In this episode of Pursuing Hearts,  we open up about an often-overlooked aspect of life transitions: grief. Through vulnerable storytelling and honest reflection, we share what it feels like to let go of dreams, roles, or seasons that didn’t unfold as hoped. They discuss the tug-of-war between hope and hopelessness, and how our identities can become deeply intertwined with what we do. 

As we reflect on our journeys, we also discover how God meets us in our grief—not to discard our past, but to realign our hearts, deepen our trust, and shape our future. If you’re walking through an uncertain transition, this episode offers grace, space, and hope for what comes next.

 

Episode Highlights

• The difference between accepting an ending in your mind vs. in your emotions
• How grief can be delayed by clinging to hope or resisting change
• The role of hopelessness in prompting honest reflection and growth
• The internal struggle with identity loss when what we “do” ends or shifts
• Why even unfulfilled dreams are not wasted in God’s hands
• The loneliness of grieving dreams others may not understand
• Trusting God’s character more than His visible actions
• Inviting Jesus into your grieving process, one step at a time
• Shifting from “doing” for God to “being” with God

 

📖 Scripture References (NLT)

• 1 Samuel 16:1
  “Now the Lord said to Samuel, ‘You have mourned long enough for Saul. I have rejected him as king of Israel, so fill your flask with olive oil and go to Bethlehem. Find a man named Jesse who lives there, for I have selected one of his sons to be my king.’”
• Ephesians 3:20
  “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”
• John 15:2
  “He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.”
• Romans 8:28
  “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

Resources

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Experiencing Jesus. Really - John Eldredge

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Connect with Cheryl Ziegler at cherylziegler.com.

Connect with Clarette on X at @claretteduplooy or deployingclarity.com.