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Navigating finances after losing your husband can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Grief Relief for Christian Women, I sit down with Mitch Simkins to talk about his book and share his financial wisdom for widows. Join us for an encouraging conversation about facing financial decisions after loss and finding support as you take your next steps. You don’t have to figure it all out alone, y’all! Email: [email protected] Facebook: Grief Relief for Christian Women | Facebook How to contact Mitch Simkins: https://legacyafterloss.com/    Mitch's Podcast: Wins for Widows

Feeling worn out by life after loss? In this episode of Grief Relief for Christian Women, Patty Jackson shares a gentle reminder that you deserve rest, support, and moments of joy as you navigate widowhood. Reflecting on Matthew 11:28, where Jesus invites the weary to come to Him for rest, Patty explores releasing guilt, asking for help, and rediscovering activities you enjoy. You’ll leave with a simple weekly challenge: rest, reach, and renew—three small ways to care for yourself and find encouragement for the days ahead. You don’t have to do this alone, y’all. Email: [email protected] Facebook: (20+) Grief Relief for Christian Women | Facebook Past Episodes Referenced:    Episode 4: The 3 R’s of Grief — Rebuild, Rediscover, Reimagine Episode 5 - Rebuilding After Loss: What it Actually Looks Like Episode 6 - Rediscover Yourself After Loss Episode 7 - Reimagine After Loss

When should you go through your loved one’s belongings—and why is it so hard, even when you feel ready? In this episode of Grief Relief for Christian Women, we talk about three common obstacles that get in your way when going through your loved one's belongings: what letting go means to you, decision fatigue, and fear of regret. With faith and practical steps, Patty will help you approach those decisions with more grace and less pressure. Whether it’s one drawer or a whole closet, y’all, you don’t have to do it all today—and you don’t have to do it alone. Scriptures : Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Email: [email protected] Website: mygriefrelief.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071032952696

It’s Fall, Y’all! 🍂 Fall is here, y’all—and with the cooler weather, football, fall colors, and all the little things we love about this season, it can also bring memories of the people we’ve lost. In this episode of Grief Relief for Christian Women, Patty Jackson talks about the changing seasons of life and how grief can show up when we least expect it. But here’s the reminder: you can miss someone you love AND still enjoy your life. Patty shares how she’s learning to embrace the little joys of fall—from decorating and golfing to taking her dog for walks—and why finding joy after loss doesn’t mean you’re forgetting the person you lost. If you’re grieving, permit yourself to notice the good moments, create new memories, and enjoy this season of your life. And remember: grief and gratitude, sadness and joy, can all live in the same heart. 🍁 Your fall challenge: What are three things you’re looking forward to this season? And if you have a question about your grief—or just want to tell Patty your favorite thing about fall—email her at [email protected]. You don’t have to do this grief journey alone. Episode Reference: https://griefreliefforchristianwomen.podbean.com/e/ep-10-joy-in-grief-joy-hunting/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/griefreliefforchristianwomen Website: mygriefrelief.com

Gratitude and Overwhelm After Loss Can you be grateful and overwhelmed at the same time? Absolutely! In this episode of Grief Relief for Christian Women, Patty talks honestly about what happens when gratitude and overwhelm show up together after loss. Grief can make even the simplest things feel like too much, and sometimes we're so overwhelmed that we forget to notice the good things happening right in front of us. You'll be encouraged to give yourself grace, ask for help when you need it, look for small moments of gratitude, and remember that you don't have to choose between being overwhelmed and being thankful. Both can exist at the same time. And most importantly, you'll be reminded that God is with you—even in the overwhelming parts of grief. You don't have to do this alone. Email:  [email protected] Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/griefreliefforchristianwomen Website: mygriefrelief.com

Episode 27 - Replay of % things I wish I knew as a new widow: Hey y’all! Welcome Welcome! I'm so glad you are here with me again today, Tuesday, September 22. Well… I have to be honest with y’all. I was busy! 😂 I’ve been working on some new projects behind the scenes, and somehow, between working on all of that and just living life, time got away from me! So, rather than leave you hanging this week, I thought, “Why not go back and revisit one of the episodes that y’all really loved?” I’ve had some really popular episodes here on Grief Relief, but the one that really stood out was Episode 22: 5 Things I Wish I Knew About Being a New Widow. And honestly, I think there’s a reason this one resonated with so many of you. Whether you’re a brand-new widow, you’re a few years into your grief, or you’re walking alongside someone who is, there are just some things you wish somebody had told you from the beginning. So this week, we’re going to take a little trip back and replay Episode 22. So sit back, get comfortable, grab your coffee—or your glass of wine if that’s your thing—and enjoy this replay of 5 Things I Wish I Knew About Being a New Widow. And as always, thank you for being part of the Grief Relief community. I’m so grateful for every one of you. ❤️ Website: mygriefrelief.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071032952696 Email:  [email protected]

8 Things I’ve Learned About Grief in 8 Years It’s been 8½ years since I lost my husband, Ralph, and a little over two years since I lost both of my parents. Through all the tears, hard days, good days, and plenty of leaning on Jesus, I’ve learned a LOT about grief. In this episode, I’m sharing 8 lessons I’ve learned along the way—including why we don’t “get over” grief, how grief and joy can live together, the hope of seeing our loved ones again, and why we are allowed to build a new life after loss. If you’re 8 days, 8 months, or 8 years into your grief journey, I hope you walk away feeling less alone, encouraged, and with a little more hope tucked into your pocket. Because this is a road nobody wants to walk—but you don't have to walk it alone. Scriptures : Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Website: mygriefrelief.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071032952696 Reference Episode:  THE 3 R’S - REBUILD, REDISCOVER, AND REIMAGINE AFTER LOSS

Some dates are more than just dates on a calendar. They carry memories, emotions, people, and moments we will never forget. September 11th is one of those dates. In this episode of Grief Relief for Christian Women, Patty talks about the connection between grief, 9/11, and the unexpected ways certain seasons, holidays, and anniversaries can bring memories of loss rushing back. For many of us, we can still remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when we heard the news on September 11, 2001. But when you're already grieving someone you love, remembering a national tragedy can sometimes stir up your own personal grief. Patty shares a very personal part of her story about Ralph, her husband, who was a songwriter at heart. After 9/11, Ralph was so deeply moved by what happened that he wrote and recorded a song. For Patty, 9/11 became more than a moment in history—it became another memory forever connected to Ralph. In this episode, we talk about: Why certain dates and seasons can trigger grief The connection between collective grief and personal loss Why remembering doesn't mean you're going backward How holidays and special occasions can highlight the person who's missing Giving yourself permission to experience both sadness and joy How faith can help us remember while continuing to live Why you don't have to feel guilty for laughing, enjoying life, or making new memories How to honor the people we've lost while still embracing the life God has given us Most importantly, Patty reminds you that you can remember and still keep living. You can miss them and still laugh. You can honor their memory and still make plans for tomorrow. You can carry the love and the loss together. Grief doesn't mean the end of your story. And remembering doesn't mean you're stuck in the past. There is still life ahead of you. There is still joy ahead of you. And God is not finished with your story. Grief Relief Challenge This week's challenge is simple: Remember. Honor. Live. Think about the person you've lost. Write down one thing you miss, one thing you're grateful for, and one thing you're going to allow yourself to enjoy this week—without guilt. Because you can remember them... and still live. Scriptures : Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." and Psalm 30:5: "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Website: mygriefrelief.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071032952696 Link to GWB and Me song:  https://youtu.be/__m8KIZ9Ovg

Have you ever had one of those days when you just don't want to do anything? You know you should get up, get dressed, exercise, clean the house, return the phone call…but your motivation has completely left the building! If you're grieving, that lack of motivation can feel even heavier. Grief can leave you emotionally and physically exhausted, making even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. In this episode of Grief Relief for Christian Women, we're talking about what happens when your motivation disappears after loss—and why it doesn't mean you're lazy, broken, or failing at grief. I'll share practical ways to start moving forward when you don't feel like moving, including the Five-Minute Rule, creating a "Minimum Day," changing your environment, asking for help, and the One-More-Thing Challenge. Most importantly, we'll talk about giving yourself grace instead of guilt and remembering that you don't have to have everything figured out to take one small step. And sometimes faith isn't running confidently into the future. Sometimes faith is simply putting one foot on the floor and saying: "Okay, Lord. Let's do today together." If you're struggling with grief, exhaustion, or finding your motivation after losing someone you love, this episode is for you. You don't have to feel motivated to move forward. Sometimes you just have to move…and let the motivation catch up with you. There is still life after loss. And I'm here to remind you of that—and cheer you on along the way. ❤️ Scripture:  Isaiah 40:31:  “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” Website: mygriefrelief.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071032952696

After loss, fear can become a very loud voice. It can make us afraid to love again, try new things, make plans, travel, or even fully enjoy the life we still have. But what if faith could become louder than fear? In this episode of Grief Relief for Christian Women, Patty Jackson gets real about the battle between fear and faith—and shares a hilarious (and slightly terrifying!) story from a recent zip-lining adventure in Cabo with two of her best friends. When Patty suddenly stopped mid-air over a canyon, fear could have easily taken over. Instead, she prayed, stayed focused, and trusted that she would somehow get to the other side. That experience became a powerful reminder of what grief can feel like: sometimes we're moving along just fine when suddenly something stops us in our tracks and leaves us wondering, “Lord, how am I going to get through this?” In this episode, Patty reminds you that fear freezes life; it is faith that thaws it out, releases it, and sets it free. You'll be encouraged to: Recognize how fear can keep you stuck in grief. Understand that faith doesn't mean you never feel afraid. Learn how to choose faith even when you can't see what's ahead. Consider the question: “What would faith do next?” Find refuge in God's faithfulness when life feels uncertain. Take one small, faithful step toward living again. As Patty reminds us, “Faith goes up the stairs love has made and looks out of the windows which hope has opened.” You may not be able to see how you're going to get to the other side of your grief. But you don't have to see the whole path. You just have to take the next step—and trust the One who already sees the way. Fear or faith? Which one are you going to let lead you today? Scripture: Psalm 91:4: “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield.” Website: mygriefrelief.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071032952696

5 Things I Wish I Knew as a New Widow What if you could sit down with the woman you were when you first became a widow—and tell her what you know now? In this heartfelt episode of Grief Relief for Christian Women, Patty Jackson shares 5 things she wishes she had known as a new widow—lessons she learned through years of walking through grief, healing, faith, and rebuilding a life she never expected to live. Patty gets real about the things nobody necessarily prepares you for after losing your husband: the physical exhaustion of grief, widow brain, grief waves that seem to come out of nowhere, and the fear that you'll never feel like yourself again. She also talks about something every widow needs to hear: Moving forward does not mean leaving your husband behind. Patty reminds you that grief and joy can exist together. You can miss your husband and still laugh. You can carry his memory and still build a meaningful life.  And through it all, God is still there. If you're a new widow—or you've been walking this road for years—this episode is a reminder that your husband's death changed your story, but it did not end your story. You don't have to rush your grief. You don't have to "get over" him. You don't have to do this alone. And you don't have to figure out the rest of your life today. Sometimes you just need to take the next step. Listen in and let Patty be your cheerleader as you navigate grief, rediscover yourself, and learn how to live again after loss. In this episode, you'll learn: Why you really can feel like a "normal" human again How grief can show up physically in your body Why grief waves don't mean you're going backward Why moving forward isn't the same as leaving your husband behind Why healing requires action—not just time How to expand your capacity for both grief and joy Why your life grows where your attention goes Why you don't have to "find yourself"—you can decide who you're becoming How the story you tell yourself can shape your next chapter Why not everyone will understand your grief—and why that's okay Why you were never meant to walk through widowhood alone If this episode speaks to you, share it with another widow who may need to hear: "You are not going backward. Your story isn't over. God is still writing." Website: mygriefrelief.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071032952696

Why are you so tired after losing someone you love? If you've been feeling exhausted, forgetful, overwhelmed, or unlike yourself, you're not alone. Grief doesn't just affect your emotions—it impacts your entire body. In this episode of Grief Relief for Christian Women, Patty Jackson explores the physical symptoms of grief, including fatigue, widow brain, brain fog, sleep struggles, anxiety, and the hidden effects of prolonged stress. You'll learn why your body responds the way it does after loss, how to care for yourself with grace, and what God's Word says about finding rest in the middle of your grief. If you've ever wondered, "Why am I so tired?" this episode will remind you that your exhaustion isn't a sign of weakness—it's a normal response to carrying a heavy burden. Join Patty for biblical encouragement, practical tips, and hope for your healing journey. Scripture: Matthew 11:28 – "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Website: mygriefrelief.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071032952696

Can you really die of a broken heart? It may sound like something people say after losing a loved one, but medical research shows that Broken Heart Syndrome, also known as Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, is a real condition that can occur after intense emotional stress—especially the death of a spouse or someone you deeply love. In this episode of Grief Relief for Christian Women, Patty Jackson explores the fascinating connection between grief and heart health. You'll learn what Broken Heart Syndrome is, who is most at risk, the warning signs you should never ignore, and why grief affects not only your emotions but your physical body as well. If you've ever wondered why your chest feels heavy, your heart races, or your body seems to be carrying the weight of your grief, this episode will help you understand what's happening while pointing you to the hope and comfort found in Christ. In this episode, you'll discover: What Broken Heart Syndrome (Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy) is Why grieving women, especially after menopause, are at greater risk The difference between a heart attack and Broken Heart Syndrome Warning signs that require immediate medical attention The physical effects grief can have on your heart and body Practical ways to care for your heart during your grief journey Biblical encouragement for trusting God with your broken heart No matter where you are in your grief journey, remember this: your broken heart matters to God, and your physical heart matters too. If this episode encourages you, please share it with another woman who may need this message today. Scripture: Psalm 34:18 — "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Website: mygriefrelief.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071032952696

Have you ever walked into a room and forgotten why you were there? Lost your train of thought mid-sentence? Forgotten appointments, misplaced your keys, or struggled to make even the simplest decisions after losing your husband? You're not losing your mind—and you're certainly not alone. In this episode of Grief Relief for Christian Women, Patty Jackson dives into the very real experience of widow brain, also known as grief brain or brain fog. You'll discover why grief affects your memory, concentration, decision-making, and emotions, and why these changes are a normal response to profound loss. Patty shares personal stories from her own journey through widowhood and the loss of both parents, practical strategies to help you navigate brain fog, and biblical encouragement to remind you that God is with you—even on the days when your mind feels overwhelmed. If you've been wondering, "Will I ever feel like myself again?" this episode will reassure you that healing is happening, even when you can't see it. In this episode, you'll learn: Why widow brain happens after loss How grief affects your memory and thinking Simple ways to reduce overwhelm and decision fatigue Practical tools to support your healing journey Biblical encouragement for finding peace when your mind feels scattered Give yourself the same grace God gives you. Your brain isn't broken—it's healing. Scripture: Isaiah 26:3 and Proverbs 3:5–6 For more Christ-centered grief support, resources, and coaching, visit MyGriefRelief.com.

Have you ever found yourself crying in the grocery store because you walked past your loved one's favorite snack? Or heard a song, caught a familiar scent, or driven by a place that instantly brought back a flood of memories? You're not alone. In this episode of Grief Relief for Christian Women, Patty Jackson talks about the grief triggers nobody prepares us for—the ordinary, everyday moments that can unexpectedly bring our hearts to a standstill. While we often expect birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries to be difficult, it's the unexpected reminders—a smell, a sound, an empty chair, or even a moment of joy—that can catch us completely off guard. Patty shares personal experiences from her own grief journey after losing her husband and later both of her parents, while offering practical, faith-filled encouragement for navigating these unexpected waves of grief with grace instead of guilt. If you've ever wondered, "Why am I still crying over something so small?" this episode will remind you that you're not broken—you're remembering someone you deeply loved. In this episode, you'll discover: Why grief triggers happen and what they mean The surprising sights, sounds, smells, and places that can stir up grief Why moments of happiness can trigger sadness How to respond when grief catches you by surprise Biblical encouragement for finding God's presence in the unexpected No matter where you are on your grief journey, this episode will reassure you that your triggers are not signs of weakness—they're reminders of a love that still matters. Scripture: Psalm 34:18 If this episode encourages you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who could use a little hope today. For more Christian grief resources, coaching, and encouragement, visit MyGriefRelief.com.