Grief 07: Infant Loss—An Interview with Nancy Guthrie
There’s no way to soften the tragedy of losing a child. As moms, we love, protect, and care for our children with fierce depth and intensity, but we don’t have ultimate control. When the unimaginable loss of a child occurs, how do we carry our grief as we walk forward in the life and family God has kept earthside? In this episode, Emily and Laura hear from author and Bible teacher Nancy Guthrie on what she learned in the process of losing two children after birth. While grief this deep may never truly leave us this side of heaven, we can look to the God who sacrificed his own Son for us and know that he meets, sustains, and restores, even in the immense sorrow of losing a beloved child.
Nancy Guthrie teaches the Bible at her home church, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Franklin, Tennessee, as well as at conferences around the country and internationally, including her Biblical Theology Workshop for Women. She is the author of numerous books, and the host of the Help Me Teach the Bible podcast at The Gospel Coalition. She and her husband founded Respite Retreats for couples who have faced the death of a child and are co-hosts of the GriefShare video series.
Mentioned on the Show:
Find books by Nancy Guthrie here.
Grab your FREE Download: Risen Motherhood x Every Moment Holy: Liturgies for Grieving Moms
R|M Book Club sign-ups open April 10, learn more here!
Pre-order and learn more about the R|M Guided Journal here!
Related Resources from R|M:
Risen Motherhood x Every Moment Holy:
Liturgies for Grieving Moms
We’ve partnered with our friends at Every Moment Holy to create an exclusive download filled with liturgies for different types of grief we experience as moms. This download is completely free when you sign up for the Risen Motherhood email list—fill out the form below to get this free download straight to your inbox!
R|M Apply Questions:
Nancy shares that when she first learned of her daughter’s fatal diagnosis, she asked the Lord to give her the grace to accept the number of days he’d given her. No matter our season, the Lord has numbered all of our days (Job 14:5)—spend some time in prayer that God would help you to find comfort and peace in the days he gives to you and your children, even if they’re not what you plan or expect.*
Throughout the series, many of our interviewees have mentioned the foundational truths of Scripture that sustained them when they walked through a season of grief. What steps can you take now to engage with godly community, study God’s Word, and dedicate time to prayer so that when a season of grief comes, you’re armed with hope and truth when Satan tempts you to despair?
Read Genesis 3:15-16. What struggles do you see in your own life and motherhood that can be tied back to this passage? Now, read Revelation 22:3. For those of us in Christ, we will see every tear wiped away and all things made new. Pray that the Lord will help you cling to him in today’s brokenness and set your eyes on the hope that awaits in heaven.*
Nancy challenges us to open up our Bibles and anticipate that God will speak to us. Spend one morning (or afternoon, or naptime!) this week praying through a passage of Scripture. (Not sure where to start? Try giving the Grief Scripture meditation show a listen, or you can check out our Praying the Word article series for more ideas!)
*If you’re in a season of deep grief, we know that an application question or Scripture reference can’t meet you wholly in the pain you’re experiencing. We encourage you to reach out to a trusted friend, mentor, counselor, and/or medical professional who can speak into your specific circumstances.
Want to help Risen Motherhood keep creating the content you know and love?
This mini-series is brought to you by our generous donors.
For More:
To subscribe: on iOS, go to our iTunes page and subscribe. On Android, click this podcast RSS feed link and select your podcast app. You may need to copy the link into your favorite podcast app (like Overcast or Stitcher).
Leave an iTunes review. These are huge for us! The more reviews, the greater chance another mother will find us.
Like Risen Motherhood on Facebook and follow on Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates and related information.
Let us know your thoughts! We'd love to hear more about the conversations you're having. Shoot us an email, or find us on social media.
Tell others. We truly hope this podcast fosters conversations and deeper discussions between mothers to seek the gospel in their daily activities - we'd be honored if you shared and encouraged others to listen in.
*Affiliate links used where appropriate. Thanks for supporting this ministry!
