The Our Hearts Are Home podcast explores the suffering we all experience while living on earth and where God is in the midst of our pain. As podcast guests share their experiences, we can discover new insights into our own situations.
Find comfort and hope, and be challenged to live a life that glorifies God, even while walking the road of grief, suffering, or pain.
Until then...
EPISODE 31 — JESUS’ TEARS — JIM BEARDSLEY
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For those of us who have experienced the pain of child loss, we need to draw near to God now more than ever. However, in the midst of our trauma, God can sometimes feel far away. Questions and confusion naturally arise. If we trusted Him and this horrible event happened, how can we continue to trust Him? Who is this God that allowed this to happen? Does He really care about me? Does it even make a difference? What makes a person cry says a lot about them. We certainly have shed our share of tears while grieving the death of our children. In this session, we will explore the things that brought tears to the eyes of Jesus. By examining these events, we hope to better understand the heart and character of Jesus in a way that will help us embrace His love and trustworthiness and experience His personal presence amidst our sorrow.
EPISODE 30 — GOD’S TENDER MERCIES IN THE DEEPEST OF GRIEF — ERNIE & KAREN RICHARDS
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In this podcast, Ernie and Karen Richards share the story of their son, Levi, and of the grief journey they have walked since his home-going. Levi was a remarkably talented young man who loved Jesus and was loved deeply by his family and friends. In 2016, without warning, he went to Heaven by suicide.
If you are a bereaved parent, we hope you’ll find the words of Ernie and Karen to be a comfort and that you will glean new insights that may be useful in your own journey. And if you are listening today and have not lost a child, this episode will help you better know how to come alongside grieving parents in their greatest time of need.
EPISODE 29 — REMEMBERING OUR CHILDREN DURING THE HOLIDAYS — LAURA HOUSE, MELANIE DESIMONE, EMILY MATUZA, NANCY SULLIVAN
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For grieving parents, holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, can be especially difficult. This podcast airs the audio from a recent webinar that discusses strategies for navigating these special days, and also suggests a host of ideas of how you can honor and remember your loved ones during the holidays. If you've lost someone dear to you, we hope you'll find encouragement and new ideas in this podcast. And if you haven't lost someone, we hope you'll find insights to help equip you to minister to those who have.
EPISODE 28 — LEAH’S LEGACY — MIKE STRALEY
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Today we welcome to the podcast, Mike Straley, a dad, author, and along with his wife Robin, founder of Leah's Legacy. An amazing and talented young woman, Leah suffered from addiction for many years. After she passed, he and Robin started an organization to help women in recovery. Incredibly, a few years after Leah died, they lost their son, Christopher, in a car accident. In the midst of the unfathomable grief of losing both children, Mike can testify to the goodness of God in holding them and strengthening them through the devastating days of grief.
EPISODE 27 — EXPERIENCING GOD’S GOODNESS IN THE MIDST OF MULTIPLIED GRIEF — DAVE & JANET BOXX
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Today’s podcast features a conversation with Dave and Janet Boxx, bereaved parents who have three children in Heaven. Their first child, Cole, was born still, then Bethany and Katie passed after a car accident involving the whole family. As they share the story of their children, they share insights that are helpful to those who are new to this journey. If you are grieving the loss of someone you love, this podcast will encourage you.
EPISODE 26 — GOD’S GRACE IN THE MIDDLE OF UNSPEAKABLE LOSS — EMILY MATUZA
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In today’s episode, Emily Matuza shares her heart about the deep losses of several family members and how the Lord has faithfully held her in her grief journey. She experienced the devastation that suicide brings in the loss of her precious son, Joey. In a short period of time, she also lost her brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and recently, her mother went to Heaven after suffering with Alzheimer's. Through all of the grief, Emily has seen the hand of God working in her life, and felt His sustaining love surrounding her. Emily also offers her thoughts directly to bereaved parents and shares truths learned from her own journey. Her words will encourage you!
EPISODE 25 — LIYA CHRISTIAN MINISTRY — DR. YEVGENIY DOVGALYUK
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In today's podcast, we share a conversation with Dr. Yevgeniy Dovgalyuk, president of Liya Christian Ministry. The ministry was started in memory of his sister, Liya, who went to Heaven at the age of thirteen, after a battle with cancer. The focus of the ministry is to share the Gospel and make disciples through the power of music. As Yevgeniy shares about the work of the ministry in Ukraine, music therapy programs for special needs families, and other areas of ministry, we think you'll be encouraged!
EPISODE 24 - GOD’S FAITHFULNESS AMID GRIEF & RESPITE RETREATS — NANCY GUTHRIE & GABE DEGARMEAUX
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In today’s podcast, speaker and author Nancy Guthrie, and Pastor Gabe deGarmeaux share their stories of child loss. With honesty and transparency, they recount their experiences and testify to the faithfulness of God throughout their grief journeys. They offer words of encouragement to those who are experiencing loss and share a wealth of spiritual insights that they have learned along the way.
If you are a grieving parent, you may especially enjoy the conversation about Respite Retreats — special opportunities to find community and hope with others who are walking the same path of grief.
EPISODE 23 — HOPE FOR THE BROKENHEARTED — LEONARD & AMY BAILEY
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In today’s episode, Leonard and Amy Bailey share the story of their daughter, Ilona, and of her homegoing, just two years ago. They share with honesty and transparency about their grief journey, and offer insights learned through suffering. Prompted by the Lord to use their pain to comfort others as they have been comforted, they founded the Ilona Foundation, a ministry to help other bereaved parents. (theilonafoundation.org)
EPISODE 22 — WHILE WE’RE WAITING — BRAD & JILL SULLIVAN
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On today's podcast, we welcome Brad and Jill Sullivan, co-founders of the While We're Waiting ministry. The conversation is rich and covers a variety of topics. The conversation begins by talking about their daughter, Hannah, and her cancer journey, which took her to Heaven in 2009. Brad and Jill testify to God's faithfulness through grief, and offer such encouragement to those who are grieving. We also spent time talking about the While We're Waiting ministry. If you are a bereaved parent, we hope you'll attend a weekend retreat and find comfort, community, and hope that comes from being with others who are traveling the road of child loss.
EPISODE 21 - GOD IS STILL GOOD - KELLY BROCKMAN & ERIN KETCHEN
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In August of 2022, the unthinkable happened to the family of Kelly Brockman. A deranged neighbor murdered his daughter and granddaughter, and then took the lives of two other people in the neighborhood. In today's podcast, Kelly and his other daughter, Erin Ketchen, join us to share their story. As they recount the events that took Sarah and Kayla to Heaven, you'll be encouraged by the transparency and honesty of the conversation and you will be challenged by the discoveries and truths about God that Kelly and Erin share.
EPISODE 20 - SHATTERED FAITH REBUILT - CAROL BROWN
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On the podcast today, Carol Brown shares some of the insights that she has learned over the past twenty-seven years since her daughter, Jackie, went to Heaven from a car accident. Carol shares wisdom learned through the crucible of suffering. In her comforting and gentle way, she brings encouragement to those who are grieving, and challenges us all to a deeper relationship with God. As she wrestled with her faith after losing Jackie, Carol discovered that her view of God was flawed, and she found a new understanding of who God really is. As you listen in today, you will find so many new insights that you may not have considered, and a fresh realization of God’s love for you.
EPISODE 19 - NAVIGATING SUICIDE LOSS, PART TWO
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Today's podcast is the second of two broadcasts sharing the conversation from a recent webinar. In the webinar, a panel of parents shared their experiences of losing a child by suicide, and shared how the Lord has held them through their grief. If you are a grieving parent, we hope this will bring comfort and hope. And if you have not lost someone by suicide, we hope this will help you better understand this type of loss and equip you to minister to those who are hurting.
Part Two discusses the issue of forgiveness, lament, and finding a way to trust Jesus through suffering.
EPISODE 18 - NAVIGATING SUICIDE LOSS, PART ONE
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Today's podcast is the first of two broadcasts sharing the conversation from a recent webinar. In the webinar, a panel of parents shared their experiences of losing a child by suicide, and shared how the Lord has held them through their grief. If you are a grieving parent, we hope this will bring comfort and hope. And if you have not lost someone by suicide, we hope this will help you better understand this type of loss and equip you to minister to those who are hurting.
Part One discusses the stigma and misconceptions surrounding suicide loss; guilt and regret, and trauma/PTSD
EPISODE 17 - P23 RETREAT — CREATING SPACE FOR PARENTS TO GRIEVE — CINDY SHUFFLEBARGER
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On today's podcast, Cindy Shufflebarger shares the story of her daughter, Ashlynn, and of how God continues to use her story to touch other grieving parents. Several years down the road of grief, Cindy and her husband reflected on what had been instrumental to them in their early days of grief, and realized that the gift of a beach house for a few days alone had been a balm to their souls. The non-profit ministry, P23 Retreat, was born to do the same for other parents who have experienced child loss.
EPISODE 16 — DISCOVERING THE HEART OF GOD THROUGH SUFFERING — BRITTANY LIBERTO
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In today’s podcast, Brittany Liberto shares her daughter’s story. It’s a story of how God has used a tiny baby’s short life on earth to impact many. As Brittany shares her story of Talitha Rose, she provides us with glimpses of God’s heart toward us that she has discovered through suffering. With tenderness and compassion, the Lord carries us through the hardest moments of our lives and never leaves us.
EPISODE 15 — PEACE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORM — NANCY MANOS
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In today's episode, Nancy Manos shares her story of loss and hope after the homegoing of her daughter, Alex. In the deepest sorrow she has ever known, she sought to know if God was who she had always known Him to be. Is God still good, even in devastating loss? Listen in and be encouraged through the testimony of a bereaved mother who can answer that question.
EPISODE 14 — BLINDSIDED BY GRIEF… HELD BY GOD — MARK AND PAT ROSER
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In today’s episode, Mark and Pat Roser share the story of their son, Ethan. After a “freak” accident, Ethan went to Heaven and the Rosers were thrown into a whole new existence. They share their journey, how they learned to lament, and what God has done in their lives. You’ll find comfort, encouragement, and so many insights learned through suffering, and you’ll discover the truth of the deep, deep, love of God for you.
EPISODE 13 — DISCOVERING THE DEPTH OF GOD’S LOVE THROUGH SUFFERING — KIRK & LISA THACKER
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In today's broadcast, we welcome Kirk and Lisa Thacker, Dalton's parents. As you listen to their story of loss and how the Lord has sustained them, you may discover insights into suffering that you have not have considered before. When we go through the darkest valleys of earthly life, it is there that we learn who God is and the depth of His love for us.
EPISODE 12 — IN SEASONS OF SORROW — TIM CHALLIES
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In today’s podcast, pastor, author, blogger, and bereaved father Tim Challies joins us. So many grieving parents are grateful for the honesty and transparency that Tim shares in his writings. And more than anything, Tim challenges his readers to a deeper walk with Christ. Listen in as we talk about the hard questions that surface when we experience suffering. You’ll be encouraged!
EPISODE 11 — TRUSTING GOD WHEN IT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE — CHUCK & LAURA HOLMES
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In this episode, Chuck and Laura Holmes, from Ephraim Ministries, offer insights gleaned from the journey of grief they have walked since their son, Jamie, went to Heaven in a tragic car accident. With honesty and transparency, they share some of the challenges they faced that will resonate with anyone who has suffered a loss. You’ll come away from this podcast with nuggets of truth, new insights about grief, and a deeper understanding of how the Lord will see you through, whatever hardship you encounter.
EPISODE 10 — GRIEF HOPE — KEITH & SHAWNDA FREER
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In today's podcast, Keith and Shawnda Freer share their story of the loss of their daughter, Meghan, and of the Lord's faithfulness throughout their grief journey. With honesty and insight, they offer what they have learned about the character of God. For those who have experienced child loss, and for those who have not, the podcast challenges us to rediscover the truths revealed in scripture, and to trust Jesus amid suffering.
EPISODE 9 — TAT’S PLACE — SCOTT & TRACY BLACKBURN
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Joining the podcast from the Amazon jungle, Scott and Tracy Blackburn share their story of child loss and of God’s faithfulness. If you are a bereaved parent, have you struggled with why God allowed your child to die? Scott and Tracy openly and honestly talk about their grief journey, and help us get a glimpse of God’s goodness and love for us.
So why are they living in the jungle? That’s the story of Tat’s Place. We hope you’ll listen, and believe you’re going to be encouraged!
EPISODE 8 — LEARNING TO LAMENT- MARK VROEGOP
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In this podcast, we present a recorded message from the fall Our Hearts Are Home conference. It is an incredible message that applies to all of us. Pastor Mark Vroegop teaches about the biblical and historic prayer language of lament. When we encounter suffering, lament offers a way to talk to God about our grief. “Lament is a prayer in pain that leads to trust.”
One out of three Psalms are lament, so it seems that churches should give attention to this form of prayer. However, most don’t. Mark talks about this reality, and inspires us to implement lament into our lives and discover the power of knowing how to “turn, complain, ask, and trust.”
EPISODE 7 — BOOKS THAT WILL MAKE AN IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE
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A few times each year, the podcast focuses on reviews of books that are especially useful during a season of suffering. In today’s episode, Carol Brown and Lisa Thacker, both bereaved moms, join us to talk about four books that are full of insights, wisdom, and hope.
EPISODE 6 — THE POWERFUL LOVE OF GOD
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In Episode 6, we are delighted to welcome Molly Huffman to the podcast. She is the author of a remarkable book,The Moon is Round: A True Story of Extraordinary Loss, Grief, and the Fight for Faith. As Molly shares her story of loss and brokenness, she offers hope and truth for all of us experiencing suffering.
As Molly studied those in the Bible who suffered and as she learned to lament, she gained a whole new understanding of the depth of God's love for His children. The powerful insights she has learned through the journey of suffering apply to all of us, as we navigate earthly life.
EPISODE 5 — GOD’S FAITHFULNESS THROUGH THE JOURNEY OF GRIEF
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In Episode 5, Erin Fisher shares her heart with honesty and transparency. As she talks about her sweet son, Brody, who now resides in Heaven, Erin offers hope to those who are grieving deep loss.
Erin is also the Executive Director of ATI, Anti-Trafficking International, and shares information about how others can get involved in their local communities to make a difference.
EPISODE 4 — MILLIE FINDS HER MIRACLE
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In Episode 4, we are delighted to have author Courtney Mount join us to share her story. Courtney is a mom of nine, with one child, Millie, residing in Heaven. As Courtney talks about Millie’s cancer journey and home-going, she gives us a glimpse into her own journey of grief and faith.
EPISODE 3 — RESTING IN HIS PROVISION - LIVING WITH CHRONIC PAIN
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In Episode 3, we welcome Melanie DeSimone back to the podcast to talk about the realities of living with chronic illness and pain. If you also experience this in your life, then you'll be encouraged by what she shares. If you don't live with chronic pain and illness, the episode gives tremendous insights to help us know how to bring care and comfort to those who are walking this difficult road.
EPISODE 2 — A FAITHFUL GOD IN THE MIDST OF CHILD LOSS
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In this episode, Melanie DeSimone shares the story of her sweet son, Dominic, and of the accident that took him to Heaven. Through the deepest pain a mother could ever know, Melanie has experienced the Lord's faithfulness, holding her through the journey of grief.
EPISODE 1 — WELCOME TO THE PODCAST
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This short episode begins with a history of how Our Hearts Are Home was born and what we offer now. We also share about the topics that listeners can expect to hear discussed as they tune in each week. Thanks for listening!