Father's Refuge

James Moffitt
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Mental Health
  • Weekly

The Father’s Refuge Podcast is a faith‑centered space for fathers navigating grief, loss, trauma, and emotional healing. After losing my daughter Jessica to cancer, I discovered how little grief support for fathers existed — and how many men were grieving in silence. Each episode explores men’s mental health, Christian grief, mourning, bereavement, and the emotional journey of rebuilding life after loss. Through honest conversations, personal stories, and faith‑rooted encouragement, this podcast offers hope to fathers who feel unseen in their grief. Topics we explore: grief support for fathers, men grieving, Christian grief, loss and healing, bereavement, trauma recovery, fatherhood and grief, emotional healing, hope after loss, spiritual healing, navigating grief as a dad

  1. 1d ago

    The Man I Became: Fatherhood, Loss, and Rebuilding After Trauma- Lorenza Cola

    I would love to hear from you. Click the link now James Moffitt speaks with Lorenzo about a life shaped by communist Albania, childhood hardship, fatherhood, grief, and the long process of recognizing emotional abuse and asking for help. This conversation matters because it shows how a father can survive enormous pressure, keep showing up for his children, and still be honest about breaking points.We discuss how love, grief, faith, and self-awareness can coexist, and how fatherhood became both Lorenzo’s anchor and his motivation to heal. Key topics Lorenzo describes growing up in Durres, Albania, during the communist era, where his family lost property and freedom, yet his home was still defined by love.He shares a childhood memory of giving away his rain jacket to other children, calling it one of the moments that taught him to share everything he had.Lorenzo reflects on scarcity, explaining that even in poverty he learned gratitude, and that money never became his measure of success.Fatherhood changed everything for him - he says becoming a father made him more protective, more responsible, and more unstoppable.He explains that showing up for children means simple, everyday presence: morning greetings, park visits, listening, explaining, and being emotionally available.Lorenzo speaks about the loss of a child before birth and argues that loss is still loss, because hope and attachment begin as soon as a child begins to exist in a parent’s mind.He describes trying to keep functioning while dealing with work, custody, court, health, and relationship pressure, while internally feeling like he was becoming a robot.Lorenzo identifies gaslighting and emotional abuse as the forces that made him doubt himself, lose clarity, and feel trapped.He explains that therapy helped him name what was happening, understand emotional abuse, and recognize patterns he could not see while living inside them.He shares that writing The Man I Became was a way to self-examine, warn others, and help couples avoid destructive conflict. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Father’s Refuge and Lorenzo’s story 01:11 - Childhood in communist Albania and the meaning of scarcity 04:47 - The rain jacket memory and learning to share 09:22 - Bread, olive oil, and a culture of giving what little you have 11:41 - Fatherhood as the most important role in his life 13:09 - What it means to show up for children every day 15:44 - Speaking honestly about pregnancy and infant loss 18:46 - Carrying grief without stopping life 21:14 - Pressure from work, family, court, and health at the same time 23:12 - How gaslighting created self-doubt and emotional numbness 27:15 - Children noticing more than adults realize 29:19 - Fear, manipulation, and losing trust in yourself 30:32 - CPS involvement and the strain of being questioned 36:02 - The moment he knew he needed help 37:38 - Writing down the story for therapy 38:48 - Learning the language of emotional abuse and narcissism 40:40 - Why writing was easier than speaking live 43:01 - Why he wrote The Man I Became 46:16 - Emotional abuse, patterns, and the need to recognize predators 47:39 - Advice for fathers in painful seasons 49:10 - Turning pain into purpose through his daughter’s dream 50:49 - Final encouragement: don’t give up Support the show Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583591441571 Podcast Support https://www.fathersrefuge.com/support/ One Time donation  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2528600/support Monthly Support Want to be a guest? https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/fathersrefuge Mobile Follow Page https://www.fathersrefuge.com/follow/

    The Man I Became: Fatherhood, Loss, and Rebuilding After Trauma- Lorenza Cola

  2. Oct 23

    Beat Up by God: Matthew Jenkins on cancer, chronic pain, divorce, and finding faith in suffering

    I would love to hear from you. Click the link now Beat Up by God: Matthew Jenkins on cancer, chronic pain, divorce, and finding faith in suffering Matthew Jenkins joins James Moffat to talk about what happens when the life you built falls apart. This episode follows Matthew’s story through cancer at 20, chronic illness, repeated job losses, marriage breakdown, and a suicidal crisis, then into the difficult process of rebuilding faith from rock bottom. It’s a candid conversation about grief, identity, fatherhood, and why pain does not have the final word. Key topics James Moffat introduces Matthew Jenkins, author of Beat Up by God, and frames the episode around suffering, grief, and spiritual rebuilding.Matthew shares his background as a father of three, cancer survivor, and Christian who has lived through chronic pain, job loss, marital separation, and mental health crisis.He traces the beginning of the long decline back to a cancer diagnosis at age 20, which interrupted his plans for Army service and a career in languages.Matthew explains that, after cancer, life continued to stack up losses, including chronic back and neck pain after a car wreck, repeated involuntary job changes, and the collapse of his marriage.He describes March 2025 as the breaking point, when unemployment and separation hit at the same time and he felt he had no reason to go on.Matthew says the phrase “beat up by God” came from the language of pain, not from a belief that God was cruel, but from a season when God felt absent in suffering.He reveals that he placed a gun to his head in March 2025 and stopped only because his mother arrived at the right moment.The conversation turns to fatherhood, with Matthew reflecting on how suffering changed him and how his anger toward God affected his children.Matthew says his kids needed more than a provider or disciplinarian, they needed a father who was healing, honest, and willing to repent.He talks about identity, saying that job loss taught him he is more than his career, marriage, or ability to provide, and that his deepest identity is as a follower of Christ.James and Matthew discuss the Christian response to suffering, sovereignty, and how believers wrestle with why painful things happen in a broken world.Matthew closes with his core message: pain is real, but it does not get the final word, and God can meet people in the place where everything feels like it is falling apart.Timestamps 00:00 - Opening the conversation and introducing Matthew Jenkins  01:05 - Matthew’s background: cancer, chronic pain, job loss, and family life  01:50 - Cancer at 20 and the first major life interruption  02:39 - Involuntary job changes and living with chronic pain  03:07 - The 2025 breaking point: unemployment and marital separation  05:00 - The meaning behind Beat Up by God  05:31 - Suicidal crisis and the moment Matthew’s mother arrived  05:59 - Moving from anger toward trust and surrender  11:43 - Losing access to his kids and redefining fatherhood  12:42 - Failing as a husband and wanting to love better next time  13:11 - How anger affected his children and ledI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request. Support the show Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583591441571 Podcast Support https://www.fathersrefuge.com/support/ One Time donation  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2528600/support Monthly Support Want to be a guest? https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/fathersrefuge Mobile Follow Page https://www.fathersrefuge.com/follow/

    Beat Up by God: Matthew Jenkins on cancer, chronic pain, divorce, and finding faith in suffering

  3. Oct 16

    When Grief Becomes Leadership : Jonathan Pitts on Stewarding Loss

    I would love to hear from you. Click the link now Jonathan Pitts on grief, faith, and leading your family through loss James Moffitt talks with pastor, husband, father, and author Jonathan Pitts about the sudden loss of his wife Winter, the faith that carried him through grief, and the role of community in healing. They also discuss how fathers can steward sorrow without shutting down, and how Winter’s legacy continues through their daughters, ministry, and the magazine For Girls Like You. Key topics Jonathan Pitts shares his background growing up in South Jersey, coming to faith in a Christian household, and meeting Winter in college.He explains how his career in ministry eventually led him to work with Tony Evans and later to pastor in Franklin, Tennessee.Jonathan recounts the day Winter became ill, how her cardiac dysrhythmia unfolded suddenly, and how he discovered she had passed at 38 years old.He describes the early grief process, including fear, sleeplessness, worship, and the importance of being physically and emotionally held by family.James and Jonathan discuss the pressure men feel to stay strong, and Jonathan frames grief as a lifelong stewardship rather than a problem to solve.Jonathan explains how the church community in Franklin became family, helping with practical needs, school placement for his daughters, and long-term support.He reflects on the importance of speaking about Winter in the present tense and keeping her memory alive for their children.James shares his own experience losing a daughter to cancer, creating a shared conversation about child loss, faith, and unanswered prayers.Jonathan encourages grieving fathers to look at their story from another angle, focusing not only on loss but on what God may be doing through it.He closes by emphasizing that leadership in suffering means open-handed surrender, refusing resentment, and allowing God to shape the story.Timestamps 00:00 - Jonathan Pitts introduced: pastor, father of five, and author of My Winter Season  00:51 - James references the Family Life Today interview and Winter’s passing  02:35 - The water-ski analogy of “letting go” and crossing into eternity  03:15 - A scripture Jonathan memorized while afraid to fly becomes a comfort in grief  05:54 - Jonathan’s upbringing in South Jersey and faith-filled family background  07:00 - Meeting Winter in college and building a life together in ministry  08:26 - Moving to Franklin, Tennessee and the sudden day Winter became ill  09:54 - Discovering Winter’s heart had gone off rhythm  10:23 - Winter’s passing at 38 and the family’s life after loss  11:13 - Church of the City becoming a family of support and adoption  12:21 - How soon Jonathan was able to talk about Winter after she died  13:03 - The first night after the hospital and the fear surrounding death  14:15 - Being held up by family, presence, and Psalm 34:7  15:32 - Why Winter’s name was never a bad word in the house  16:10 - James shares his daughter’s death and the impact on faith  20:41 - The body of Christ, mutual comfort, and how to support grieving people  22:49 - When Jonathan realized God was still holding his story together  23:53 - An answered prayer fulfilled through Winter’s hope for their daughters’ school  24:53 - The discipline of celebration and thinking on what is true, lovely, and praiseworthy  27:13 - Jonathan on not dismissing pain, including the loss of their stillborn son  30:17 - Why the love of God is the only long-term anchor  31:51 - What fathers misunderstand about grief and why it’s a lifelong mantle  34:05 - What to say to overwhelmed fathers: come to Jesus and don’t walk alone  35:40 - Winter’s legacy in their daughters and the continued work of For Girls Like You  37:13 - The story behind My Winter Season and why Jonathan wrote it  38:15 - The easiest part of writing the book was telling what God was doing  39:18 - Looking at grief from a different angle and stewarding leadership in suffering  41:20 - Closing encouragement and thanks from James Notable quotes Copy “Winter is. She wasn’t a was, she’s an is.” Copy “If all you see is what you see, you’ll never see all there is to be seen.” Copy “Grief was a mantle that God was giving me to steward for the rest of my life.” Support the show Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583591441571 Podcast Support https://www.fathersrefuge.com/support/ One Time donation  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2528600/support Monthly Support Want to be a guest? https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/fathersrefuge Mobile Follow Page https://www.fathersrefuge.com/follow/

    When Grief Becomes Leadership : Jonathan Pitts on Stewarding Loss

  4. Oct 11

    - Making Room for Hope in Hard Seasons—with The Baking Pastor

    I would love to hear from you. Click the link now The Baking Pastor on grief, presence, and soul care In this episode of Father’s Refuge, host James Moffitt speaks with Laura Sharpwaits, known as The Baking Pastor, about how food, home visits, and honest presence can become ministry in seasons of illness and loss. Laura shares her journey through breast cancer, infertility, widowhood, and grief counseling, offering practical wisdom for anyone carrying sorrow or supporting someone who is.We discuss how ordinary acts like baking a meal, sitting at the counter, or simply showing up can create room for healing. Laura also explains her idea of “worship in the wait,” soul care, and why grief is not something people should rush to “get over.” Key topics Laura shares how she became “The Baking Pastor” after bringing baked goods on home visits to older church members.In this episode, Laura describes the counter as a place of honesty, comfort, and pastoral care where people can bring their “junk” and talk openly.She tells the story of receiving a visitor during chemotherapy and how that meal became a reminder not to deny others the blessing of giving.Laura and James discuss how church fellowship has changed, especially after the pandemic, and how home visits have become less common.Laura explains her breast cancer diagnosis, the financial strain of losing health insurance, and the grief of learning she could not biologically have children.She describes “worship in the wait” as the spiritual discipline of waiting through appointments, results, and uncertainty while staying close to God.Laura talks about prayer and hearing from God through Scripture, daily conversations, and small nudges throughout the day.She explains why receiving help was difficult at first and how learning to let others pour into her changed her.A memorable story involves a nurse and several medical staff praying over Laura when her veins were difficult to access before surgery.Laura shares insights from widowhood and grief, emphasizing that grief has no timeline and is not limited to death alone.The conversation covers how men and women may grieve differently, how identity gets tied to work, and why fathers do not need to always be “the strong one.”Laura defines soul care as making room for your own replenishment before you run dry.Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome to Father’s Refuge and introduction to Laura Sharpwaits  01:00 - Why she is called “The Baking Pastor”  02:00 - Why the kitchen counter invites honest conversation  02:37 - A chemo-day visitor and learning not to deny others their blessing  03:48 - How church fellowship has changed in the age of social media  06:01 - Home visits, one-on-one attention, and post-pandemic isolation  07:24 - Breast cancer, financial loss, and infertility  09:52 - “Worship in the wait” and growing closer to God through uncertainty  12:17 - How Laura says she hears from God through Scripture and prayer  14:22 - Learning to receive care instead of always giving it  15:29 - A nurse prays over Laura before surgery and helps her get to the operating room  16:46 - What a spouse needs when illness cannot be fixed  18:15 - Life after the death of a spouse and the reality of grief  19:06 - Moving, sorting, and the long aftermath of widowhood  20:30 - Grief myths, bad advice, and why people need support beyond the funeral  21:33 - Different ways men and women may grieve  22:17 - Why pastors often are not equipped to help with grief  24:06 - The “God will give you what you can bear” myth and a crisis with no water or air conditioning  26:26 - Speaking up for what you need during grief  29:50 - Why people should not fake hope before they are ready  30:46 - Why “being strong” is a grief myth for fathers  32:57 - Talking to children honestly about sadness and loss  34:25 - Supporting family by being vulnerable, not pretending to have all the answers  35:20 - Job loss, identity, and the need for a support circle before crisis hits  42:51 - What soul care means in everyday life  44:37 - Prayer when you only have one word left  45:37 - What refuge means and how to picture a safe place  47:46 - Laura’s book The Empty Chair at the Counter and the upcoming five-night retreat 50:26 - Her private community forum and why grief support needs safety 51:45 - Closing prayer for listeners walking through grief, illness, or exhaustion 53:36 - How to find the community app and where to connect with Laura At the Counter (Community and App) Website: https://bakingpastor.com/counter/ Apple: https://apps.apple.com/in/app/at-the-counter/id6794360404 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bakingpastor.app Notable quotes “Don’t deny them their blessing.” “Worship in the wait.” “Being strong is a grief myth.” Action items If you are grieving, tell someone what you actually need instead of expecting them to guess.If you are supporting someone who is grieving, show up without trying to fix everything.Make room for soul care through Scripture, music, prayer, rest, or time with a pet or trusted person.Let yourself be honest about loss, even if you are not ready to sound hopeful yet.Support the show Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583591441571 Podcast Support https://www.fathersrefuge.com/support/ One Time donation  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2528600/support Monthly Support Want to be a guest? https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/fathersrefuge Mobile Follow Page https://www.fathersrefuge.com/follow/

    - Making Room for Hope in Hard Seasons—with The Baking Pastor

  5. Oct 9

    Grief and Gratitude - The Father Who Chose Both with Mark Stackpole

    I would love to hear from you. Click the link now Mark Stackpole on grieving his daughter Corinne, gratitude, and showing up for fathers in pain This conversation is a deeply personal reflection on fatherhood, grief, and the long aftermath of losing a child. James Moffitt speaks with Mark Stackpole, who shares the story of his daughter Corinne, how his family has changed, and why gratitude, presence, and kindness have become central to his life.We discuss what it means to keep going after devastating loss, how spouses can support each other through shared grief, and why fathers in crisis need simple, immediate support rather than advice or fixes. Key topics In this episode, Mark Stackpole introduces himself as a father of three and an educator who has spent his career helping students succeed.Mark describes the reality of living in a family transformed by loss, explaining that grief and gratitude now coexist in daily life.He shares the story of Corinne, the daughter he describes as loud, kind, affectionate, and deeply present with the people she loved.Mark walks through Corinne’s illness, from early symptoms that seemed routine to her diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia on April 23, 2025.He explains how a stem cell transplant initially worked, then the leukemia returned because of mutations that made treatment difficult.Mark recounts the final stage of Corinne’s illness, when a lung infection became too much for her weakened immune system, and how she passed after nearly 11 months of treatment.He reflects on what surprised him most in grief: not anger, but a sudden turn toward thankfulness for the 22 years they had with Corinne.James and Mark compare the experience of being a father under grief pressure, including the expectation that men should stay strong and emotionally contained.They talk about how spouses can support each other by not trying to fix everything, but by listening, holding hands, and simply being present.Mark emphasizes that support for grieving families is often as simple as showing up, bringing food, babysitting, sitting quietly, or making room for a couple to reconnect.The episode closes with Mark encouraging fathers in crisis to keep breathing, steady themselves, and focus on whatever small actions are still within their control.Timestamps 00:00 - A father’s story of grief, gratitude, and faith  00:57 - Mark Stackpole introduces his family and work in education  01:43 - Why grief and gratitude now live together  03:25 - Fatherhood, infertility, and raising three close siblings  06:18 - Corinne’s personality and the kind of presence she carried  10:14 - Early symptoms, diagnosis, and the first chemotherapy rush  11:15 - Stem cell transplant, remission, and the setback that followed  12:45 - The infection that became too much for Corinne’s body  14:09 - The gift of a long goodbye  16:24 - Why Mark expected anger and found gratitude instead  18:49 - Choosing gratitude over resentment after 22 years together  20:26 - Grief, triggers, and the reality that healing is not linear  22:36 - The pressure on fathers to be the strong one  24:31 - Therapy, lack of support, and lessons from a previous loss  29:50 - Why fathers need self care and emotional honesty  33:41 - Grief does not expire on someone else’s timeline  35:13 - The guilt fathers can feel when they cannot protect their child  38:50 - Why people say hurtful things when they mean well  42:14 - How grief changed the marriage dynamic  46:30 - What spouses need most: presence, not fixing  49:36 - The simple ways friends and family can truly help  50:50 - Raising sons to show up for other people  52:27 - Kindness as strength, not weakness  55:28 - Corinne still “bossing” her dad around  57:59 - What to tell a father whose child has just been diagnosed  60:09 - Mark closes with appreciation for the chance to share Corinne’s legacy Notable quotes "Grief and gratitude go together." "We choose gratitude." "Keep breathing." Support the show Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583591441571 Podcast Support https://www.fathersrefuge.com/support/ One Time donation  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2528600/support Monthly Support Want to be a guest? https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/fathersrefuge Mobile Follow Page https://www.fathersrefuge.com/follow/

    Grief and Gratitude - The Father Who Chose Both with Mark Stackpole

  6. Oct 2

    Faith, Trauma, and the Will to Rebuild with Jay Setchell

    I would love to hear from you. Click the link now The Strength Within You: Jay Setchell on Faith, Survival, and Refusing to Quit James Moffitt speaks with Jay Setchell, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran whose life was reshaped by a near-fatal car accident and a long series of injuries, surgeries, and recoveries. Jay shares how farm life, military service, prayer, and relentless discipline helped him rebuild again and again.This conversation matters because it is not just a survival story. Jay offers a practical worldview for hardship: keep moving, ask for help, stay connected to community, and focus on what you can still do. Key topics In this episode: Jay Setchell traces his life from a hard-working farm childhood in north central Illinois to the Marine Corps, then through multiple life-threatening accidents and long-term disability.In this episode: He describes the foundational lessons of farm life—urgency, responsibility, frugality, and the idea that “if it is to be, it is up to me.”In this episode: Jay recounts the near-fatal Marine Corps car crash that left him hospitalized for a year, followed later by another devastating accident with a drunk driver.In this episode: He shares the July 4, 1981 swimming pool accident that broke his neck in four places, led to drowning, and resulted in 73 surgeries.In this episode: Jay explains how prayer and faith became central to his recovery, especially through a prayer offered by a stranger and sustained support from church communities.In this episode: He emphasizes mindset during rehabilitation, including setting small goals, looking ahead rather than down, and measuring progress by persistence rather than speed.In this episode: Jay discusses how community used to function in rural life, from neighbors bringing food to families in need to church networks praying for one another.In this episode: He reflects on the emotional burden of grief, especially when his children were in danger and when he later lost one of the Marines who helped save his life.In this episode: Jay talks about his book, The Strength Within You: It’s Always Too Soon to Quit, which focuses less on the accidents themselves and more on how to respond to adversity.In this episode: He closes with a call to reach out to others, especially disabled or hurting people, and to remember that strength often comes through connection.Timestamps 00:00 — Jay Setchell’s life story in one sentence: farm kid, Marine, survivor, builder  03:15 — Sales success at GTE and the sudden neck-breaking accident in a swimming pool  05:15 — Prayer, patient of the year, and learning to see rehab as a mission  07:08 — Retiring early, building businesses, and refusing to treat quitting as the easy way out  10:07 — Farm work as childhood training for responsibility and endurance  11:27 — “If it is to be, it is up to me” and why Jay still repeats it to his sons  13:24 — School, factory work, and balancing chores, class, and exhaustion as a teenager  16:18 — How the Marine Corps sharpened discipline that was already forged on the farm  17:15 — The silo auger accident and the lesson that life can turn in seconds  20:21 — Sunday school, Methodist roots, and how neighborhood care shaped his faith  23:30 — Church prayer networks and the recovery gains Jay saw as spiritual support  27:02 — Faith as confidence in what you cannot see, not just wishful thinking  28:00 — Parallel bars, looking ahead, and setting a goal at the far end  30:50 — Purpose, grit, and why Jay says he will not quit until the Lord takes him  33:26 — The long road back: traction, wired jaws, and learning to endure pain  36:27 — Why the farm motto still matters during recovery and when asking others for help  39:17 — Internal injuries, patience, and staying busy while the body heals  42:09 — Reframing success as service to others rather than awards or money  43:25 — Grief, divorce, and the terror of nearly losing his children  46:16 — The childhood pool rescue, the koi pond rescue, and a daughter saved from bleeding out  52:19 — A son choking in a chair, a quick rescue, and the fear of seeing a child in distress  55:44 — Visiting one of the Marines who helped save Jay’s life before he passed away  57:26 — Jay’s book, The Strength Within You: It’s Always Too Soon to Quit 58:52 — Choices, consequences, and why bad hands can still win if played well 61:11 — Reaching out to others in hotel lobbies, disability, and the power of empathy 63:29 — Closing takeaway: broken bodies do not have to mean a broken spirit Notable quotes Copy “If it is to be, it is up to me.” Copy “It’s not what’s happened to you. It’s what you’ve learned from it.” Copy “There’s always an opportunity to get ahead. Life is too short, time is too precious, and it goes way too fast.” Support the show Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583591441571 Podcast Support https://www.fathersrefuge.com/support/ One Time donation  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2528600/support Monthly Support Want to be a guest? https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/fathersrefuge Mobile Follow Page https://www.fathersrefuge.com/follow/

    Faith, Trauma, and the Will to Rebuild with Jay Setchell

  7. Sep 25

    Grief Lessons Men Rarely Hear Until Life Falls Apart

    I would love to hear from you. Click the link now  In this episode, Jay Jacobson shares insights from his 45-year career as a funeral director, exploring grief, leadership, and the importance of presence and compassion in times of crisis. Discover how personal experiences with loss shape leadership and the vital role of support systems for men and families facing grief.  keywords grief, leadership, funeral director, loss, family, mental health, men, legacy, emotional resilience, support systems  key  topics The emotional responsibilities men carry that are rarely discussed How grief influences leadership and personal development The importance of support systems for grieving fathers and families Lessons learned from caring for families in their hardest moments The role of faith and community in navigating grief Building a legacy through everyday actions and presence The impact of loss on family dynamics and traditions Leadership lessons from experiences with trauma and tragedy  sound bites "We have to retool and ask, what do you need from me?" "Today is August 5th, a day to honor their memory." "Live a life you would want to be remembered for." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jay Jacobson and his career in funeral services 02:22 Personal story of loss and grief with his daughter Jessica 04:40 The emotional impact of caring for families and children 12:19 The role of faith and community in grief recovery 20:38 The emotional burdens funeral directors carry 24:12 Leadership lessons learned from grief and tragedy 30:20 How grief reshapes understanding of leadership and life 37:45 Supporting grieving families and the importance of presence 42:43 Advice for grieving fathers and building a legacy Support the show Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583591441571 Podcast Support https://www.fathersrefuge.com/support/ One Time donation  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2528600/support Monthly Support Want to be a guest? https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/fathersrefuge Mobile Follow Page https://www.fathersrefuge.com/follow/

    Grief Lessons Men Rarely Hear Until Life Falls Apart

  8. Sep 11

    Fatherhood and Spiritual Leadership: Leading Imperfectly with James Moffitt

    I would love to hear from you. Click the link now Spiritual Leadership for Real Fathers James Moffitt addresses a struggle many fathers quietly carry: how to lead spiritually without feeling “qualified enough.” This episode matters because it reframes spiritual leadership away from perfection and toward presence, willingness, and steady faithfulness in everyday home life.In this episode, James shares that fathers do not need seminary training, a perfect prayer life, or a spotless past to lead their families well. He focuses on simple, sustainable rhythms like praying, reading scripture, and asking meaningful questions with your kids and spouse. Key topics The myth of the perfect spiritual leader and why many fathers disqualify themselves too earlyWhy willingness matters more than theological credentialsHow a messy past can become a testimony, not a disqualifierPraying with your kids even when the words feel awkwardWhy spiritual leadership must include emotional, mental, and spiritual presenceReading scripture together without needing to explain every verseThe power of a father admitting he was wrongRepentance as a model for children, not a sign of failureA simple weekly rhythm: one scripture, one prayer, one conversationWhy consistency matters more than doing it “the right way”Timestamps 00:00 - Why fathers feel unqualified to lead spiritually  00:29 - God calls for presence, not perfection  01:04 - The myth of the perfect spiritual leader  01:23 - No seminary degree required  01:43 - Real prayers matter more than polished prayers  02:25 - How your past can become a testimony  02:41 - The real requirement is willingness  03:23 - What spiritual leadership looks like in everyday life  03:32 - Praying with your kids when it feels awkward  04:18 - Reading scripture together without having all the answers  04:33 - Why admitting you were wrong is powerful leadership  04:49 - Repentance as a model for children  05:15 - A simple weekly spiritual rhythm for fathers  05:46 - One scripture, one prayer, one conversation  06:04 - God fills the gaps you cannot  06:33 - Closing encouragement for fathers to keep showing up Support the show Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583591441571 Podcast Support https://www.fathersrefuge.com/support/ One Time donation  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2528600/support Monthly Support Want to be a guest? https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/fathersrefuge Mobile Follow Page https://www.fathersrefuge.com/follow/

    Fatherhood and Spiritual Leadership: Leading Imperfectly with James Moffitt
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About

The Father’s Refuge Podcast is a faith‑centered space for fathers navigating grief, loss, trauma, and emotional healing. After losing my daughter Jessica to cancer, I discovered how little grief support for fathers existed — and how many men were grieving in silence. Each episode explores men’s mental health, Christian grief, mourning, bereavement, and the emotional journey of rebuilding life after loss. Through honest conversations, personal stories, and faith‑rooted encouragement, this podcast offers hope to fathers who feel unseen in their grief. Topics we explore: grief support for fathers, men grieving, Christian grief, loss and healing, bereavement, trauma recovery, fatherhood and grief, emotional healing, hope after loss, spiritual healing, navigating grief as a dad

Information

  • Creator
    James Moffitt
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Father's Refuge
  • Show Website
    Father's Refuge