Good Grief!: Recent Episodes
Latisha Sims
Whether you lost a loved one or experienced a divorce, lost a job or your own identity, or lost something that cost you everything, all loss has something in common…GRIEF.
Good Grief! is a safe space for individuals who have experienced any "L" in life. In this forum, you will find ways to help turn the negatives into positives throughout your grief journey. You are privy to open, vulnerable, authentic experiences and proven strategies. Good Grief! is a community for those grieving losses and desiring to move forward in their personal healing journey.
We do so many things in life to try to maintain control of our circumstances, surroundings, and even other people. But the truth is we were/are never in complete control. Today, I share some personal stories that help me understand I will never be omniscient, omnipresent, and sovereign...only God is because I'm out of control.
Galatians 5: 22-23
Proverbs 25: 28
In basketball, when facing an opponent, an important skill used by the player is found in the art of pivoting. Today, I use the idea of this skill in combination with 1 Corinthians 10:13 to enlightened on how we should handle our trials and tribulations. "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure."~1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT
On this special episode, I talk to you about the 'strong' friend in acknowledgment of Mental Health Awareness Month (May). A 'strong' friend is typically the person who checks in on others; meanwhile, seeming to have it altogether regarding their own life. Through my personal story and that of Prophet Elijah (1 Kings 17-19), this message offers advice for the person who is considered to be the 'strong' friend, and the person who is a friend of the 'strong' friend.
Oftentimes, we can feel forsaken by God and angry that our prayers were not answered in the way that we desired. Then, thoughts creep in..."Why pray? Is He even listening?" And these overwhelming thoughts coupled with our hurt cause our prayers to become mute and sometimes even non-existent. Despite the loss, we must learn to continue to communicate with God. Whether reciting a Bible verse or calling upon the Holy Spirit, we must be persistent in prayer.
On this episode, I share the thorn that has remained in my flesh since losing my daughter in 2014. I encourage everyone to slow down from the rat race of life and take time to endearingly SPEAK LOVE and genuinely Show LOVE.1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 (ESV) reminds us that "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." I do not own rights to this music.Where is the Love? by Black Eyed Peas
When life does not go as planned, we often find ourselves sitting in the loss...stuck and guarded. In order to make a change, we have to be willing to have faith and move forward.
Power of life and death are tongue! Say What??? You mean what I say has power over my life. On this episode, I use Proverbs 18:21 and Numbers 13-14 to share why we should watch what we say over ourselves, our family, and our circumstances. Bottomline, watch what you say it may come to true one day.
Is letting go the same as forgetting? What should I do to move on? This episode uses Philippians 3:13-14 to encourage your way forward by looking briefly at the life of Apostle Paul.
Everywhere we turn there seems to be some calamity, famine, disease, war. Even if we attempt to shield ourselves, we cannot escape the darkness of life. In the face of adversity, do you become the potato, egg, or coffee beans? How do you respond and react?
Life is so unpredictable. We make plans, but sometimes our plans go awry. And we find ourselves in the midst of a storm. Let's take note from Peter in Matthew 14, and learn to fix our focus and step out on faith.
When you have experienced a loss, it is hard to see the purpose in the pain. Many times you may think 'I failed, I can't do this again'. Oftentimes we shrink back from the chance to move forward in life...to try new things, to be courageous and bold. We have to start looking at the loss differently. What could it be teaching you? How have you grown? Failures often humble us and give us new perspectives on life. Failures eventually actualize realizations.
Referenced Scripture: Matthew 16: 17-19; Matthew 26: 33-35; Matthew 26: 69-75.
Key words: purpose, pain, failure, deny, fear, promise
Have you ever been at your wits end? You are depleted. You don't have the energy nor the resources to meet the demands of life. Coupling that with the fact you are grieving creates a recipe for fear of your tomorrows and loss of hope. But what you see at face value is really not what is to be seen. There is more to be made, more to be had, more promise and hope for your future. Learn to close your natural eyes and look through the spiritual lens. Have faith in what is yet to be seen. Referenced Scripture: 1 Kings 17:8-15.
Key Terms: destitute, demands, hopeless, grief, negativity, pessimistic, faith, hope, miracle, spiritual, future, promise, nourish, plant, grow, fruitful
Life does not stop just because you are grieving. Though you have experienced a traumatic loss, you are not immune to life's storms. This week I discuss how to conquer the fear of life's storms. You have the power. Your are in control. You can find your way toward healing. Just Face everything and Rise. Reference Scripture: Matthew 8: 23-26
Key terms: healing, grief, life, storms, fear, hopeless, rebuke, face everything and rise, Jesus, disciples, calm, hope, promise, purpose
As we end the recognition of Black History Month, I encourage everyone to reach across the aisle. We cannot end racism and marginalizations alone nor leave the job to others. We must learn to show compassion, empathy, and love toward our brothers and sisters. It is going to take all of us to heal from the past and become united as people.
I do not own rights to this music.
Song: More Love by Erica Campbell
When grief throws a punch it knocks you out. The good news is there are ways to block and counterpunch so you can stand on your feet again. This week our fighter is Ruth. We use her story to shed light on how to fight your way into a promising future.
NOTE: Read the chapter Ruth in the bible for more context. Also watch last week's episode Bitter 2 Better to gain more insight on Ruth and Naomi.
Until next time, be present in your healing. And always keep the faith.
Happy Valentine's Day! But today is not so "Happy" for everyone. It's hard to be happy when you're grieving the loss of someone or something. We often look at all that is going on with bitterness, fighting off any chance of being happy. Today I use the story of Naomi to illustrate how to go from Bitter 2 Better.
Whether you lost a loved one or experienced a divorce, lost a job or your own identity, or lost something that cost you everything, all loss has something in common…GRIEF. Good Grief! is a safe space for individuals who have experienced any "L" in life. In this forum, you will find ways to help turn the negatives into positives throughout your grief journey. You are privy to open, vulnerable, authentic experiences and proven strategies. Good Grief! is a community for those grieving losses and desiring to move forward in their personal healing journey. NOTE: Good Grief! is not meant to replace researched-based therapies, counseling, and medicines.
Thoughts, emotions, tasks, and just day-to-day living becomes so entangled and overwhelming after a loss. Here's some inspiration and strategies to help you start to untangle all the hardships brought by grief.
BPC Gear: https://bereaved-parents-club-gear.myspreadshop.com/
BPC Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1218825415624534/
On this episode, I share a blessing in disguise that aided me just in the nick of time.
BPC Gear:
https://bereaved-parents-club-gear.myspreadshop.com/
BPC Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1218825415624534/
On this episode, I use John 5 to unveil treasures regarding healing. I also share my experience as it relates to the scriptural reference.
BPC Gear:
https://bereaved-parents-club-gear.myspreadshop.com/
BPC Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1218825415624534/
This episode is for ANYONE who has experienced a LOSS whether someone or something. I share my personal testimony on who I was, who I am, and who I will be through God's provision and vision for my life by overcoming fear and moving forward boldly in faith.
BPC Gear: https://bereaved-parents-club-gear.myspreadshop.com/
BPC Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1218825415624534/
I do not own rights to this music.
Song: Testify by Maverick City Music (feat. Dante Bowe & Naomi Raine)
A good memory can remind of what's lost, but allow yourself to live through it.
BPC Gear:
https://bereaved-parents-club-gear.myspreadshop.com/
BPC Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1218825415624534/
I do not own rights to this music.
Song: Live Through It by Jame Fortune
Oftentimes, we are focused on getting from Point A to Point B not considering all that can be found/salvage in the in-between. This episode challenges a new way of thinking regarding healing.
BPC Gear:
https://bereaved-parents-club-gear.myspreadshop.com/
BPC Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1218825415624534/
This video is a wrap-up highlighting messages from holiday videos.
BPC Gear: https://bereaved-parents-club-gear.myspreadshop.com/
BPC Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1218825415624534/
I do not own rights to this music.
Song Help by Erica Campbell
Song Grateful by Hezekiah Walker
This season seek and be the help you need.
BPC Gear: https://bereaved-parents-club-gear.myspreadshop.com/
BPC Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1218825415624534/
I do not own rights to this music. Song: Help by Erica Campbell
What is the most important present you can give anyone this holiday season? Watch to find out.
BPC Gear: https://bereaved-parents-club-gear.myspreadshop.com/
BPC Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1218825415624534/
I do not own rights to this music.
Song: It Came Upon a Midnight Clear by Kevin MacLeod
Grieving during the holidays can be exacerbated by the many demands and expectations to maintain traditions and routines. This video uses the story of King David to provide recommendations for self-care & soul-care especially during the holiday season.
BPC Gear: https://bereaved-parents-club-gear.myspreadshop.com/
BPC Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1218825415624534/
I do not own rights to this music. Featured Song: Get Up by Mary Mary
Trigger Moments: They happen to all of us. It's gonna be okay.
I do not own rights to this music.
Song: Lift Me Up by Rihanna
Grieving during the holidays can be exacerbated by the many demands and expectations placed on us by others. This video uses the story of King David to provide three recommendations on how to appropriately engage with others while managing grief.
BPC Gear: https://bereaved-parents-club-gear.myspreadshop.com/
BPC Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1218825415624534/
I do not own rights to this music.
Featured Song: People by Jonathan McReynolds
A special Thanksgiving message to Be Grateful in spite of it all. The challenge is issued to (1) replace every negative thought with a positive grateful one, (2) find silver linings in your day of loss and (3) have a Happy Thanksgiving just the way your child would want you to.
BPC Gear: https://bereaved-parents-club-gear.myspreadshop.com/
BPC Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1218825415624534/
I do not own rights to this music.
Featured Song: Grateful by Hezekiah Walker
This episode is special holiday message encouraging bereaved parents to not allow grief to fill the absence of their child. Positive ways to cope during the holidays are provided to help bereaved parents FEEL life so they can begin to FILL their life again.
BPC Gear: https://bereaved-parents-club-gear.myspreadshop.com/
BPC Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1218825415624534/
I do not own rights to this music.
Featured Song: Fill Me Up by Tasha Cobbs-Leonard
This is PART 2 of my husband's story of how he became a bereaved parent. This episode answers "What Happened?" through a male's perspective AND provides a message of hope for those experiencing grief.
BPC Gear: https://bereaved-parents-club-gear.myspreadshop.com/
BPC Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1218825415624534/
I do not own rights to this music. Featured Song: Heaven by Beyonce
This is PART 1 of my husband's story of how he became a bereaved parent. This episode answers "What Happened?" through a male's perspective AND provides a message of hope for those experiencing grief.
BPC Gear: https://bereaved-parents-club-gear.myspreadshop.com/
BPC Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1218825415624534/
I do not own rights to this music. Featured Song: Stand by Donnie McClurkin
This is PART 3 of how I became a bereaved parent. It's the answer to one of the most dreaded questions: "What Happened?" AND provides a message of hope for those experiencing grief. This segment also answers why I chose to share my story of loss.
BPC Gear: https://bereaved-parents-club-gear.myspreadshop.com/
BPC Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1218825415624534/
I do not own rights to this music. Featured Song: This Too Shall Pass by Yolanda Adams
This is PART 2 of how I became a bereaved parent. It's the answer to one of the most dreaded questions: "What Happened?" AND provides a message of hope for those experiencing grief.
BPC Gear: https://bereaved-parents-club-gear.myspreadshop.com/
BPC Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1218825415624534/
I do not own rights to this music.
Featured Song: Breathe feat Chandler Moore, Jonathan McReynolds, & Mav City Gospel Choir (Live Version)
This is part one of how I became a bereaved parent. It's the answer to one of the most dreaded questions: "What Happened?".