We're back! In today's episode, we simply chat about the things God has been teaching us over the break and share more about Kristin's 10-week hospital stay prior to the birth of her son, Andrew. We get really real about our personal struggles with prayer after losing a child, our fears surrounding pregnancy after loss, the tension of having a healthy child after losing a sick baby, and the ways God is sufficient through every question, heartache, and valley. No matter what this season of life l...
Sep 04, 2018•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 16
Our friend Caroline Maclaga joins us today to share her story of loss and the important role scripture played following the unexpected stillbirth of her firstborn daughter, Emma, and throughout her pregnancy with her second daughter, Nora. Caroline discusses the ways the Bible makes room for lament and sorrow, while drawing us toward the hope and joy we have in Christ. We hope you’ll be encouraged by Caroline’s story and the hope she has in Jesus. Connect with us via Instagram @throughthelenspod...
May 18, 2018•1 hr 28 min
This episode takes on a different format as Holly announces the birth of Kristin's baby Andrew and recaps Kristin's 10 week journey on hospital bed rest to where she is now, in the NICU with baby Andrew, born at 32 weeks gestation. Holly shares about how she and Kristin have both been leaning into the concept of God's daily bread, and how "just enough" is also "abundantly enough." For more of Kristin's current circumstances, visit her blog . Holly's blog as referenced in this episode can be foun...
May 04, 2018•24 min•Ep. 14
Burying a child is perhaps one of the most painful and unnatural experiences a person could face. We expect our children to bury us, not the other way around. Yet when we look at the grave through the lens of the gospel, the grave truly has no merit from an eternal standpoint for those who are in Christ. Thanks to Christ--His death and resurrection--the grave has no power over those who know Him. Join us as we candidly discuss our own experiences with the devastating process of burying a child, ...
Apr 20, 2018•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 13
In this week’s episode, Vaneetha Risner joins us to share her story of suffering and sanctification, and the comfort we have in Christ. Vaneetha has been a sort of spiritual mentor to us from afar through her writings, and we cannot wait for you to hear her story. When faced with unimaginable suffering, Vaneetha cried out to God to spare her. In the depth of her pain, Vaneetha found God’s sustaining grace. We think you’ll be encouraged by Vaneetha’s words, just as we have been. Check out Vaneeth...
Apr 06, 2018•1 hr
We don't know about you, but we like to be in control. While our hearts yearn to live a life of full surrender to God, this hasn't always been easy. Time and time again we find ourselves desperately clinging to certain areas of our lives, rather than wholly entrusting every detail to an all-powerful God. Yet even in this struggle, we are gently called us to lay everything down at His feet--the big things and the small things. We see this call over and over again in the gospels, as Jesus calls hi...
Mar 23, 2018•1 hr 2 min
The hashtag pops up frequently as we scroll through our social media feeds. It’s often found tagged on photos of smiling families, cozy homes, new cars, and exciting life events. #Blessed. The posters behind these photos are indeed blessed. All of those earthly gifts--friendships, comfort, success, provision--are unmerited gifts from God that we don’t deserve and could never earn on our own. Each of these gifts certainly warrant gratitude and giving Him all the glory. But this is only part of th...
Mar 09, 2018•48 min
We've found such encouragement through the communities around us--our small groups, our churches, our families, and even in online communities just like this. Being in community is arguably the main way that we show Christ’s love to others--in loving others and serving others, people both inside and outside the Kingdom will know that we belong to God. In this episode, we dive deeper into the concept of community--why it's important, the challenges that come with it, and how to be more intentiona...
Feb 06, 2018•1 hr 22 min
Loss mama--You are seen. You still matter. You are loved. As we think about our friends, our sisters, our own mothers, and the women in our communities, it is clear that motherhood is beautifully unique for each person. It isn't limited to having living children on earth, or even having carried a baby in your womb. In this beautiful fabric of unique circumstances, there is so much we can learn from one another as we all strive toward living well and glorifying God with the lives we’ve been given...
Jan 23, 2018•1 hr 30 min
This week's episode features an interview with Sarah Rieke . Sarah is mama to 5 with 2 in heaven. We know you'll be moved by Sarah's testimony of Christ's sustenance throughout her life and journey of loss. Sarah's writings have been featured on many platforms including Still Standing and Mothering Beyond Expectations. She also has a podcast, the Heart Lessons podcast , which is definitely worth checking out. Visit us on Facebook and Instagram @throughthelenspodcast. Don't forget to leave us a r...
Jan 09, 2018•1 hr 15 min
We're tackling one of the most difficult questions we've been faced with. If God is truly sovereign and loving, why do bad things happen? Particularly, where was God when our babies died? We have both been prayerfully planning for this episode for weeks. We know this topic is sensitive and may stir up a wide spectrum of emotions. We also do not expect to completely or perfectly answer this question in an hour. Our hope is simply to start the conversation and point one another toward the truth we...
Dec 26, 2017•59 min
We discuss the ways Christmas has changed for us since losing our sons, share what we struggle with and what brings us joy this time of year, and share listener ideas of practical ways to include the memory of our lost loved ones into our holiday traditions. Whether this time of year fills your heart with excitement, sorrow, or perhaps a little bit of both, we invite you to join us as we navigate this often bittersweet season. http://www.sunlightindecember.com/2015/12/wake-me-up-when-december-en...
Dec 12, 2017•1 hr 9 min
Life doesn’t often go according to our well-laid plans. How can we find joy and contentment when our lives don’t look how we want them to? In this episode, we discuss ways to find joy and contentment when the Lord calls us into seasons of life that we wouldn't have necessarily chosen. Visit http://www.facebook.com/throughthelenspodcast and Instagram @throughthelenspodcast. Don't forget to leave us a rating and review to help others find us!...
Nov 28, 2017•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 4
People say the darndest things, especially when you’re grieving. In this episode, we talk about the hurtful things well-intentioned people say to the heartbroken and ways to gently educate and lift one another up through our responses. Whether you are hurting or walking alongside someone who is, we invite you to join us as we navigate a minefield of awkward (yet well-intentioned) phrases. Visit http://facebook.com/throughthelenspodcast and find us on Instagram @throughthelenspodcast. Don't forge...
Nov 14, 2017•56 min
In this episode, we, Holly & Kristin, share our stories of suffering, including infertility, miscarriage, and child-loss. We talk about how our view of the Gospel has been shaped and changed as a result of our suffering, and we invite you to join us on social media to share your stories with us. Don't forget to leave us a rating and review to help spread the word to others who would benefit from this show! http://facebook.com/throughthelenspodcast @throughthelenspodcast...
Nov 02, 2017•1 hr 19 min
Welcome to the Through the Lens Podcast: Gospel-driven conversations on hope in the heartache, where two child-loss mamas discuss suffering and sanctification. No matter what shape your suffering takes, we invite you to join us in authentic conversation as we navigate through the trials of this life, keeping our eyes fixed on the hope of heaven. Tune in to hear how the show came about and what you can expect from future episodes. Visit http://facebook.com/throughthelenspodcast and find us on Ins...
Oct 31, 2017•28 min