In this episode of the Brave Widow show, Emily sits down with Dana Johnson, a Jesus-reliant solo mom who turned her heart-wrenching loss into a journey of faith, resilience, and rebirth. Dana's life was irrevocably changed in June 2021 when unexpected revelations and a tragic suicide shattered her world.

Through her steadfast faith in God, Dana shares how she has been crafting a beautiful life from the thorns of tragedy, mentoring other solo moms to find healing and move forward into freedom.

This episode dives deep into the realities of widowhood—the pain, the process, and the potential for rediscovery and new beginnings. Dana’s story is not just one of survival but of thriving through faith, showcasing how we can find strength and beauty in our most challenging moments.

Join us as Dana offers invaluable insights, hope, and encouragement to widows navigating their paths of grief and renewal.

Dive into this moving discussion and discover how to embrace healing, faith, and the courage to build a life you love after loss. Remember, you're not alone in your journey. For more resources and community support, visit bravewidow.com.

00:00 Introduction to Episode 99

00:12 Brave Widow Community Updates

00:46 Special Sessions for Members

02:31 Meet Dana Johnson

05:14 Dana's Early Life and First Marriage

06:47 Meeting Mario and Building a New Life

07:42 The Revelation and Tragic Loss

16:06 Coping with the Aftermath

24:56 Moving Forward with Faith

33:54 Building a New Life and Helping Others

40:41 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

You can find Dana at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danadaughteroftheking/

Operation Freedom: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclPvdiOpqTRgnHqVAASP7II6hZLSgUuTkdFGOX3GZp6McW8Q/viewform

Dana’s bio:

Dana Johnson is a Jesus-reliant Solo Mama to two beautiful daughters. In June of 2021, her life changed forever. Nine years into what she thought was the perfect marriage, Dana's husband revealed some disturbing events that occurred years prior.  Later that day, while walking, praying, and trying to process it all, God gave her a vision of a blooming cactus flower with a promise that "right now you're in what feels like thorns, but I'm creating beauty - the beauty is coming".

The next day, her husband ended his life with a gunshot wound. In a matter of two days, the beautiful life that she cherished was shattered in every way.

Discover how her full reliance on God during that traumatic time changed her life. Hear the story of how, with God's miraculous provision, she bloomed through thorns, and how she is now mentoring other solo mamas to embrace the healing and move forward into freedom.