In today’s episode, Luke & Monica take listeners into one of the most tender conversations yet — navigating grief, mourning, and the holiday season when life looks nothing like you expected.

Thanksgiving week can bring joy, memories, and celebration…
 but it can also magnify loss, loneliness, and the reality of a life you didn’t plan for.

Both hosts share openly from their own stories:

• Luke walking through the loss of his wife, Alicia, in 2023
• Monica navigating the shock of divorce, depression, and rebuilding after being left in 2020

This episode dives into the difference between grieving (internal) and mourning (external), why both are biblical, and how to give yourself permission to feel what you need to feel — especially this time of year.

You’ll hear stories of first holidays after loss, expectations vs. reality, and how some traditions stayed the same… while others had to change completely. You’ll also hear practical, grace-filled thoughts for walking through Thanksgiving and Christmas when joy and sadness sit side by side.

What We Talk About in This Episode

• Why grief often hits hardest during the holidays
• The difference between grieving and mourning — and why both matter
• How Luke and Monica processed their first holiday seasons after loss
• The pressure of “holiday cheer” when your heart is still healing
• How to change traditions without losing meaning
• Why anger, tears, numbness, and confusion are all normal
• How to avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms during grief
• What it looks like to grieve with grace
• Practical steps to navigate Thanksgiving or Christmas when you’re hurting

Scriptures Mentioned

Romans 8:28 (KJV)
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Psalm 30:5 (KJV)
“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

Matthew 5:4 (KJV)
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”

Philippians 4:7 (KJV)
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee…”

Ecclesiastes 3:4 (KJV)
“A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”

Key Takeaways

• Grief is the internal feeling. Mourning is the external expression.
  You need both for healthy healing.
• You can’t heal what you won’t feel.
  Ignoring emotions doesn’t protect you — it just delays the process.
• Holidays may require doing things differently this year.
  That’s not failure. That’s wisdom.
• You don’t have to be the strong one. Jesus already volunteered for that.
• The life you’re living may not be the one you planned — and God can still work good in it.

How to Walk Through the Holidays With Grace

• Keep one tradition
• Change one tradition
• Let go of one expectation
• Rest in one intentional way
• Give yourself permission to cry, process, talk, and breathe

If This Episode Hit Home…

You’re not alone.
 You’re not behind.
 You’re not failing.

You’re human — and Jesus is close to the brokenhearted.
 We pray this conversation brings comfort, clarity, and encouragement as you enter Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Thank you for listening, sharing, and letting us walk through these seasons with you. We are so grateful for each of you.