Have you ever wondered whether God is interested in the more personal aspects of life? Nothing could be more intimate and personal than a woman's experience of the menopause. In this episode Sonya talks to Ann Gallagher about her menopause and the profound effect it had on her physical and mental health. She eloquently describes how God met her in one of the most unexpected places of the heart. Please be aware that this episode talks about severe mental distress and suicidal ideation.

If you are experiencing these and other issues that are discussed in this episode then access your local health care provider, GP or any of the appropriate resources listed below:

https://www.papyrus-uk.org/

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/help-for-suicidal-thoughts/

https://www.samaritans.org/

https://www.managemymenopause.co.uk/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/treatment/

https://www.newsonhealth.co.uk/

https://www.channel4.com/programmes/davina-mccall-sex-myths-and-the-menopause

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Sonya interviews Jackie and Rachel who set up an education project for disadvantaged children who struggle with reading.

For further information and advice on setting up a similar service please contact [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

November 1st 2023 is the second anniversary of the death of Dylan Scott Gillette, aged 34, from COVID. In this episode, released to honour his memory, his widow Julia talks to Sonya about being widowed at 34, after 4 months of marriage. She shares honestly and eloquently about the experience of her husband's illness and death. Julia explores the pain and trauma of being widowed too soon and how God weeps for us and with us in deep grief.

If you're interested in or affected by issues discussed on this podcast, please consult the following resources:

-Books-

A Grace Disguised by Jerry Sittser

Lament for a Son by Nicholas Wolterstorff

Don’t Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart by Kenneth C. Haugk 

Sacred Tears by Lindsey Wheeler 

Ruthless Trust, The Ragamuffin’s Path to God by Brennan Manning

Beyond the Darkness by Clarissa Moll

Luminous Dark by Alain Emerson

It's okay not to be okay by Megan Devine

Seasons of Sorrow by Tim Challies

-Podcasts-

The Nothing is Wasted Podcast

Widowed 2 Soon

-Organisations (USA)-

https://www.neveralonewidows.com/

https://perspectiveministries.org/

-Organisations (UK)-

https://www.widowedandyoung.org.uk/

https://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/support-for-you/family-life/bereavement-support/widowed-young-support/

https://www.thebereavementjourney.org/

https://www.cruse.org.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Sonya interviews North Norfolk artist Emma Blount. They discuss Emma's glass window that was produced in memory of Winston Churchill at Bladon Church. She describes how her artwork helps her communicate with her God and build the faith of others. Sonya and Emma also explore Emma's lion drawings and how one particular drawing helped Sonya in her grief.

To view Emma's beautiful work and contact her via her website please contact her below:

https://emmablount.co.uk/

https://winstonchurchill.org/publications/finest-hour/finest-hour-170/sir-winston-churchill-memorial-window-st-martins-church-bladon/

https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/558/

http://www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/rollesby/rollesby.htm

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In this episode of Heart Surgery for Guinea Pigs Sonya Issitt interviews Amy Watkins about her experience with stillbirth. It has been released to mark Pregnancy and Infant Loss month and Baby Loss Awareness Week.

If you need support around issues discussed on this podcast, please get in touch with these amazing services:

https://www.sands.org.uk/

https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/

https://www.tcf.org.uk/

https://www.childdeathhelpline.org.uk/

https://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this pilot episode of Heart Surgery for Guinea Pigs Sonya Issitt interviews Carys Obayoriade about her son's journey through childhood cancer. It has been released to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness month.

If you need support around issues discussed on this podcast, please access Young Lives vs Cancer at https://www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk, Children with Cancer UK at https://childrenwithcancer.org or Macmillan Cancer Support at https://www.macmillan.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.