Qualified - Lessons in Loss
Former U.S. Navy podcaster and communications professional Michelle Heaton, now shares her personal story about the loss of her teenage son and her subsequent search to find empathy, insight and counsel for the unique pain she was experiencing.
Speaking with other bereaved parents who survived the pain and emerged stronger brought her comfort. She recalls a quote from a pastor years ago, "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called." Now ten years later, Michelle knows the truth of that statement and is anxious to share the lessons she learned from her loss with other hurting people.
In each episode, Michelle interviews incredible guests who share their stories of overcoming loss; including death of loved ones, divorce, illness, aging, loneliness and estrangement, to inspire you and give you hope!
Recent Episodes
66
Aug. 23, 2024
Pain is temporary and necessary - What I learned through the lens of loss
After the loss of two children through miscarriage and stillbirth, Bridgett’s hopes were shattered. When a divorce, the death of a family member and other losses followed, she became depressed and began to experience health issues because of her deep grief. Join me as I talk with Bridgett Dunbar, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and author of the book, Grief, Loss and the Goodness of God, A Path to Healing after the Death of a Child. In our conversation Bridgett shares not only her most v
65
Aug. 9, 2024
Let's Talk About Friendship Breakups
Have you experienced the painful loss of a friendship breakup? Maybe it was due to a disagreement over a position you hold firmly to. Perhaps it was related to the way you parent your children, your political views, your lifestyle choices, or your religious beliefs. Whatever the cause, friendship breakups are hard. Join me as I chat with the author of “When Best Friends Aren’t Forever,” Kristen Reed-Belveal. In her book, she takes a hard look at friendships through the lens of faith. In our dis
64
July 26, 2024
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
What happens when your deepest faith is tested by unimaginable suffering? In this episode, I talk with David Libby, who explains how he and his family contracted Lyme disease. He shares the emotional and physical toll of watching his wife and daughters endure excruciating pain, while he himself became their primary caregiver despite his own illness. A self-taught student of theology, well-versed Christian apologist and published author, David has much to offer on the topics of theology, atheism
63
June 7, 2024
Cancer, Infidelity and Divorce - How I survived breast cancer and betrayal
Laura endured the adversity trifecta- cancer, infidelity, and divorce. Listen in as she opens up about her bi-lateral breast cancer diagnosis, ravaging chemotherapy, congestive heart failure, a heart transplant, and coping with infidelity and divorce after 27 years of marriage. Through it all, she not only regained her strength and recovered physically but she emerged stronger and more determined to help others. https://www.icope2hope.com/
62
May 24, 2024
How to survive the empty nest
How are you going to feel when your child leaves for college? Have you given it any thought in advance and how prepared are you to face an empty nest? In this episode I talk with Stacy Kaye, an award-winning journalist and source of encouragement for those facing the silence of an empty nest. Listen in and be inspired as we explore the depth of parental love, the pain that comes with letting go, and the new opportunities that await in this transitional phase of life. https://www.stacykayebooks
61
April 12, 2024
Coping with the loss of a pet
The loss of a dog, a cat, a horse, a bird, any pet can cause us to experience grief. The animals we share our homes and lives with are part of our families and when they are no longer there it can create a significant and painful void. Listen in as I interview Rachel Shirley, a compelling author and certified coach committed to guiding individuals through life's profound moments, including the impactful experience of pet loss. https://www.rachel-shirley.com/
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Recent Blog Posts
March 30, 2022
In Love's Service
What image comes to mind when you think about wounded soldiers? It’s a painful one, to be sure. We tend to think of those fallen on the battlefield. They’re injured and bleeding and in need of care from others to survive. Yet, in a beautiful one…
Feb. 23, 2022
What do you stand for?
Since I retired from my full-time career with the U.S. Navy, my life has been dramatically different. While I was still on the job, in that last year during the countdown, I started doing some serious praying about what I would spend my time on in …
Jan. 17, 2022
How an Introvert Copes with Loss
People who know me well, know that I am very private. I don’t share my feelings openly unless I trust you implicitly. I don’t have a social media presence and I don’t care for being photographed. Even though I worked as the Communications Directo…
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4