Finding Hope in the Deepest Pain

What happens when the unthinkable becomes your reality—and yet you still choose faith?

In today’s deeply moving episode, Leslie sits down with Hope Hooton, a courageous mother, advocate, and follower of Jesus whose life changed forever in May 2024 when her two children, Alec and Lydia, were tragically killed during court-ordered visitation with their father. In the midst of unspeakable grief, Hope has chosen to trust God and use her voice to protect other children.

Through her testimony, advocacy, and new memoir releasing today, Hope reminds us that even in devastating loss, God’s presence can still be found—and that purpose can rise from the deepest pain.

Key Takeaways

Recognizing the Red Flags of Abuse
Looking back, Hope can now clearly see the warning signs in her marriage—manipulation, gaslighting, emotional control, financial abuse, and power struggles. Abuse rarely starts dramatically; it often unfolds subtly over time. Naming these patterns is the first step toward protecting yourself and your children.

When Systems Fail to Protect Children
Despite documented domestic violence and severe mental illness, the court granted Hope’s husband unsupervised visitation with their young children. This devastating decision highlights a heartbreaking reality many mothers face: the family court system often prioritizes parental rights over child safety.

Faith That Holds in the Darkest Night
After losing her children, Hope’s life as she knew it disappeared overnight. Yet in her grief, she clung tightly to God’s presence—spending time in prayer, journaling, and meditating on Scripture. Proverbs 3:5–6 became her lifeline: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

Turning Tragedy Into Purpose
Hope refused to allow her children’s story to end in silence. Through her social media platform Hope In The Pain, she shares encouragement, faith, and the reality of walking through grief with God. She also hosts the Voices Against Filicide Podcast, raising awareness about domestic violence, the abuse cycle, and cases of child homicide across the country.

Honoring Alec and Lydia Through Advocacy
Hope is now working with Arizona lawmakers to create stronger protections for children in custody cases. Her advocacy is helping bring critical attention to how family courts handle domestic violence and mental illness when making custody decisions.

Resources Mentioned

Hope’s New Memoir is Available TODAY (March 9):
There's Still Hope: A Journey of Adversity, Tragedy, and Unbreakable Faith

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1969338903

Arizona Legislation Honoring Alec & Lydia
Arizona legislation HB2995 has already passed the Arizona House of Representatives and is now moving forward to the Arizona Senate. This bill, referred to as The Alec and Lydia Act, aims to strengthen protections for children in family court cases by ensuring judges receive training in domestic violence, coercive control, trauma response, and mental illness when making custody decisions.

Please join us in praying that this legislation passes the Arizona Senate, helping protect vulnerable children and families across the state.

Hope’s Podcast:
Voices Against Filicide

Follow Hope on Social Media:
Hope In The Pain (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube)

Hope’s Links and Advocacy Resources:
https://linktr.ee/hopeinthepain?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=ccf41026-a8de-4055-9869-c221b71b91bf

Personal Invitation

If today’s conversation resonated with you—if you’ve ever wondered whether your relationship is simply difficult, deeply disappointing, or actually destructive—clarity is the first step toward wisdom and safety.

Leslie has created a free resource to help you understand what you’re dealing with and what healthy next steps might look like.

Download the Relationship Quick Start Guide here:
https://leslievernick.com/guide

This guide will help you discern the difference between difficult, disappointing, and destructive relationships, and begin moving forward with truth, courage, and biblical wisdom.

Hope’s story is a reminder that even when life breaks our hearts in unimaginable ways, God has not abandoned us.

Pain may be part of our story, but it is never the end of it.

If you are walking through grief, fear, or confusion today, remember this: God sees you, He is near to the brokenhearted, and with His help you can take the next step forward.

There is still hope.