Episode 62: Unplanned Pages

<p>Six years ago, when Christine passed away, I never imagined I would write a grief devotional. I wasn&#39;t looking to become a grief coach, start a grief podcast, or build a ministry around loss. I was simply trying to survive.</p><p>In this episode, I share the unexpected story behind NEXT: Lamentations and Devotions and why it exists. What began as private journal entries, prayers, questions, and laments slowly became something much bigger than I ever intended.</p><p>Along the way, I discovered that grief isn&#39;t a problem to solve—it&#39;s a relationship to learn. A relationship with loss, memory, change, and ultimately, with God Himself.</p><p>I&#39;ll also share my original song, My Grief Song, and talk about why permission—not perfection—has become one of the most important themes of my grief journey.</p><p>If you&#39;ve ever wondered whether you&#39;re grieving &quot;the right way,&quot; this episode is for you.</p><p>In this episode:</p><p>• Why I never intended to write a grief devotional</p><p>• How journaling became a lifeline after loss</p><p>• The importance of lament and honest conversations with God</p><p>• Why grieving people need permission more than answers</p><p>• The meaning behind the Selah and Grief Examen sections of the devotional</p><p>• How God&#39;s goodness remains present in the middle of sorrow</p><p>&quot;I didn&#39;t write this because I had figured grief out. I wrote it because I was grieving.&quot;</p><p>Find out more about me here: www.jaycookingham.com</p><p>I’m on @buymeacoffee. If you like, even maybe love my podcast, you can buy me a coffee and support me. It’s a simple way of showing your support and helping me grow the podcast. Thank you!</p><p>Here’s the link: buymeacoffee.com/jcdude56t</p><p>Podcast Music by Paul Grimsland</p><p>Grief Song written by Jay Cookingham used with (mine) his permission.</p><p>Buy NEXT: Lamentations and Devotions her: https://a.co/d/0g8K8kVT</p><p><br></p>