“Our hearts may be tattered, but they are still useful in God’s hands.”

In this first half of my conversation with author Leanne Davidson, she shares the story of her son, Mikael — a compassionate, funny, energetic young man who loved people deeply and brought joy and laughter wherever he went. She also opens up about the difficult journey of walking alongside a child struggling with addiction and the devastating day her family lost Mikael to a fentanyl overdose in 2022.

Leanne speaks honestly about the complicated realities of addiction, the challenges families face along the way, and the ways God met her in the immediate aftermath of unimaginable loss. She also shares the heart behind her books A Beautiful Pain: Reflections of a Mother’s Journey of Grief and Tattered Hearts & Hopeful Souls: A Christian Devotional for Grieving Hearts.

Together we discuss:

• Mikael’s vibrant personality and the joy he brought to those around him
• Walking alongside a child battling addiction
• How addiction affected family relationships
• Establishing healthy boundaries while preserving connection
• The trauma and heartbreak of sudden loss
• The ways God carried Leanne through the earliest days of grief
• Why she chose the phrase “tattered hearts” for her devotional title
• Psalm 56:8 and the comfort of knowing God counts every tear
• The importance of lament and bringing our pain honestly before God

Leanne’s story is filled with sorrow, honesty, perseverance, and hope. If you are a grieving parent, especially one walking the unique path of addiction-related loss, I believe you will find comfort in her words and encouragement in her faith.

Resources & Links:

• Leanne Davidson’s website: A Mother's Grief Journey
• A Beautiful Pain: Reflections of a Mother’s Journey of Grief
• Tattered Hearts & Hopeful Souls: A Christian Devotional for Grieving Hearts

In next week’s episode, Leanne and I continue our conversation as we talk about guilt, unanswered questions, joy, supporting grieving families, and learning to live with a heart that has been forever changed. Be sure to come back for that!

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.)

** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.

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