Episode Summary: In this episode, I talk with my friend, Donna Fagerstrom, about how to deal with grief. Donna shares the truths she learned during her own grief journey and in walking with others through the grieving process. We can maintain our hope, because Jesus is our hope, and become an overcomer through the tough times.

Quotables from the episode:

• The gift of mercy is feeling another’s pain as though it were your very own.
• When we grieve or mourn, it attests to the degree we loved someone or something.
• After most every loss, we experience grief.
• The fact that Jesus wept after Lazarus died, knowing He was going to bring him back to life again, modeled the healthy nature and the gift of grief God gave us.
• We need to give ourselves permission to grieve.
• When we stuff our grief, it will end up coming out at another albeit less expected and less appropriate time.
• We don’t grieve like people who don’t know Jesus. Our grief leads to our hope and our hope leads to Jesus. The hope of Heaven is our great comfort.
• Our hope here is temporal, but our hope in Heaven is for all eternity.
• There are so many different ways we have experienced grief, loss, and mourning over the past couple of years.
• Don’t stand in judgment when others grieve…it’s a very individual process.
• The example of the thief on the cross when Jesus died can comfort us when we don’t know where a loved one will spend eternity.
• There’s no right or wrong way to grieve—only the best way for you.
• If you haven’t given yourself permission to grieve, you will just beat yourself up by putting unrealistic expectations on yourself.
• Don’t let others put their expectations on you for how you should grieve or how long it will take. Be gentle and kind with yourself.
• In your grief, seek out those who have the gift of mercy and a willingness to listen. 

Scripture References:

• Jeremiah 31:3 "I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow, says the Lord."
• Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and He saves those who are crushed in spirit."
• Hebrews 13:5 "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

Recommended Resources: 

• Every Mourning by Donna Fagerstrom
• Lifted: Encouragement in Hard Times by Donna Fagerstrom
• Hope in the Mourning Study Bible
• How To Find Hope in the Midst of Grief – Episode 70
• Hope for the Grieving Parent: How to Help a Grieving Friend – Episode 3
• Help for the Grief-Stricken: 3 Anchors that Held Me in Grief
• Hope in Widowhood: How to Help a Grieving Widow – Episode 8
• 15 Tips to Survive Grief
• How To Grieve
• Grieve Well
• How To Help a Grieving Friend
• 5 Encouraging Words for Mothers Who Have Lost a Child
• How To Comfort a Friend Who Has Lost a Child
• Droplets: Poetry for those in Grief by Anne Peterson
• Mental Health Resources for Grief in Adults
• Trusting God Through Cancer 1
• Trusting God Through Cancer 2
• Revive & Thrive Women's Conference
• Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide 
• Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip
• Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
• Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award

Social Media Links for Guest and Host

Connect with Donna Fagerstrom:

Facebook / Instagram

For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:

Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube

Guest:

Born and raised in West Michigan, Donna Fagerstrom was spiritually impacted by Holland Youth for Christ, surrendering her life to God and full-time ministry.  Donna is a gifted writer, communicator, worship leader and women’s disciple-maker. Her alma mater, Cornerstone University, awarded her the Woman of Influence award in 2010. After serving for 49 years in a variety of life-engaging ministries (Local Church; Seminary; Church Planting and Marketplace Chaplaincy), Doug and Donna have retired to write, coach executive leaders and nurture their family. 

Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

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