"God just kept putting joy in front of me and encouraging me to open my heart to it."

In this second half of my conversation with author Leanne Davidson, we move into some of the deeper questions grieving parents often wrestle with after child loss: Why? What if? Could I have done something differently? Will I ever feel joy again?

After losing her son, Mikael, to a fentanyl overdose, Leanne has walked through those questions herself. With honesty and faith, she shares what she's learning about trusting God in the midst of unanswered questions, laying down guilt, and allowing joy back into a heart that has been forever changed.

Leanne also offers practical and compassionate wisdom for families and friends who want to support grieving parents well.

Together we discuss:

• Reconciling faith with unanswered questions
• Why choosing trust matters when we don't understand
• Guilt after child loss — especially after addiction-related loss
• The difference between conviction and guilt
• Navigating grief within families when everyone grieves differently
• Giving one another grace and changing expectations after loss
• What to do when you don't have the strength to pray or open your Bible
• The difference between happiness and lasting joy
• Leanne's idea of "joy bombs" and recognizing God's gifts in everyday moments
• Practical ways to support grieving parents
• How grief changes us and why there is no returning to "normal"
• The hope of heaven and seeing our children again

Throughout our conversation, Leanne continually points us back to God's faithfulness and His tender care for grieving parents. Her reminders are simple but powerful: God sees us, carries us, and remains near even when our hearts feel permanently changed.

Resources & Links:

Listen to the first half of our conversation HERE.
Visit Leanne Davidson's website HERE.
A Beautiful Pain: Reflections of a Mother’s Journey of Grief
Tattered Hearts & Hopeful Souls: A Christian Devotional for Grieving Hearts

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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