It's Not for Nothing

The Team of Red Bird Ministries
  • 5.0 (6)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

"It's Not for Nothing: Real Talk on Grief, Faith, and Surviving the Loss of a Child" is a heartfelt and emotionally powerful podcast that delves into the profound and often devastating experience of losing a child. Hosted by the Red Bird Ministries team, who have personally endured this unimaginable tragedy, the podcast aims to provide a platform for open and honest conversations about grief, faith, and the challenges of navigating life after such a profound loss. The podcast offers a safe and compassionate space for listeners who have experienced similar losses or who want to gain insight into the grieving process. It aims to shed light on the complex emotions and struggles that arise from the loss of a child, exploring the depths of grief while also addressing the role of faith and spirituality in healing. Each episode features intimate interviews with bereaved parents, experts in grief counseling, spiritual leaders, and individuals who have found solace and strength in their own grief journeys. The conversations touch on a wide range of topics, including coping mechanisms, self-care, the impact on relationships, finding hope, and the transformative power of faith. "It's Not for Nothing" strives to create a supportive community by fostering empathy, understanding, and connection among its listeners. Through personal stories, shared experiences, and professional insights, the podcast aims to offer comfort, encouragement, and practical advice to those who are grappling with the loss of a child. Ultimately, "It's Not for Nothing" serves as a source of inspiration and solidarity for anyone navigating the profound depths of grief while seeking to rebuild their lives and find meaning amidst the pain.

  1. Episode 48: Where is God in my Grief? (The Silence is Deafening)

    FEB 26

    Episode 48: Where is God in my Grief? (The Silence is Deafening)

    “The word of the Lord was scarce and vision infrequent.” - 1 Samuel 3:1 Summary: In this episode, Elizabeth Leon, Brittany Primeaux, and Kelly Breaux discuss the profound impact of grief, particularly the loss of a child, on one's relationship with God. They explore the feelings of abandonment and silence that often accompany such loss, emphasizing that these feelings are a natural part of the grieving process. The conversation delves into the complexities of anger, faith, and the mystery of God's presence during times of suffering. The hosts share personal experiences and practical advice on how to navigate grief, including the importance of community support and finding ways to pray when words fail. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to embrace their emotions and trust in God's unwavering presence, even in silence. Takeaways: Grief can deeply affect one's relationship with God. Feeling abandoned by God during grief is a common experience. Anger is a natural response to loss and can coexist with faith. Silence from God does not equate to His absence. Faith after loss is about staying with God, not understanding everything. It's important to allow oneself to feel all emotions during grief. The mystery of God's plan can be difficult to accept but is part of faith. Personal reflections on parenting highlight the ongoing nature of grief. Community and shared experiences can provide comfort and understanding. Discussion Questions: How have you experienced God’s presence or God’s silence in your grief? What hard questions do you find yourself asking God? How comfortable are you with silence and stillness in your grief?

    34 min
  2. Episode 47: When Friends Disappear (The Loneliness of Grief)

    FEB 19

    Episode 47: When Friends Disappear (The Loneliness of Grief)

    “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” Matthew 27:46 and Psalm 22:1 Summary: In this episode of “It's Not For Nothing”, Elizabeth Leon, Brittany Primeaux, and Anna Gowasack discuss the profound loneliness that often accompanies grief, particularly the loss of a child. They explore the impact of isolation on identity, the importance of presence in relationships, and the courage it takes to connect with others during such difficult times. The conversation emphasizes the need for community and understanding, while also acknowledging the changes in friendships that can occur as a result of grief. The hosts encourage listeners to seek out new connections and to embrace the growth that can come from navigating these challenging experiences together. Takeaways: Grief can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Many friends may fade away during times of grief. It's important to have a support system that understands your loss. Presence is more important than words in supporting someone who is grieving. Grief can change our identity and how we relate to others. It's okay to let go of friendships that no longer serve you. New friendships can emerge from shared experiences of grief. Grief is a lifelong journey that evolves over time. Community support is vital for healing after loss. We must have the courage to seek out connections in our grief. Discussion Questions: How have you experienced loneliness in grief? How have friends surprised or disappointed you? In what ways are you still getting to know the “new you” in grief? How comfortable are you sharing this new version of yourself with others? How has grief opened doors for new friendships?

    34 min
  3. Episode 46: When the Church Hurts

    12/05/2025

    Episode 46: When the Church Hurts

    “A bruised reed He will not break.” - Isaiah 42:3 Summary: In this episode, Elizabeth Leon, Kelly Breaux, and Jewell Bayhi discuss the painful experiences of grief within the Church, acknowledging the imperfections of human interactions and the need for compassion and understanding. They explore the role of clergy in providing support, the importance of acknowledging grief, and the necessity of building a culture of life after loss. The conversation emphasizes the need for healing, reconciliation, and the Church's responsibility to care for grieving families. They also want grieving families to know that they are seen, known, and loved and did not deserve for their grief to be harmed by the ones who should care for them as the hands and feet of Christ. Takeaways: The Church is made up of flawed human beings. Acknowledging wounds is the first step to healing. Grief is often met with silence or unkind words. Clergy may lack training in grief ministry. Compassion and understanding are essential in grief support. Every child's life has inherent dignity. Language used in grief can be harmful. Healing is a communal journey, not just personal. Spiritual direction can aid in the healing process. The church must advocate for grieving families. Jesus, the head of the Church, longs for you to come home. Discussion Questions: 1. Have you experienced hurt from within the Church in your grief? How are you able to be honest about those wounds and bring them to Jesus? 2. What would it be like for you to share kindly but honestly with the person who hurt you? 3. How has the Church showed up for you well in your grief?

    39 min
  4. Episode 45: The Audacious Hope of Advent

    12/02/2025

    Episode 45: The Audacious Hope of Advent

    “For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.” - Romans 8:24-25 Summary: In this episode of 'It's Not For Nothing,' Elizabeth Leon, Anna Gowasack, and Kathy Purpera explore the themes of Advent, hope, and grief. They discuss the significance of Advent as a time for reflection and receptivity, especially for those who have experienced loss. The conversation delves into the intertwined nature of faith and hope, the challenges of grieving during the holiday season, and the importance of community and service in healing. The hosts share personal insights and practical tools for cultivating hope, emphasizing that hope is a disposition rather than a feeling. They conclude with a prayer for listeners to embrace the gift of hope during this Advent season. Takeaways: Advent is a time for reflection and preparation. Receptivity is essential in the grieving process. Hope can feel challenging during the holiday season. Faith and hope are intertwined virtues. The Year of Hope offers insights for personal growth. Waiting is an art that requires patience. Audacious hope dares to believe in the unseen. Acts of service can cultivate hope in our lives. Receiving the Eucharist connects us to our loved ones. Entering into the mystery of Advent can bring peace. Discussion Questions: How have you experienced the virtue of hope in your grief? What does it mean to you to practice “receptivity” in your grief? What might the Lord be offering you during Advent?

    38 min
  5. Episode 44: Healthy Holiday Boundaries in Grief

    11/18/2025

    Episode 44: Healthy Holiday Boundaries in Grief

    “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’” - Matthew 5:37 Keywords: holiday boundaries, self-care, emotional health, family support, grief during holidays, healthy boundaries, coping with loss, remembrance, emotional well-being Summary: In this episode, Elizabeth, Anna, and Brittany discuss the challenges of navigating grief during the holiday season and the importance of setting healthy boundaries. They emphasize the need for self-care, the significance of honoring one's grief, and practical tips for creating boundaries that support emotional well-being. The conversation includes scriptural insights and personal anecdotes, providing listeners with tools to cope with loss while maintaining connections with family and traditions. Takeaways: Grief can feel heavier during the holiday season. Setting boundaries is essential for self-care. Healthy boundaries allow for personal freedom and emotional safety. It's okay to skip traditions that feel overwhelming. Communicating boundaries in advance can preserve relationships. Rest is a vital part of emotional health. You don't have to earn the right to rest. Honoring your grief is important during the holidays. Discussion Questions: What are you most afraid of or concerned about as the holidays approach? How can you plan ahead to make space for that concern and try to bring comfort in that area? What boundaries would help the holidays be as peaceful as possible? How can you prioritize caring for yourself and your grief instead of trying to make others feel better? (Remember, self-care is not selfish.)

    43 min
  6. Episode 43: The Health Impact of Grief

    11/04/2025

    Episode 43: The Health Impact of Grief

    “Heal me, Lord and I will be healed.” - Jeremiah 17:4 Summary: In this episode, Elizabeth Leon, Jessica Wilfore, and Dr. Ted Mailette discuss the impact of grief on our overall health, especially our physical health. The conversation highlights the connection between emotional well-being and physical health, offering insights into coping strategies and the necessity of grace during the grieving process. They share personal stories of loss, emphasizing the importance of faith and community support in navigating grief. Takeaways: Grief can have significant physical effects on physical health, mental, and spiritual health. Community support is crucial in the grieving process. Spirituality plays a vital role in healing from grief. It's important to give yourself grace during difficult times. Coping with grief requires addressing emotional, physical, and spiritual health. Isolation can exacerbate the effects of grief on health. Personal experiences of loss can strengthen faith and community bonds. Understanding the mind-body connection is essential for healing. Seeking help from professionals is both helpful and daunting in managing grief. Every individual's grief journey is unique and should be respected. Discussion Questions: 1. How have you experienced physical symptoms in your grief and what has been helping in alleviating them? 2. In what ways have you experienced community support? 3. In what areas of your grief do you need to offer yourself more grace?

    38 min
  7. Episode 42: Sacred Silence (the Grief of Stillbirth)

    10/14/2025

    Episode 42: Sacred Silence (the Grief of Stillbirth)

    “And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” - Luke 2:19 Summary: In this episode, Elizabeth Leon, Brittany Primeaux, Pam Stanford, and Anna Gowasack discuss the presence of sacred silence in grief, especially surrounding stillbirth and the unique grief that accompanies it. They share personal stories of loss and offer practical suggestions for embracing silence as a means of healing. The episode concludes with reflections on the intimacy found in silence and the hope that comes from faith in God during times of loss. Takeaways: The silence of stillbirth is a unique and profound grief. God’s silence is not absence but intimacy. Silence can be both healing and isolating in grief. Personal stories of loss can foster connection and understanding. The role of the Blessed Mother is significant in navigating grief. Intimacy with God can be found in moments of silence. Practical steps can help individuals embrace silence in their grief. Grief is a lifelong journey that requires patience and openness. Our children are with God and part of the communion of saints. Discussion Questions: How comfortable are you with silence in your grief? What steps could you take to allow the Lord to meet you in sacred silence?

    38 min
  8. Episode 41: Baby Brian & Baptism of Desire

    09/30/2025

    Episode 41: Baby Brian & Baptism of Desire

    Let the Little Children Come to Me. - Matthew 19:14 Sign the Petition here: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/baptism-of-desire Summary: In this episode, the Elizabeth, Anna, and special guest Brianne Edwards discuss the significance of the revelation of an unbaptized baby found to be incorrupt 37 years after his death. Baby Brian is a pilgrim of hope and offers an amazing witness of God’s mercy and grace during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Month. Brianne is researching the cause for Baby Brian, both the possibility of canonization as well as the hope for a new doctrine on Baptism of Desire. We pray this conversation brings you hope and healing, especially if you are mourning a baby who died in the womb or after birth. Takeaways: Honor all families of Pregnancy and Infant Loss this month Brianne Edwards shares her journey of grief and healing. The story of Baby Brian reveals profound hope for bereaved parents. Baptism of desire is a complex theological issue for unbaptized infants. The church's response to infant loss needs to evolve. Community support is crucial for grieving families. The petition for recognition of baptism of desire is vital. God's mercy is a central theme in the conversation. The story of Baby Brian serves as a beacon of hope. Helpful Links: https://www.babybrian.org/ https://www.lachslegacy.org/ https://www.athousandpoundsbook.com/ Discussion Questions: What stands out for you about Baby Brian and how the Lord orchestrated events to bring his story to Brianne? If you lost a child before baptism, how does Baby Brian’s story bring you hope?

    38 min
See All (48)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

"It's Not for Nothing: Real Talk on Grief, Faith, and Surviving the Loss of a Child" is a heartfelt and emotionally powerful podcast that delves into the profound and often devastating experience of losing a child. Hosted by the Red Bird Ministries team, who have personally endured this unimaginable tragedy, the podcast aims to provide a platform for open and honest conversations about grief, faith, and the challenges of navigating life after such a profound loss. The podcast offers a safe and compassionate space for listeners who have experienced similar losses or who want to gain insight into the grieving process. It aims to shed light on the complex emotions and struggles that arise from the loss of a child, exploring the depths of grief while also addressing the role of faith and spirituality in healing. Each episode features intimate interviews with bereaved parents, experts in grief counseling, spiritual leaders, and individuals who have found solace and strength in their own grief journeys. The conversations touch on a wide range of topics, including coping mechanisms, self-care, the impact on relationships, finding hope, and the transformative power of faith. "It's Not for Nothing" strives to create a supportive community by fostering empathy, understanding, and connection among its listeners. Through personal stories, shared experiences, and professional insights, the podcast aims to offer comfort, encouragement, and practical advice to those who are grappling with the loss of a child. Ultimately, "It's Not for Nothing" serves as a source of inspiration and solidarity for anyone navigating the profound depths of grief while seeking to rebuild their lives and find meaning amidst the pain.

Information

  • Creator
    The Team of Red Bird Ministries
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Show Website
    It's Not for Nothing

You Might Also Like