Grief Relief for Christian Women | Widow, Support, Connection, Loss of Spouse, Joy, Grief and Trauma

Grief Relief for Christian Women | Widow, Support, Connection, Loss of Spouse, Joy, Grief and Trauma

By Patty Jackson / Certified in Grief and Trauma / Coach for Christian WomenHealth & FitnessMental HealthReligion & SpiritualityChristianityEducationSelf-Improvement
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Grief Relief for Christian Women | Widow, Support, Connection, Loss of Spouse, Joy, Grief and Trauma episodes

  • Ep 22 - 5 Things I Wish I knew as a New Widow
    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

      20 min
    • Ep 21 - Why Am I So Tired? The Physical Symptoms of Grief

      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

      12 min
    • Ep 20 - Can You Really Die of a Broken Heart? The Hidden Physical Effects of Grief

      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

        12 min
      • Ep 19 - When Grief Hijacks Your Mind (And You're Not Crazy)

        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.

          21 min
        • Ep 18 - The Grief Triggers Nobody Warns You About

          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.

            17 min
          • Ep 17 - The Second Death Anniversary: Why Year Two Can Feel Harder

            The second death anniversary often brings unexpected emotions. For some women, Year Two feels even harder than the first. For others, it brings moments of peace—and sometimes guilt for feeling better.

            In this episode of Grief Relief for Christian Women, Patty shares why grief changes after the first year, how to prepare for a death anniversary, and why there's no "right" way to grieve. Through biblical encouragement, personal stories, practical tips, and a little Southern humor, you'll be reminded that God's faithfulness doesn't end after Year One.

            If you're approaching a loved one's death anniversary or supporting someone who is, this episode will encourage your heart and remind you that healing is not measured by a calendar.

            Scripture: Psalm 34:18

            20 min
          • Ep 16 - Time Doesn't Heal Grief - Taking Action Does!

            You've probably heard it before: "Time heals all wounds." But does it really?

            In this heartfelt episode, Patty shares why that familiar saying isn't the whole truth. Drawing from her own journey of losing her husband, Ralph, eight and a half years ago, she opens up about how grief can still feel like yesterday, even while living a full, joyful life today.

            You'll discover why grief isn't linear, why simply waiting for time to pass won't bring healing, and how true healing comes from intentionally working through your grief with God's help. Patty also shares practical insights about why our brains need time to adjust to a new reality, the dangers of using busyness or distractions to avoid grief, and how learning to feel your emotions, trust God, and take small steps forward leads to lasting hope.

            If you've ever wondered why you're still grieving—or questioned whether you're "doing grief right"—this episode will encourage you that you're not behind, you're not broken, and you don't have to walk this journey alone.

            Remember: Time doesn't heal our grief. God heals our hearts as we faithfully walk with Him, one step at a time.

            17 min
          • Ep 15 - This Is Not As Good As It Gets: Finding Hope When You're Just Surviving

            What happens when the people you've been caring for are gone, and you're left wondering what to do with all the empty hours? In this heartfelt episode of Grief Relief for Christian Women, Patty Jackson shares how losing her husband, Ralph, and later both of her parents left her grieving not only the people she loved, but also the routines, purpose, and identity that came with caring for them.

            If you've ever felt like you're just going through the motions, dreaded the silence of evenings and weekends, or wondered if life will ever feel meaningful again, this episode is for you. Patty offers biblical encouragement, personal stories, and practical hope to remind you that while grief changes your life, it doesn't end your purpose.

            You'll discover why it's normal to grieve the loss of your daily routines, how God gently leads us into new seasons, and why this is not as good as it gets. There is hope beyond surviving—and with God's help, you can begin living again, one faithful step at a time.

            Scripture: Psalm 34:18

            Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who needs a little hope today.

            www.mygriefrelief.com

             

            15 min
          • Ep 14 - Father's Day Without Dad: Honoring His Memory While Healing Your Heart

            Father’s Day Without Dad: Honoring His Memory While Healing Your Heart

            Father’s Day can bring a mix of emotions when your dad is no longer here. Even years after a loss, special days have a way of reminding us of the love, memories, and moments we miss most.

            In this heartfelt episode of Grief Relief for Christian Women, Patty shares her personal experience of missing her father and offers faith-filled encouragement for navigating Father's Day while grieving. Together, we'll explore how to honor our dads, embrace cherished memories, and find comfort in God's presence when our hearts feel heavy.

            You'll discover:

            • Why Father's Day can trigger grief, even years later
            • How to honor your dad's legacy in meaningful ways
            • Biblical encouragement for brokenhearted daughters
            • A simple healing challenge to help you celebrate his impact on your life
            • Hope for carrying both love and loss with faith
            • Scripture: Psalm 34:18

              "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

              For more grief support and resources, visit MyGriefRelief.com and connect with a community of Christian women learning to find hope, healing, and purpose after loss. ❤️

              12 min
            • Ep 13 - Feel Confident Again After Loss

              Feel Confident Again After Loss

              Have you ever looked in the mirror after loss and wondered where your confidence went?

              Grief has a way of shaking our identity, our routines, and even our belief in ourselves. The decisions that once felt easy suddenly feel overwhelming, and the future can seem uncertain. But confidence isn't something you've lost forever—it's something that can be rebuilt, one faithful step at a time.

              In this episode of Grief Relief for Christian Women, Patty shares from her own journey after losing her husband, Ralph, and the challenges of learning to navigate life alone. She discusses how grief affects confidence, why confidence grows through action rather than waiting to "feel ready," and practical ways to begin trusting yourself again.

              You'll discover:

              • Why grief often causes a loss of confidence
              • The difference between confidence and courage
              • Three simple ways to rebuild confidence after loss
              • How God can help you step forward even when you're afraid
              • A practical Confidence Inventory exercise to help you recognize how far you've already come
              • If you've been questioning your ability to handle what's next, this episode is a reminder that God is still with you, still strengthening you, and still writing your story.

                Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3 NIV; 1 John 5:14-15 NIV; Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV; Hebrews 4:16 NIV; Heb 13:6 NIV

                Weekly Challenge: Complete a Confidence Inventory and celebrate three things you've accomplished since your loss.

                Remember, Y'all: You don't have to feel confident before you take the next step. Sometimes confidence grows because you took it.

                🎙️ Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement, and visit MyGriefRelief.com for additional grief support resources for Christian women. ❤️

                16 min

              About Grief Relief for Christian Women | Widow, Support, Connection, Loss of Spouse, Joy, Grief and Trauma

              From the publisher's feed

              Grief Relief for Christian Women is a podcast for widows who believe that God still has joy, purpose, and laughter waiting for them — even after loss. In each episode, Certified Christian Grief and Trauma Coach, Patty Jackson, offers real, faith-based tools and techniques to help you move forward when grief feels like it consumes your day, every day!