorrhaging woman)Psalm 34:19 (“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted)Psalm 13:2 (“How long, Lord…”)Psalm 88 (Also referred to sometimes as The Darkest Psalm)Psalm 6:7 - (“all night long I drench my bed with tears”) Psalm 13DevotionsOur Lady of SorrowsLinksRed Bird MinistriesS1 E13 Moving Forward with Mark Myers S6 E14 Permission to Grieve with Andrea and JenniferElizabeth’s book, Let Yourself Be LovedRed Bird Flies (song mentioned by Elizabeth)Prayer for Red Bird Ministries and the families they serve and Elise.Journaling QuestionsIn your own journey with loss, how long do you feel like you were deep “in the trenches of grief”, as Elizabeth shared? Have you found any resources or sources of comfort?Where is a safe space you feel like you can grieve? If you have yet to find it, Have you ever struggled with your relationship with God in terms of “why” or did you, like Elizabeth, struggle with the “how”?Do you feel comfortable sharing everything with God? Why or why not?How do you express your emotions with others in times of need? Have you shared them with God?Have you ever worried that those around you couldn’t handle all of the emotions that you want to share? Take some time to explore why or why not.Elizabeth and Jennifer spent a lot of time talking about the Psalms. Did any of them resonate with you? Why or why not?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!

*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!

ShownotesIn this episode, host Jennifer Thomas and Johanna Stamps have a conversation about the ways in which grief can unite us. Johanna shares about a recent loss and how she has been moving forward with a different perspective as a grief coach who is also grieving by sharing the three L's she mentioned in a recent newsletter:First L: Let the tears flowSecond L: ListenThird L: Look for opportunities to commemorateOur GuestJohanna is a writer, author, retreat facilitator and coach.  She is a featured contributor on  Her View From Home and Catholic Mom.  Johanna coaches her clients using traditional ICF coaching and the Grief Recovery Method. She is a certified Advanced GRM Specialist and is a Certified Professional Life Coach.  You can sign up to receive her weekly Reflections & Inspirations where she speaks transparently about her own losses and the themes she’s encountering every week.  Currently her multigenerational household is hatching beach plans to their favorite secret beaches in Virginia.Connect with Our Guest Website: Positive Doing CoachEmail Johanna: [email protected] Memorial Stone (mentioned by Jennifer)Prayer for the repose of the souls of Johanna’s aunt Jan and Jennifer’s aunt Lori.Journaling QuestionsIn the beginning of the interview, Jennifer and Johanna talk about the importance of leaning into our grief. Have you found that to be difficult and uncomfortable? What do you think could help you be able to allow yourself to feel the emotions associated with your own grief?Johanna stressed the importance of taking the time to process your grief and creating a space where you feel comfortable to process everything. What is a space you could create to allow this to happen?Do you struggle with stillness and silence? Take some time to think about what it is that makes it a struggle for you and write about it, whatever comes to mind. Or, share your thoughts with a trusted friend.How can you implement the three “L’s”(Let the tears flow; Listen; and Look for opportunities to commemorate) into your grieving process. Do you find yourself having trouble with these? If so, take some time to discern if this could be helpful for you.What are some tools you’ve used to help you in your grief or sorrow?If you have found yourself avoiding your own grief, take some time to explore why.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?.

Special Note: As you know, we typically record our episodes in advance. This episode was recorded at the beginning of 2026 so you’ll hear a lot about being in a new year with focus on new beginnings. And while we are already well into Lent, Jodi Snowdon’s message is powerful no matter what season we find ourselves in. We hope you enjoy this episode. ***ShownotesWe’re in a New Year, new year’s resolutions, a time for transformation and often in grief, we have mixed feelings. On one end, it's a fresh start, an opportunity to look to change, but on the other end, we move  into uncharted waters and the grief and heartbreak follow with us. We ask those simple questions.  God, it's supposed to be a new year. Why do I still feel miserable? Why hasn’t this pain ended? How much longer do I need to stay in this space? But this is also where God meets us and the true transformation begins.  In this episode, we are going to talk about why not one moment of suffering is wasted and how each of these moments can actually turn us into who God wants us to be. Our GuestJodi Snowdon is an author, podcaster, and speaker who helps women grow deeper in their faith and stronger in their relationships. Through God's strength, she emerged from miscarriage, divorce, and losing a dear friend to cancer to help women everywhere experience hope, joy, and purpose through life’s unexpected storms. She is raising two sons (one in college and one adulting) in Southern California and would love to connect with you on her website, jodisnowdon.com or on Instagram @jodi.snowdonScripturePsalm 34:18-19John 14:272 Cor 1:3-4Jeremiah 17:7-8Psalm 1:3LinksAngel Oak TreeKinstugiMichelangelo’s Pietà statue“Praise You in the Storm” by Casting Crowns“Glory Baby” by WatermarkGrieving the Child I Never Knew: A Devotional for Comfort in the Loss of Your Unborn or Newly Born Child by Kathe WunnenbergHope in the Dark by Craig Grischell Prayer for the soul of Jodi’s mom with Dementia Journaling QuestionsJodi uses the analogy of a cracked pot to describe brokenness but also that it can be glued together. In what areas do you feel the brokenness but also see how God is slowly mending you back together? Reflect on Jodi’s acronym for STRENGTH. Which of these are you working on right now? Which of these might be challenging for you?Where do you see God inviting you to plant roots?Seek God and invite Him into your pain.Tearfully allow yourself time to grieve and process the emotions.Replace your finite view with God’s infinite perspective.Embrace God’s character development in the midst of the chaos.Never lose sight of God’s grace.Give praise to God even as your heart breaks.Trust God is good when your mind is doubting, and you don’t understand.Honestly share your story and help another hurting heart.How does Jodi’s story remind us that God will repair our brokenness? Where is he calling you right now to use this newfound knowledge? 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!