Susan, your host, is accompanied by Francine Ivey in today's episode. Francine's heart and mission are to inspire and encourage the church, to bring those far from God into a passionate walk with Him, and to show the world through her testimony that Jesus is real and has a purpose and plan for each life. She desires for people to know that we can live beyond our circumstances, withstand the storms that come our way, and conquer the giants that taunt us! Many struggle with questions like, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" And "How can a loving God allow so much pain?" Francine tackles these questions while using her own heartbreak in a real and down-to-earth conversation.

Key Takeaways:

• Francine shares her grief story that started on what looked like a really good day.

• Everything changed after receiving the notice that her husband was dead. Time split for her into before and after that moment in time.

• There is a belief system about God favoring good people, which is why people always wonder why bad things happen to good people.

• "Why" and '"What ifs" are questions that stayed on repeat in Francine's mind.

• As a religious person, it was odd for Francine to respond to grief as she did.

• Reframe your "What ifs" into positive possibilities for the future: "What if I am going to be OK on the other side of this?" "What if I find my purpose and was able to go out and help people?"

• Francine and her children dislike the idea of "moving on" and prefer better "What now?" Finding a new purpose doesn't mean forgetting her husband and the father of her children.

• Susan shares how she resented God since she and her husband had built a lovely family. They have worked for it and were so grateful for it; it was just not fair for Paul to die when he did.

• Francine talks about her frustration seeing everyone living normally when her whole life was torn apart.

• Francine talks about her work helping people on their grief journeys.

• Francine shares a special moment where she realized there was no way to replace her husband, that God was the one that had sent him to her life, and His love was always there.

• Many people will feel uncomfortable with your grief but remember: It is OK not to feel OK.

Resources

Tendrilsofgrief.com

Email Susan: [email protected]

Meet Francine Ivey

Visit Consumed by the Call

Follow Francine on Facebook