S3 E6 Fulfilling Our Loved One’s Wishes with Sue Fairchild

Shownotes

When our loved ones pass away, we can often feel a sense of regret or bargaining. “If I only did this, if I had finished that, they never got to…” these are common feelings when a person passes away, questioning if their time was spent well, or if it was complete. And sometimes we want to preserve their memory by continuing a tradition or legacy to honor them. So the question remains, should we carry out our loved ones' requests? Should we spend time continuing to honor them, and should or when we move on with our lives? 

Guest Bio

Sue A. Fairchild started out as a devout writer, but now also claims the titles of writer, editor, writing coach, and speaker. She has written and self-published three books and her latest novel, Changing Tides, a story about grief and the power of community and God’s love, was released in March 2024 from Elk Lake Publishing Inc. Changing Tides is a finalist for the AWSA Golden Scrolls awards. She is working on her follow-up book Changing Seasons which is set to release later in 2024. When Sue isn’t writing her own stories, she loves working with other Christian authors in their writing journey who have the common goal of sharing God’s message. Sue and her husband live in north central PA with their four-legged furbaby Daisy.

Scripture

• Psalm 146:4 “When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.”

• Ecclesiastes 9:5b “For the living know that they are to die, but the dead no longer know anything. There is no further recompense for them, because all memory of them is lost.”

• Psalm 147:3 “[He heals] the brokenhearted and [binds] up their wounds.”

• Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe [away] every tear and there … shall be no mourning for the old order has passed away.” 

Links

• Sue’s Book: Changing Tides

• Sue’s Instagram Handle: @suefairchildedits

• Sue’s email: sueafairchild74@gmail.com

Journaling Questions

1. What are some ways you have chosen to honor your loved one?

2. Are there any wishes your loved one requested that you have found difficult to actually fulfill? Take some time to reflect on why it may be difficult.

3. Which scripture verse discussed in the episode resonated with you? Try to spend some time with it, perhaps using Lectio Divina.

4. What is your mourning glory?

Prayers for:  Sue’s friend Jill who is grieving the loss of her mother and ongoing health issues.