Bittersweet. The one word that describes this episode so perfectly.

Bitter because it's a story of tragedy - a life lost too soon to suicide. Bitter because of the mess of emotions left behind to process and no way to get the answers she needed.

Sweet because Rachel's mom, Linda Schisler, is our special guest - and it's her birthday! Sweet because of Linda's heart to help others. Sweet because her message is ultimately one of hope.

Join us for this special episode as Linda tells us what tragedy has taught her,  how it has made her more resilient and how it deepened her faith.

Special Guest:
Linda Schisler is a retired reading educator and life-long follower of Jesus. It wasn't until 10 years ago when her father died, that Linda was forced to let go of the life-sucking goal of perfectionism. Her story about personal growth and deeper faith through this past decade are inspiring and full of practical help. To contact Linda directly, email her at [email protected]


Show Notes:
3:00 Robin is full of hope in this episode and here's why.

8:50 They say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. How is this true for Rachel and Linda?

11:00 Want to make your mom's day? This will definitely do it!

13:00 Listen how perfectionism impacted Linda's life for 36 years and what it cost her.

17:30 Have you had one of these life-changing, defining moments where your life has forever been changed? How are we preparing for those times of tragedy?

20:30 Time does help heal wounds like the emotional tsunami of her father's death. Here's what else Linda found helpful.

23:30 Ever pray for something good and not understand God's silence?

26:20 Do you know what to say to someone who is struggling through tragedy? Can we learn to do better and be more helpful to those around us in these situations?

29:00 In the depths of despair, what was Linda's biggest learning?

32:30 How is losing someone to death by suicide different than losing them in other ways?

38:00 What is the worst thing you fear? Here's how to reframe that fear in a productive way.

42:00 Do you have these important people in your life?


Resources:
A Long Shadowed Grief - Suicide and it’s Aftermath by Harold Ivan Smith

Trust After Trauma: A Guide to Relationships for Survivors and Those Who Love Them by Aphrodite T. Matsakis

A Time to Grieve by Kennth C. Haugk

Conscious Transformation by Joey Klein 

What to Say When People are Suffering