Podcast

Surprised by Grief

Surprised by Hope

Hope persists in the face of death, but it may not show up where you expect it.

After the death of a loved one, we often feel compelled to say something. But, what to say? Lacking rich words of consolation, we fall back on platitudes, motivational quotes, and spiritual soundbytes only to discover our words ring hollow. Nothing, it seems, lessens the pain.

In this episode, Christianity Today’s editor-in-chief Daniel Harrell and author Clarissa Moll discuss how we can deliver hope that actually helps in the face of heartbreaking loss. Daniel and Clarissa talk about why acknowledging mystery brings comfort and how grief shifts as time passes. They share their own wrestling with faith in grief and how after loss, love infuses our lives with hope.

If you’re wondering how to walk with a loved one experiencing loss, this conversation will offer you practical insights for becoming a companion in sorrow. If you’re grieving, you’ll find understanding and encouragement as you press forward into your new life. Pat and Tammy McLeod, Harvard Cru chaplains and authors of Hit Hard: One Family’s Journey of Letting Go of What Was – and Learning to Live Well with What Is, share their story of ambiguous loss and their 12-year journey to discover hope in the midst of tragedy.

Surprised by Grief is a production of Christianity Today.

Produced by Mike Cosper

Written by Daniel Harrell and Clarissa Moll

Edited and mixed by Mark Owens

Music by The Porters Gate

Our Latest

The Bulletin

Nuclear Treaty Expires, Assisted Suicide in NY, and Gender Obsessed-Culture

Mike Cosper, Russell Moore

A Cold war-era treaty between US and Russia expires, New York legalizes assisted suicide, and the ways we overthink gender.

Review

Dissent Does Not Division Make

Three books on art and culture to read this month.

CT Reports from Nixon’s Trip to Communist China

In 1972, American evangelicals were concerned about religious liberty around the world and moral decline at home.

Do Singles Really Have More Time for Ministry?

Danielle Treweek

The married and the unmarried both should be concerned with the Lord’s affairs.

20 Black Leaders Who Inspired the Church

Compiled by Haleluya Hadero and Sho Baraka

African American Christians reflect on Rebecca Protten, Vernon Johns, and other thinkers who influenced their faith. 

The Just Life with Benjamin Watson

Leah Rothstein: Uncovering the Unconstitutional History of Our Cities

Acknowledging that history matters for pursuing justice today.

30 Lessons from 30 Years of Marriage

After three decades of love, sacrifice, and lessons learned, a marriage instructor offers concrete ways to build a strong marriage.

Public Theology Project

Jeffrey Epstein and the Myth of the Culture Wars

Some leaders of different political stripes teach us to hate each other, but they’re playing for the same team.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastprintRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube