Have Faith in Your Faith

As I Live and Grieve®

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What happens when faith collides with grief? For Pastor Amanda McNeil, this question became deeply personal during her journey through infertility. This conversation delves into the complex relationship between faith and loss, offering wisdom for anyone questioning their spiritual foundations after experiencing grief. Amanda, who serves as both a pastor and counselor, brings a rare dual perspective—acknowledging that anger, doubt, and questioning are natural parts of the grieving process that don't indicate spiritual failure.
"God can handle our anger," she reassures listeners, emphasizing that presenting one face to the public while struggling privately is a common experience, especially for those in spiritual leadership. The discussion expands beyond loss related to death, exploring how grief manifests in various life transitions—from divorce to job loss to retirement. Amanda offers practical guidance for helping children develop emotional language through everyday losses, demonstrating how these experiences can build resilience from an early age.
Perhaps most compelling is Amanda's neurological perspective on grief, explaining how our brains function differently when processing trauma. "We aren't designed to live in survival mode indefinitely," she notes, illuminating why avoidance strategies ultimately fail to heal our deepest wounds.
Whether you're questioning your faith after loss, supporting someone through grief, or simply seeking to understand the complex interplay between spirituality and suffering, this conversation offers gentle wisdom without easy answers. Amanda's approach—meeting people where they are without judgment—provides a roadmap for walking alongside others through their darkest valleys while honoring their unique spiritual journey.

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Credits:
Music by Kevin MacLeod

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Copyright 2020, by As I Live and Grieve
The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

Chapters

1. Have Faith in Your Faith (00:00:00)

2. Introducing Amanda McNeil (00:00:01)

3. Navigating Infertility and Loss (00:02:44)

4. Processing Grief as a Pastor (00:08:43)

5. Faith During Times of Questioning (00:14:58)

6. Grief Beyond Death (00:19:00)

7. Brain Science and Grief Processing (00:27:13)

8. Resources and Final Thoughts (00:30:48)