This Grit and Grace Life Darlene Brock & Julie Bender from GritandGraceLife.org

We tackle many difficult subjects here at Grit and Grace Life, and often, they’re ones that have impacted us directly. In this episode, co-host Darlene Brock shares one of her own—losing her father to suicide.



As with any tragedy, Darlene found herself navigating unexpected emotions, working to reconcile the choice of suicide with the father she loved, asking questions that could be answered and accepting those that could not. In sharing her story now, she hopes to impart an important lesson to those dealing with this unbearable pain: God can bring healing. It won’t be overnight, and it won’t be easy. But there is hope to be found.



If you’ve also lost someone dear to you to suicide, we hope this episode brings you some comfort in hearing from someone who has also been through the same journey. This idea is what inspired our next endeavor here at Grit and Grace Life: creating and publishing a series of subject-specific guidebooks—written by our team of writers with direct experience in those subjects—that you can use to walk (and work) through your own challenges, at your own pace. Keep an eye out for this book and others in the “Smart Living In Small Bites” series, coming later this year.



Quote of the episode:

“Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.” —Thomas Moore

Resources

Mentioned (in this episode and Darlene's book)



* Suicide Prevention Hotline

* Suicide Prevention for Family Members and Caregivers

* Testimonies from suicide survivors

* Focus on the Family suicide resources

* Grieving a Suicide: A Loved One's Search for Comfort, Answers and Hope

* Silent Grief: Living in the Wake of Suicide

* Shattered: From Grief to Joy After My Son's Suicide

* This Is How to Handle a Hard Relationship With Your Mom – 089



Related



* My Dad's Suicide and the Hole In My Heart

* When Desperation Comes, Why Choose Suicide?

* Suicide Isn't Easily Understood, But You Need to Know This





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Later this month, the film "Unsung Hero" premieres in theaters across the nation. The movie chronicles one Australian mom's radical decision to move her family across the world in faith that they can find reprieve from their struggles. We don't want to spoil it for you, but this mother's decision pays off. If you've ever jammed out to FOR KING & COUNTRY or Rebecca St. James, you can thank Helen Smallbone—the determined mum from Down Under.



Her unorthodox decision to pack up her family's belongings and shuttle herself, her husband and their six kids (with a seventh on the way!) was met with as much doubt as you might imagine. As a mom, it’s hard to filter out the opinions and recommendations from other people on how to raise your kids.



This week, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender throw it back to a previous episode with Helen, who shared the good news: It's OK to be a different kind of mom! You know your kids better than anyone, and raising them the way you feel is best—no matter how it looks to those on the outside—will undoubtedly be what they need. We hope you feel encouraged that the path you have established for your family is the right one. And if you’re still on the fence, take a listen to this episode and see for yourself!







Helen Smallbone is the co-founder of MUMlife Community and a podcast host with AccessMore. Her passion is encouraging mothers and families with the God-breathed wisdom she has gleaned over 32 years of being a mother. 



Born and raised in Australia, Helen dedicated her life to Christ as a young teen at the Billy Graham Crusade in Sydney. Now a mother to seven―five boys and two girls―and grandmother to thirteen, she currently lives outside of Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, David, and a small menagerie of animals.



You can follow Helen on Facebook @helenjsmallbone and on Instagram @helensmallbone.



Quote of the episode:

“For me as a parent, it's my job to encourage [my] child on their journey to seek out who God has made them to be.” —Helen Smallbone

Resources

Mentioned



* Check out information about "Unsung Hero" here

* Buy Helen's book, Behind the Lights here

* Read Peter's account of denying Jesus here

* Easter, the Best Love Story Ever Told

* 7 Lessons from Easter You Need All Year Long - 128 



Related



* Forgiveness Is the Key to Living a Bitter-Free Life

* The Hope of Easter Restores All Things





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Easter isn't all about Peeps and Cadbury eggs, although co-host Julie Bender wouldn't mind one or two! But is Easter the ultimate call to action?



In this heartfelt podcast episode, Julie and Darlene Brock discuss the significance of Easter, which they recognize as the pinnacle of their faith. But what does it mean to truly observe the holiday? Here, they unpack the meaning of Jesus Christ's brutal death on the cross more than 2,000 years ago and why His suffering, while difficult to think on, is crucial to understanding the scope of His love for us and how we're supposed to live today. You'll see how Jesus' forgiveness even as he was dying models the way we should approach our relationship with others through sacrificial love and grace.



The message of Easter is one of hope, today and for a lifetime.



Want to chat with us about Easter or your faith? Send us a note here!



Quote of the episode:

“My relationship with Christ is secure because of what he did and [because] I've accepted it. And because of that, I have hope today. I have hope tomorrow. I have hope everyday of this life and for all of eternity." —Darlene Brock

Resources

Mentioned



* Read Peter's account of denying Jesus here

* Easter, the Best Love Story Ever Told

* 7 Lessons from Easter You Need All Year Long - 128 



Related



* Forgiveness Is the Key to Living a Bitter-Free Life

* The Hope of Easter Restores All Things





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Life feeling mundane? It doesn't have to! In fact, it's easier to see the adventure and joys in the everyday than you might think.



In this episode of This Grit and Grace Life, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender emphasize the importance of making the most of life. They talk through ways to shift your mindset when it comes to your purpose, your relationships, your motherhood and your work so you can more clearly see the value each facet brings. When viewed through this new perspective, the things you may think are annoying and trivial might actually be part of a larger blessing. And when each day seems full of small blessings, it'll be impossible to deny just how special your everyday life really is.



Quote of the episode:

“If you can't see the bright side of life, polish the dull side." —Unknown

Resources

Mentioned



* Check out Julie's husband's business here



Related



* The Joy Series: Feel Stuck In the Mundane? Unlock Joy In the Everyday

* A Strong Woman Has These 7 Things On Her Bucket List

* The Joy Series: Parenting a Teen Is Hard, But I've Found Gratitude Among the Grumbles

* Where Can I Find the Purpose of Life?

* Can You Really Enjoy the Little Things In Life?

* 17 Quotes to Create the Happy Moments Mindset Every Day – 130





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If you're living with anxiety, you know it can be debilitating. A sudden panic or anxiety attack can quickly ruin your day, and over time, it can keep you from pursuing your dreams.



Caroline Beidler knows what that's like. The author, speaker and recovery advocate recalls bouts of anxiety as a child, which were exacerbated by her parents' divorce and sexual trauma. She began self-medicating with alcohol and drugs, and though she eventually became sober, she found herself still dealing with anxiety decades later and wondering what was wrong.



In this episode, she sits down with Darlene Brock and Julie Bender to discuss how she learned to practically address anxiety as a woman of faith—and prayer and Scripture are just two parts of the larger picture. She highlights the importance of therapy, building up your circle of support, staying active and openly discussing anxiety and other mental health issues in the church.



 



Caroline Beidler, BA, MSW is the author of Downstairs Church: Finding Hope in the Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recovery, and she is currently writing her next project, due 2024. 



A recovery advocate, and founder of the storytelling platform Circle of Chairs. with almost 20 years in leadership within social work and ministry Caroline is currently a consultant with JBS International, writing and creating content for several federal agencies. She is also the founder and host of the annual International Women’s Day Global Recovery Event. 



Caroline lives in Tennessee with her husband and twins where she enjoys hiking in the mountains and building up her community’s local recovery ministry.



Quote of the episode:

“Being human is about recognizing and acknowledging our weakness. But what's beautiful is that God works in that place." —Caroline Beidler

Resources

Mentioned



* Downstairs Church: Finding Hope in the Grit of Addiction and Trauma Recovery

* Self-Care Is an Act of Radical Love for Mommas

* How to Use 4-7-8 Breathing for Anxiety



Related



Ask Dr. Zoe – Coping With Anxiety Biblically

* Drinking Excessively? Here Are 8 Healthier Coping Strategies for Women

* A Breath Prayer to Calm Your Mind and Body

Can Faith Bring Hope to Everything—Even Anxiety?

* Ask Dr. Zoe – What Is Normal Anxiety & When Should I Seek Help?





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Love is in the air! Maybe you're in a loving relationship and feel giddy at the mere mention of love, or maybe you're on the hunt for that special someone. No matter your relationship status, one thing is certain: Don't settle for less!



In this podcast episode, Darlene Brock and Julie Bender discuss how our expectations for love compare to our current relationships or what we want in a man. They explain why you should trust the process (and your gut!) and not rush anything, and how to celebrate and honor a healthy relationship. They also share their favorite relationships advice and 14 quick ways to tell if your man is worthy of your love, so you never settle again!



Quote of the episode:

“When you're dating someone, go to [1 Corinthians 13:4-7] and put their name in. 'Is Bob kind? Is Bob loving? Is Bob patient?' That's going to be very telling." —Darlene Brock

Resources

Mentioned



* Is Your Man a Keeper? Here’s How to Be Sure – 214

* I Thought He’d Propose on Valentine’s Day—He Broke Up Instead

*

My Boyfriend Brings Me Flowers, Is That Enough?





Related



* How to Avoid the Wrong Guy: A Checklist for Strong Women

* Is It Time to Break Up With Your Guy? This Is How to Do It





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