Ep. 010 | Developing a Theology of Suffering with Abigail Dodds
Held
In this episode of the Held Podcast, I chatted with Abigail Dodds about the importance of developing a theology of suffering. We talked about what a theology of suffering is, how to develop one, and walked through some common thoughts and reactions to miscarriage that cause us to doubt God’s goodness in the face of our suffering.
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Ep. 009 | Receiving Help and Service with Irene Sun
Held
In this episode of the Held Podcast, I chatted with Irene Sun about help and service in the wake of pregnancy loss. Whether you’re wrestling with pride, acutely feeling your need, or experiencing disappointment over the lack of help from your family and community, I pray that Irene’s vulnerable reflections and biblical insights will be a help and a comfort to you.
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Ep. 008 | Pregnancy After Loss with Courtney Reissig
Held
In this episode of the Held Podcast, I chatted with Courtney Reissig about pregnancy after loss. We talked about common struggles and temptations that women face in pregnancy after loss including fear, anxiety, cynicism, blind optimism, triggered grief, and feeling guilt over not enjoying the very thing they’ve hoped for. I hope it this episode will encourage you to run to the Lord with whatever you may be feeling or facing, and find that he is compassionate and trustworthy.
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Ep. 007 | Thinking and Praying through "Trying" After Loss with Gretchen Saffles
Held
In this episode of the Held Podcast, I chatted with Gretchen Saffles about thinking and praying through “trying” after loss. We talked through some general struggles and specific scenerios that may confront a woman as she considers when to “try” or whether or not she and her husband should “try” at all after miscarriage. I hope it will encourage you as you think and pray through this question for your own family.
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To Tell or Not to Tell with Kristen Wetherell
Held
In this episode of the Held Podcast, I chatted with Kristen Wetherell about making the decision to share or not to share about your miscarraige, or how publicly to share if you choose to do so. We talked about everything from reasons people choose not to share, to the benefits of sharing with a choice few or more publicly, to what to do if someone finds out about your loss later and feels offended you didn’t share with them.
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Ep. 005 | Degrees of Grief with Jessalyn Hutto
Held
In this episode of the Held Podcast, I chatted with Jessalyn Hutto about the way we relate to one another based on how long we carried the babies that we lost. Drawing from her own experience with both an early and a later gestational loss, Jessalyn explored the differences and similarities between those two experiences and the numerous other factors that impact the way we grieve.
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Responding to Hurtful Words with Trillia Newbell
Held
In this episode, I chatted with Trillia Newbell about how we can respond biblically to hurtful comments in the wake of loss . We talked about why well intended comments are often so painful, and talked about responses like assuming the best, walking away, and even offering a strong rebuke to uphold God’s truth and protect the next woman. I pray that you would walk away from listening to this episode feeling seen by God and more equipped for your next awkward or painful encounter.
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Guilt, Grief, and Gratitude with Lauren Washer
Held
In this episode, I chatted with Lauren Washer about the complicated interaction between grief, guilt and gratitude. Lauren is well acquainted with grief of many kinds. We talked about the temptation to feel guilt over our grief because it feels like ingratitude and how to biblically navigate living in this tension between weeping and rejoicing, lament and thanksgiving, gladness and grief.
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Holistic Healing with Jessica McDaniel, LPC
Held
In this episode, I chatted with licensed counselor Jessica McDaniel about the interplay between body, mind, and emotions when healing from pregnancy loss. We talked about everything from how the experience of our body impacts our grief, to the way that the body of Jesus displayed his grief, to how to know if you should seek professional help to facilitate healthy healing. I pray that this episode will be an encouragement to you as you consider your own experience of loss and journey through grief.
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An Introduction to the Held Podcast | Ep. 001
Held
In this introductory 10 minute episode, Abbey Wedgeworth introduces herself, briefly shares her own experience with pregnancy loss, chats a bit about the Held book, and tells you what you can expect to find within these episodes.
info_outlineIn this episode, I chatted with my friend Lauren Washer about the complicated interaction between grief, guilt and gratitude. Lauren is well acquainted with grief of many kinds shared with candor about her grief over her miscarriages, the tragic unsolved murder of her brother, and a difficult diagnosis for one of her children at birth. We talked about the temptation to feel guilt over our grief because it feels like ingratitude and how to biblically navigate living in this tension between weeping and rejoicing, lament and thanksgiving, gladness and grief. I pray that this episode will be an encouragement to you as you navigate this tension in the wake of your own loss.
About Lauren Washer:
Lauren is a wife, mom of six, Bible teacher, and writer who lives in Norfolk, Virginia. She enjoys helping women apply the truth of God's Word to every moment, so they will grow to know and love Jesus more. You can find more of her writing and connect with her on Instagram and her blog.
Questions in this Episode:
Would you start off by just telling us a bit about your own experience with miscarriage?
Let’s just start with some of the griefs that you have known and how you have been tempted to feel guilty for feeling sad?
Why else do you think someone who is grieving a miscarriage might feel guilt over feeling sad or the magnitude of their sorrow? I’m curious in particular about how "at least" comments from others can foster that kind of thinking.
What wisdom does God’s word offer us in this place, when we are tempted to think of grief as being a sinful lack of gratitude?
So we have established that we should fight the temptation to suppress our grief because it feels "ungrateful." But what role, if any, should gratitude play in our grief? Is it something we should still seek to cultivate even while we are lamenting?
What has it looked like for you to let joy and sorrow coexist as you walked through your miscarriages? In the loss of your brother? In tough diagnoses for your children?
Practically speaking, what are some things we can do that will help us to hold grief and gratitude, weeping and rejoicing in tension?
Questions for every guest:
What’s one way God has used your experience of miscarriage to work in your heart and life?
If you could encourage a woman to meditate on or memorize any verse or short set of verses in this season, what would it be and why?
Scripture References:
Romans 8
Ecclesiastes 3:1-3
John 11
Philippians 4:11-12
1 Peter 1:3-7
Psalm 18
2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Intro/ Outro Music:
My Soul Will Wait (Psalm 62) [feat. Stacy Lantz], Hilton Head Presbyterian Church
“Held” Book Purchasing Info:
purchasing link (discount code: heldpodcast10 )