This is Your Nudge to…Grieve well with Lisa Appelo

In this episode, I'm sitting down with Lisa Appelo, who suddenly lost her husband and found herself navigating life as a widow and single mom of seven children. Lisa shares so honestly about the shock of losing someone you love, the unexpected waves of grief, and how she learned to bring all of her hurt, questions, and fears to God. Here's something I think we all need to remember: God isn't asking us to pretend we're okay when we're not. Lisa and I talk about the beautiful biblical practice of lament and how the Psalms give us words when we simply don't have any of our own. We explore what it looks like to trust God's promises while still acknowledging the pain we're carrying. We also talk about how to love people who are grieving. Because sometimes we want so badly to make things better that we forget the most important thing we can offer is simply our presence. Unfortunately, grief doesn't come with a schedule. There aren't a certain number of days, months, or years when we're supposed to be finished grieving. But we don't have to walk through it alone. - Grief isn't linear, and there is no right timeline for healing. - God welcomes our honest prayers, even when they're filled with anger, confusion, fear, or questions. - The Psalms can give us words to pray when grief makes it difficult to find our own. - We don't have to choose between grieving deeply and trusting God's goodness. - Supporting someone who is grieving doesn't mean fixing their pain. Often, it means listening, showing up, and simply being there. - Practical acts of love, like bringing a meal, helping with everyday responsibilities, or checking in long after the funeral, can make an enormous difference. - Gratitude doesn't erase grief, but it can help us recognize God's faithfulness even in painful seasons. - God's promises remain true, even when our circumstances are nothing like we hoped they would be. One of the things I love about this conversation is Lisa's reminder that we can bring our whole hearts to God. Not just the grateful parts or the parts that have everything figured out–but the broken parts, too. We can cry out to Jesus. We can ask Him the hard questions. We can admit to Him that we're scared, disappointed, or completely overwhelmed. And the Lord doesn't turn away. Maybe you're walking through grief right now. Or maybe there's someone in your life who is, and you aren't quite sure how to help. **This is your nudge to stop believing you have to have all the answers.** Bring your grief to Jesus. Let the people who love you walk alongside you. And if you're the friend of someone who is hurting, don't wait until you know exactly what to say. Just show up. Because sometimes the most beautiful way we can reflect the love of Jesus is by sitting with someone in their sorrow and reminding them they aren't alone. Lisa Appelo is a widow and single mom to seven amazing children. Through her writing and ministry, she shares the lessons God continues to teach her about His faithfulness. Lisa is passionate about helping others navigate grief with the hope and comfort of Jesus so they can begin again. Her devotional, God of Comfort, offers biblical encouragement and reminders of God's presence for those walking through seasons of loss. **Make sure you're following This Is Your Nudge** so you don't miss a single conversation encouraging you to stop making excuses, step out of someday, and into the promises and goodness God has for you today. **Links:**  Laura L. Smith:  Website https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurasmithauthor/ Brave Woman, Mighty God book: https://amzn.to/4qSiW4r **Lisa Appelo links:** website: LisaAppelo.com IG: @lisaappelo FB: @LisaAppelo God of Comfort Devotional **Nuuly: $30 off your first month, cancel or pause your subscription at any time:** https://share.nuuly.com/laura5845 **Here's what you'll take away from this episode:About Lisa Appelo**