Episode 14: Living an Eternal Lent

I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up those things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ, in my flesh, for his body, which is the Church. (Colossians 1.24)

In this episode, Elizabeth, Brittany, and special guest Dana Miller discuss the topic of suffering and how it relates to Lent. They explore the idea of surrendering to suffering and finding purpose in it, even when we don’t get to lay down our cross after 40 days.  They also discuss the concept of redemptive suffering and how it can bring us closer to God. Their conversation explores the human journey through grief and the importance of offering suffering to Jesus. It emphasizes finding purpose in suffering and trusting in God's goodness. The ladies explore the mystery that joy can be found in suffering and that our suffering can be a bridge to Jesus. It concludes with reflections on the healing and hope that can be found, even in pain.  It’s not for nothing.  

Takeaways include: 

  • Suffering has a purpose when you unite it with Jesus

  • Surrendering to suffering allows us to find meaning and joy in the midst of it.

  • Redemptive suffering is a way to participate in Christ's suffering and bring about redemption for ourselves and others.

  • Support and reassurance from others who have experienced similar suffering can be invaluable. 

  • Trusting in God's goodness does not mean that everything happens for a reason. It means trusting that God can bring good from any situation.

  • Suffering can be a bridge to Jesus and can lead to a deeper relationship with Him.

Elizabeth Leon

Elizabeth Leon is the Director of Family Support for Red Bird Ministries. She and her husband Ralph are from Ashburn, Virginia and have ten children between them - five of hers, four of his, and their son, John Paul Raphael who died on January 5, 2018. His short and shining life was a sacred experience that transformed her heart and left a message of love for the world: let yourself be loved. She writes about finding the Lord in the darkness of grief in her book Let Yourself Be Loved: Big Lessons from a Little Life, available wherever books are sold. Read more from Elizabeth at www.letyourselfbeloved.com.

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Episode 15: From “Why Me?” to “What Now?”

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Episode 13: How to Pray when you Can’t Pray