128 Finding Hope After Losing a Loved One to Suicide

Episode Summary:

In this episode, I talk with Karisa Moore about finding hope after losing a loved one to suicide. Karisa lost her oldest son to suicide in 2014. As a mental health professional, this is a topic we don't talk about enough. When we don't talk about it, the enemy uses that to keep us isolated, feeling alone, and in despair.

Quotables from the episode:

• Even when we are in our darkest days and have no idea what to pray, we can take comfort knowing God’s spirit intercedes for us.
• If you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, consider joining a support group, attending Grief Share classes, and getting Biblical counseling.
• Grief is a dance we don’t want, but we can grieve with hope.
• Shock is a gift, a cushion to help us process our loss.
• There is power and a gift in the differences in how we each grieve.
• If you’re in the pit of depression and don’t want to get up, determine your “non-negotiables,” those things you promise yourself you’ll do despite your feelings.

Scripture References:

• Romans 8:34-35, NIV: “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?”
• Hebrews 11:1, KJV: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
• Ephesians 6:10-12 ESV: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

Recommended Resources:

• Broken Butterflies: Emerging Through Grief, A Suicide Survivor’s Poetic Journal by Karisa Moore
• Suicide Risk in Children and Teens
• The Sadness Behind Suicide
• Hope for Recovery for Suicide Attempt Survivors – Episode 49
• Hope When You Have Thoughts of Suicide – Episode 22
• Hope When a Suicide Attempt Feels Like the Only Option
• Hope after a Failed Suicide Attempt – Episode 21
• Teenage Suicide: The Girl in the Hoodie
• Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip
• Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
• Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award

Social Media Links for Host and Guest:

To connect with Karisa Moore:

Website / Facebook / Twitter

For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:

Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube

Guest:

Karisa Moore speaks on the unspeakable as a result of her oldest son’s suicide. She embraces life alongside her husband and two living children by taking hikes, photography, and sharing great stories. Karisa is the author of Broken Butterflies: Emerging Through Grief, A Suicide Survivor’s Poetic Journal, and a blogger at Turning the Page on Suicide.

Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

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