Merriam-Webster defines grief as “deep and poignant distress caused by or as if by bereavement; a cause of such suffering.”  If we look at grief from that perspective, it’s pretty clear cut. But what if there’s more to it than this seemingly simple definition?

In this week’s episode, guest Jeannie Ewing helps us explore a broader definition of grief than what we've been taught to believe. For example, how can grief teach us about suffering and strength? How can we hold space for the paradoxical emotions that accompany grief? How can we handle their intensity and unpredictability?

Andrea also gives an update on how she has recently been impacted by a significant loss and shares how she has found peace throughout it all. 

Guest Bio

Jeannie Ewing is a published author with a background in school counseling who writes and speaks about existential ambivalence, giving ourselves permission to be human, and holding space for our tender needs. She can be found on her website, jeannieewing.com or on Substack under I Grow Strong Again.

Links from the show

• The Three Stages of the Spiritual Life - St. John of the Cross’s theology

• Shrine for the Holy Innocents

Scripture Verses

• Psalm 90:15

• Matthew 11:28

Journaling Questions

1. What has your grief taught you about suffering and strength?

2. St. Maria de Mattias said "Let us love the cross very much, for it is there that we discover our life, our true love, and our strength in our greatest difficulties." What is a cross you are carrying that you can apply this to?

3. Has there ever been a time when you felt like there was nothing that could console you? Where did you ultimately find consolation?

4. What is your mourning glory?

Prayer for the souls of those who have come before us: Jean Hart, Willard Hart, Elizabeth Eiserle, Frank Eiserle, Ken Eiserle, Helen Sigley, Mike Sigley, Bryan Froelich, Paul Eiserle, Jackie Eiserle

In Loving Memory of Robert Kapina