All Episodes

In this powerful conversation, Laura talks with award-winning novelist and journalist John DeDakis, who shares how writing became a source of healing after the death of his son, Stephen.

Even if you’ve never thought of yourself as a writer, this episode offers hope and encouragement to help you process your grief in a deeply personal way. John and Laura talk about the soul-searching journey of faith after loss, the spiritual unmooring that many bereaved parents experience, and how putting words to your pain can bring clarity, peace, and even glimpses of joy again.

John shares practical tips on how to begin writing (whether journaling, storytelling, or simply putting thoughts to paper) and why it doesn’t matter what form it takes. Writing can be a sacred act of remembrance, helping you express emotions you may not be able to speak out loud.

Laura also reflects on how writing can be a spiritual practice, like David’s raw and honest psalms as a way to lament, process, and honor your child’s continuing place in your heart and life.

If you’ve ever wondered whether writing could help you heal, this heartfelt discussion will give you gentle encouragement and practical insight to start.

John Dedakis is a writing coach, an award-winning novelist of six mystery-suspense-thriller novels, and manuscript editor. He is a former White House correspondent and former editor on CNN’s “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.”, John regularly leads writing workshops at literary centers and writers’ conferences. He is also the host of the video podcast “One-to-One with John DeDakis”. Originally from La Crosse, Wisconsin, John now lives with his wife Cindy in Baltimore, Maryland. In his spare time, what little he has of it, is a jazz and rock-and-roll drummer.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

Click here to connect with John on his website.

Order your signed copy of My Grief Journey here.

Click here to write a review for My Grief Journey.

Ask to join the GPS Hope Private Facebook page.

Share your thoughts with Laura about this podcast episode.

Click here to get your copy of Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents (November Edition).

Find out more about how to join Dave and Laura on The Grief Cruise this coming February here.

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Hannah MacFarlane was born on October 26 and is forever 9.

Myles Wofford was born on October 27 and is forever 4 weeks.

Eric Birth was born on October 28 and is forever 29.

Dawson Morris was born on October 29 and is forever 19.

Cassius John Franswah Jr was born on October 30 and is forever 26.

James was born on October 30 and is forever 17 months. 

Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose.

It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

When a baby is born after a pregnancy loss, it is often called a “rainbow baby”. We all know one child can never replace another, and it certainly does not remove the grief of the child who was conceived but is not here with us. However, most will agree that there is an ache that has been filled in having a baby after that devastating loss.

But what about the parents who have a pregnancy loss and there is no rainbow baby? In today’s interview, Laura talks with Shelley Hitz, who lives that out with words of comfort, hope and encouragement of all the blessings God still has for those who find themselves in the same place, or anyone who has lost a child. 

October is Pregnancy Loss awareness month, and GPS Hope wants to acknowledge those parents who have lost a child, but their grief is often downplayed or ignored. We see you, we hear you, and we hurt with you. 

Shelley Hitz is an award-winning and best-selling author of over 40 books. However, most importantly she is a wife, daughter, sister, friend and follower of Christ. She has been ministering alongside her husband, CJ, since 1998 and her main passion is to share God’s truth and the freedom in Christ she has found with others. She does this through her books, websites and speaking engagements. 

Shelley’s openness and vulnerability as she shares her own story of hope and healing through her book, Broken Crayons Still Color, will inspire and encourage you.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

Connect with Shelley online and download all the book extras at www.BrokenCrayonsBook.com

Find out more about the full program of Christian Book Academy here.   

Check out some of Shelley’s writing workshops here.

Get Shelley’s book Kingdom Writers here.

Click here to get your copy of Reflections of Hope: Daily Readings for Bereaved Parents (November Edition).

Find out more about how to join Dave and Laura on The Grief Cruise this coming February here.

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Carissa Ellen Hunsaker was born on October 19 and left us at age 1.

Samuel (Sam) Buss was born on October 19 and left us at age 21.

Matthew Anthony Sulikowski was born on October 22 and left us at age 36.

Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose.

It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

In this episode, One Step at a Time Through Our Grief, Laura shares how God used the beauty of His creation — mountains, rivers, the ocean, and even the warmth of the sun — to remind her that He is always present, even in the hardest moments of deep loss.

As grieving parents, we often wonder how we’ll ever make it through another day. But through her gentle storytelling, Laura helps us see that our healing truly happens one step at a time through our grief. Some days the path is steep and exhausting, other days it’s smoother and more peaceful, yet every step is part of the journey forward.

In this episode, you’ll hear Laura share a couple of stories from the Hope Mobile travels that reflect our grief journey, as well as the song “Keep Walking,” written and sung by Laura, offering hope and comfort to every grieving heart.

It’s okay to rest, to take breaks, and to simply breathe when the climb feels too hard. But no matter where you are, God is walking beside you, holding you steady. If you’re feeling weary today, may One Step at a Time Through Our Grief remind you that hope is still alive inside of you, and that you are not walking this path alone. God’s faithfulness will meet you in every step you take.

Click here to listen to samples of the songs on Laura’s CD “Together Forever”. She can also be found on most music apps. (You can order the CD here.) 

Find out more about The Grief Cruise: gpshope.org/cruise

Don’t forget to give an Amazon rating and review for The Bible’s Grieving Parents.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FR7KM44G 

Let Laura know where you are on this journey.  Join the conversation here.

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Mitchell Ang was born on October 12 and left us at age 17.

Pike Petersen was born on October 17 and left us at age 14.

Alicia Martin was born on October 17 and left us at age 36.

Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose.

It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

The one-year anniversary of your child’s death is a day no parent ever wants to face. It can feel unbearably heavy, filled with painful “last time” memories and overwhelming emotions. In this episode of Grieving Parents Sharing Hope, Laura gently shares her heart on this topic, based on her own experience after the death of her daughter, Becca, and after walking along side others for over a decade.  

You will also get to hear what others have done to get through that first year, and through the one-year anniversary of their child’s death. This episode both acknowledges the intense pain leading up to that day, as well as giving hope that you can get past it, doing it your own way as needed. 

Whether you find yourself in tears, in silence, in stories, or even in laughter, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to move through this painful milestone. You are not alone. And as Laura reminds us, even in the darkest moments, there is still hope.

If you’d like more encouragement, Laura’s new book The Bible’s Grieving Parents is now available. You can find the Kindle version on Amazon, Link Here or get a PDF copy directly from gpshope.org.

GIVE AN AMAZON REVIEW HERE. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FR7KM44G

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Jeffrey Dunkleman was born on October 10 and left us at age 53.

James Fielding was born on October 10 and left us at age 28..

Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose.

It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

When our child dies, life as we know it comes to a sudden stop. There is now a before and after. Today’s guest, Mick Wienholt, shares his story of losing his firstborn son, Luke, and how that loss changed not only his life, but his eternity. 

Mick admits that before Luke’s death, he and his wife wanted nothing to do with God. But in their grief, they discovered that the deep hole left by Luke’s absence was actually a God-shaped hole that only He could fill. Out of that dark place, God met them with love, hope, and the kind of peace that forever altered the trajectory of their family. 

If you are questioning God’s goodness, or wondering if you’ll ever find light beyond the suffocating darkness of child loss, Mick’s story is a gentle but powerful reminder that God is not finished yet. 

Mick’s story is one of grace and redemption. His firstborn son, Luke, was a full-term stillbirth. As a result of Luke’s death, everything changed for Mick and his wife, as their child’s death was the turning point where they both began a relationship with Jesus.  Eighteen months after Luke’s death, Mick and his wife welcomed their first living child into their family. They were al so blessed to have identical twin boys, 7 years after Luke’s death and birth. 

Mick hosts the When You Look podcast where ordinary people share their extraordinary experiences and you get to decide if it was coincidence, or God. A native of Maryland, Mick and his family live in the greater Richmond, Virginia area.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.) 

Connect with Mick Wienholt

Website: whenyoulook.com

YouTube Channel: When You Look Show

Or find the When You Look Show on your favorite listening app.

Find out more about Laura’s newly released book The Bible’s Grieving Parents: Finding Comfort, Hope and Faith from Their Stories. 

If you’ve been struggling with questions like “Where is God in this pain?” or “How do I keep living with a broken heart?” I wrote this book for you. My prayer is that these biblical stories will remind you that you are not alone, and that God’s goodness and mercy are still at work in your life, just as He was in the lives of those we read about in the Bible. – Laura

Click here for the Kindle edition on Amazon (Affiliate link – GPS Hope will receive a small portion of the purchase price)

Click here for a PDF download from GPS Hope 

Help other pareavors find this book by leaving a rating and review here.

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Jacob Rhoades was born on September 28 and left us at age of 21.

Shea Thomas Patno was born on September 29 and left us at age 15.

Aaliyah Henderson was born on October 1 and left us at age 4.

Samuel Seet was born on October 4 and left us at age 28.

Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose.

It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

Have you ever taken the time to look at parents in the Bible who have lost a child as a powerful resource that speaks directly to the heart of  grieving parents walking through child loss today?

In this episode, Laura takes us on a short journey of just a few parents in the Bible who experienced the death of a child. From Adam and Eve’s loss of Abel, to King David’s grief over his infant son, to Job’s unimaginable pain of losing all his children, these ancient stories have deep truths for those of us who have lost a child, as well as reminding us that we are not alone in our grief.

Laura also takes a deeper look at God’s goodness and mercy, even within the intense pain of child loss, and why our faith must rest on who God is rather than what we think He should (or shouldn’t) do.

This conversation will reassure you that you’re not alone, and that there is no pressure or timetable when it comes to what you keep or release. Your child’s life is worth remembering in the way that brings you comfort and peace. 

The insights Laura shares in this episode were taken from her newly released book The Bible’s Grieving Parents: Finding Comfort, Hope and Faith from Their Stories.

If you’ve been struggling with questions like “Where is God in this pain?” or “How do I keep living with a broken heart?” I wrote this book for you. My prayer is that these biblical stories will remind you that you are not alone, and that God’s goodness and mercy are still at work in your life, just as He was in the lives of those we read about in the Bible. – Laura

Available now through September 26 at a special price:

Grief Cruise & Renew and Remember Retreat – February in FloridaSpecial discounted cabin prices coming to an end soon! Click here

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Nicole Zanoni Romualdo was born on September 21 and left us at 16 months.

Cassandra Noel Persichetti  was born on September 24 and left us at age 17.

Jennifer Howell was born on September 27 and left us at age 50.

Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose.

It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

As grieving parents, we often find ourselves, understandably, holding tightly to the belongings of our child who has died. A favorite shirt, a treasured toy, a blanket, even something as simple as a toothbrush. These are not just objects. They are sacred reminders of the bond we still have with our child.

In this episode of Grieving Parents Sharing Hope, Laura opens her heart about facing this very struggle herself. While sorting through family belongings, she was reminded how difficult it is to decide what to keep and what to release. Through her personal story of a current situation she finds herself in, along with the experiences of other bereaved parents, she shares gentle encouragement that:

This conversation will reassure you that you’re not alone, and that there is no pressure or timetable when it comes to what you keep or release. Your child’s life is worth remembering in the way that brings you comfort and peace. 

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Rodney Lorenz was born on September 18 and left us at age 49.

Cali Minor was born on September 19 and left us at age 19.

Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose.

It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

Ever find yourself standing in your kitchen, forgetting how to peel an orange? Or panic in a parking lot because you don’t remember driving to the store, much less remember where you parked? You are not alone. In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Laura shares what it’s like to experience a “mental breakdown” in grief; the fogginess, the forgetfulness, the moments of overwhelming disorientation that can feel both terrifying and isolating. This is part of the journey of Rebuilding Your Life After Child Loss.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

This episode also introduces a hopeful next step, as Laura invites you to stay connected as she unveils a series of workshops that are gentle, faith-based paths designed to guide grieving parents toward healing and purpose. Think of them as nourishing steps, not flashy fixes, crafted to help you move forward because of your love, not despite your loss.

Grief is disorienting, but you are not disqualified. Even foggy moments aren’t failures, but invitations to remember: clarity does return, and one small step can help you walk toward a life of meaning again.

Whether you stay just to listen, or one day feel ready to walk forward with community, you are always welcome here.

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Brady Keith Herbert was born on September 7 and left us at age 30.

Jacob Sorouri was born on September 8 and left us at age 32.

Emma Ho was born on September 9 and left us at age 10.

Petrina Charlean Bostic was born on September 12 and left us at age 23.

Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose.

It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

In this episode of Grieving Parents Sharing Hope: Can God Really Heal My Hurting Heart?, I sit down with Rachel “Wojo” Wojnarowski, who knows the deep pain of child loss firsthand. After miscarriages and saying goodbye to her precious daughter Taylor, who lived 22 years with courage and faith, Rachel learned to cling to prayer as her lifeline in the darkest valleys.

Rachel shares Taylor’s story, the peace God gave her in the hardest moments, and how prayer has carried her through seasons of grief. We talk about her book Desperate Prayers, the surprising “secret fast-track to healing,” and the ways God meets us when we feel like we can’t breathe, let alone pray.

If you’ve ever wondered whether God can really heal your broken heart, this conversation will remind you that His grace is stronger than our deepest pain. Rachel’s honesty and faith are a true gift for pareavors walking this hard road.

After experiencing profound loss through miscarriage and saying goodbye to her beloved daughter, who blessed their family for 22 years, Rachel “Wojo” Wojnarowski embraced prayer as her lifeline in life’s darkest valleys. Her transformative “Three-Word Prayers” approach has become a sanctuary for countless believers when words seem impossible.

The author of “Desperate Prayers” and three forthcoming books on prayer, Rachel’s authentic ministry reaches families worldwide. A sought-after speaker who brings both compassion and biblical wisdom to faith-based events, Rachel lives in Ohio with her husband Matt and six children. Rachel’s ministry stands on the unshakable truth, discovered in her darkest valleys and shaped by the memory of her two children in heaven: Prayer moves mountains.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Daniel Cavallaro was born on September 2 and left us at age 21.

Raelyn Huffman was born on September 2 and left us at age 22.

Bryanna Dugan was born on September 5 and left us at age 22.

Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

“When we wonder, ‘Can God really heal my hurting heart?’ the answer isn’t found in having the pain erased, but in discovering His presence right in the middle of it. Healing is knowing we are never alone.”

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose.

It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.

In this episode of Grieving Parents Sharing Hope: Bringing Our Pain to God After Child Loss, I talk with Carol Renfro, a mom just two years into this journey of child loss. Carol’s only child, Jeff-Free (known as Free), died by suicide at the age of 33. Though her grief is still very fresh, she leans heavily on God and has found unexpected joy in the midst of deep pain.

Carol shares her son’s story, her raw emotions, and the ways she has experienced God’s comfort, even through something as simple as watching the night sky. You’ll hear how she has learned to bring her pain to the Lord, allowing Him to meet her there with His truth, comfort, and hope.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that we don’t have to hide our feelings from God. He already knows. What He desires is for us to come honestly to Him so that He can exchange our pain with His peace and help us carry the unbearable weight of child loss.

Whether you’re new in this journey or years down the road, Carol’s testimony will encourage you to keep looking up and trusting that God can take the ashes of grief and make something beautiful.

Carol Renfro lost her son and only child to suicide on July 18th, 2023. He was 33 years old. Shortly after, she and her husband moved next door to the little 105-year-old Baptist Church that her husband pastors. Carol retired from her job as Administrator of an assisted living facility and now spends her days helping with needs of the church and leading the women’s ministry. Her hobbies are crafting, decorating and working in her flower beds. She loves spoiling her 3-year-old grandson as much as possible and the rest of her day is filled with taking care of the needs of her beloved pets. Carol gives all the glory to our Lord for providing the comfort and strength she prays for and so desperately needs every moment of every day.

(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)

We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:

Nathan Hatfield was born on August 25 and left us at age 16.

Corey Thompsen was born on August 28 and left us at age 28.

Samantha Kesich was born on August 28 and left us at age 22.

Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too.

The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.

“Bringing our pain to God doesn’t remove the sorrow, but it opens the way for His comfort, peace, and even glimmers of hope in the midst of grief.”

www.gpshope.org

To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at [email protected].

Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose.

It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.