In this episode, Laura talks with Becky Russell about her daughter, Jae, who died in a car accident at sixteen. Becky shares how her deep spiritual foundation was shaken by the confusion and questions that followed, leaving her to wrestle with beliefs she once thought were unshakable. Laura and Becky begin exploring four parts of our worldview that influence how we process grief: origin, morality, meaning, and destiny. In this first half of their conversation, they focus on origin and morality, discussing what we believe about where life comes from, how we determine truth, and what happens when child loss brings spiritual mayhem into everything we thought we knew. If your child’s death has left you confused about God or questioning beliefs you once felt certain about, this honest conversation is one you will want to hear. Becky Russell, RN, MA, MSN, has spent her entire adult life in some form of extending mercy to others. As a registered nurse, with two master’s degrees in health care administration and education, she practiced in a variety of roles of Intensive Care, Cardiac Rehabilitation and Education. She recently retired from Baptist Health as the Director of Clinical Learning and Professional Development. During her career, Becky spent years helping others navigate grief. Then on March 18, 2004, her daughter, Jae Lynn, and two of Jae Lynn’s friends, were killed in a car accident, and Becky found herself navigating her own deep grief. After the devastating loss, Becky joined and then began to facilitate a monthly support group for The Bereaved Parents of the USA. She is a creative national and local speaker and authors the Facebook blog “Weepyseeds”. Becky lives in Arkansas, with her husband, Ralph, of 44 years, and is the mother of Jae Lynn’s two surviving sisters. (Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.) This podcast episode is being sponsored by Chris and ReNae Trebelhorn, in honor of their son, Aaron. Links Mentioned in this episode: Would you like to honor your child by sponsoring a podcast episode on a meaningful week? Click here. Find out more about The GPS Hope Grief Cruise in October, 2027. Click here to find out more about the word pareavor. Click here to support the podcast and join Laura on Patreon for extra content Birthdays: We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of: Aaron Trebelhorn was born on August 16 and is forever 21. Jadyn Philipps was born on August 17 and is forever 18. Kevin Zick was born on August 21 and is forever 33. Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too. The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here. Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE! www.gpshope.org To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org. Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose. It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.
