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

Pete Hegseth’s Future, Farmers on Tariffs, and Religious Decline Stalls

Mike Cosper, Clarissa Moll

Hegseth scrutinized for drug boat strikes, farmers react to Trump’s tariffs, and a Pew report says religious decline has slowed.

The Debate over Government Overreach Started in 1776

Three books to read this month on politics and public life.

The Call to Art, Africa, and Politics

In 1964, CT urged Christians to “be what they really are—new men and women in Christ.”

Turn Toward Each Other and Away from the Screen

Perhaps technology has changed everything. But God is still here, still wiring humans for connection and presence.

Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

BONUS: Amanda Knox on the Satanic Panic and Wrongful Convictions

How elements of the satanic panic and conspiratorial thinking shaped a wrongful conviction.

Death by a Thousand Error Messages

Classroom tech was supposed to solve besetting education problems. The reality is frustrating for students and costly for taxpayers.

The Chinese Christian Behind 2,000 Hymns

X. Yang

Lü Xiaomin never received formal music training. But her worship songs have made her a household name in China’s churches.

The Surprising Joys of a Gift-Free Christmas

Ahrum Yoo

Amid peak consumerism season, I prayed for ways to teach my children about selfless giving.

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_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube