If you’re grieving right now, this post is for you.

The weight of loss can feel like too much to bear. The idea of gratitude—let alone joy—can feel impossible. And yet, Scripture tells us that we can give thanks even here, in the shadow of pain.

This blog was inspired by insights shared in my latest YouTube video.
If you’re interested in diving deeper into this topic, you can watch the full video here.
Don’t forget to subscribe for more content on faith, grief recovery, and hope-filled living.

Let’s walk gently together through the truths that can carry you from grief to gratitude—not by ignoring the pain, but by honoring it and allowing faith to anchor your healing.

1. Grief Is Not a Lack of Faith—It’s the First Step Toward Healing

“There is a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” — Ecclesiastes 3:4

Grief is the body’s and soul’s honest response to loss. It’s not a spiritual failure—it’s a doorway to healing. By acknowledging your pain, you invite God into the places that hurt. And that’s where transformation begins.

Give yourself permission to:

• Cry without shame

• Feel every emotion, even anger or numbness

• Rest in God’s presence without needing to “fix” anything

2. Start Small: Practice Gratitude in Tiny, Honest Ways

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

You don’t have to be grateful for the loss. But you can begin to notice small glimmers of goodness around you. These moments do not cancel your sorrow—they coexist with it, giving you strength for the day.

Try this:

• Write down one thing each morning you’re thankful for

• Take a gratitude walk and name aloud what you see and appreciate

• Speak a short prayer: “Thank You for breath today.”

3. Remember: Gratitude and Faith Are Intertwined

“Every good and perfect gift is from above…” — James 1:17

When you start seeing even small things as gifts from God—a kind word, a warm blanket, a memory—you begin to remember who your Provider is. Gratitude reminds your heart that you are still held, still seen, still loved.

4. Gratitude Reduces Anxiety and Restores Peace

“…with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts…” — Philippians 4:6–7

In the middle of emotional storms, gratitude can be a lifeline. It redirects your mind away from fear and into trust. Science supports this too—studies show that practicing gratitude reduces anxiety, increases hope, and improves sleep.

Create a simple gratitude habit:

• End your day by naming 3 good things, no matter how small

• Say a “thank you” prayer before meals—not just out of tradition, but as a spiritual reset

• Keep a gratitude jar or journal by your bed

5. Let Gratitude Lead You Into a New Purpose

“For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you a future and a hope.” — Jeremiah 29:11

Grief doesn’t erase your calling. But it often reshapes it.

When you choose gratitude, you slowly begin to see how your life—even in loss—still carries purpose. You might rebuild relationships, create something meaningful, or walk alongside someone else in pain.

Let God show you:

• New passions or paths to explore

• Ways to serve or connect with others

• How your story might offer healing to someone else

6. You’re Not Alone—God and Community Are Walking With You

“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” — Psalm 126:5

This journey from grief to gratitude is not a straight line. Some days will still ache. But as you continue, you’ll find that you’re not alone.

Lean into:

• God’s unshakable presence

• Scripture as a source of comfort and truth

• Faith communities or grief support groups

• Others who understand the weight you carry

Next Steps: Take One Gentle Step Forward Today

You don’t have to “get over” your grief. But you can begin to walk through it—with gratitude as your guide.

Your healing matters. Your story matters. And you are not walking this road alone.

✨ Call to Action

If this post resonated with you, I invite you to take the next step in your healing journey:

📥 Download your free copy of Sources of Hope: Simple Truths for Hard Days
It’s my gift to you—filled with practical encouragement and God’s truth to anchor your heart.
👉 Click here to get your free guide now

And don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so we can continue walking this road together. You’ll receive hope-filled messages, new blog posts, and exclusive resources for your journey.

The post From Grief to Gratitude: How Faith Can Lead You to Healing After Loss appeared first on Jenny Leavitt.

Having hard times in your marriage? Myron and I have had our fair share! Life-threatening illness, financial ruin, the loss of a child, drastic personality differences, wounds from childhood—the list goes on. Marriage has not been an easy road for us, and I’d be lying if I said we always got it right. But through it all, I can say this: I am so grateful for the 31 years I’ve been married to this man.

He is not perfect. I am not perfect. Our love is not perfect. But one thing has remained steadfast—his love for God. And dare I say, he loves God more than he loves me. That might seem like an odd statement, but it’s one of the things I’m most grateful for. Because when we were at our weakest, when love felt strained under the weight of grief and hardship, it was his love for God that kept him fighting for our marriage. And it was my love for God that did the same.

As we approach Valentine’s Day, I want to share something with you. It’s a song that beautifully captures what truly matters in a marriage—not the grand romantic gestures or the picture-perfect moments, but the quiet faithfulness, the choosing of each other day after day, and the love that endures long after the honeymoon phase fades.

This song makes me think about what really matters. If we are blessed with fifty years from now, what will have made the difference in our marriages? It won’t be the flowers or the fancy dinners (though those are nice). It will be the choice to love even when it’s hard. To pray when we feel hopeless. To stand by each other when life knocks us down.

If you’re struggling in your marriage today, I want to encourage you: Hard times don’t have to mean the end of your love story. Christian marriage help during hard times can bring hope and restoration.

And if grief has placed a strain on your marriage, you are not alone. Christian couples navigating grief can find healing and connection through faith. That’s why I’m working on a special resource for grieving couples. If this is something you’d like to hear more about, stay tuned—I’ll be sharing more soon.

This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate not just love, but the kind of love that lasts. The kind of love that chooses faith over fear, commitment over convenience, and grace over perfection.

I’d love to hear from you—What’s one thing you’re grateful for in your marriage today? Share in the comments. Also, if you’re looking for more encouragement, sign up for my newsletter where I share resources and insights on strengthening Christian marriages.

Wishing you love and strength in every season, Jenny

The post How to Overcome Hard Times in Marriage: A Faith-Based Perspective appeared first on Jenny Leavitt.

The Rollercoaster of Emotions During Grief

One of the defining characteristics of grief is the rollercoaster of emotions that individuals may experience. From profound sadness and overwhelming guilt to irrational thinking and uncontrollable anger, the range of feelings can be intense and unpredictable. It’s essential to recognize that these emotions are a natural part of the grieving process and that it’s okay to feel them deeply.

Coping Mechanisms for Finding Peace in Grief

During times of grief, finding peace may seem like an impossible task. However, there are coping mechanisms that can help individuals navigate through the pain and sorrow. It’s crucial to practice self-care, seek support from loved ones or a professional counselor, engage in activities that bring comfort, and allow yourself to grieve in your unique way and timeframe. Finding healthy outlets for your emotions can aid in the healing process and ultimately lead you towards a sense of peace.

The Spiritual Aspect of Coping with Loss

For many individuals, faith plays a significant role in coping with loss. The spiritual aspect of grief involves finding peace with God, seeking comfort in prayer, and connecting with the Lord for strength and guidance. By leaning on their spiritual foundation, many people find a sense of peace and understanding in the face of loss, embracing the idea of forgiveness and renewal through their faith.

Grief is a deeply personal and transformative experience that can alter the course of our lives. It’s essential to remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, and each individual’s journey is unique. By acknowledging the rollercoaster of emotions, exploring coping mechanisms for finding peace, and tapping into your faith, we can navigate through the darkness and eventually find light and healing on the other side.

The post Understanding Grief: Navigating Through Emotions and Finding Peace appeared first on Jenny Leavitt.

Dealing with the loss of a child is one of the most heartbreaking experiences a parent can face. The question of whether their child is in heaven can be a source of immense pain and uncertainty. In this article, I want to share two personal stories and reflections that offer hope and comfort to grieving parents seeking answers.

Personal Stories of Faith

Story 1: A Mother’s Discovery

In the midst of grief and anguish following the loss of our 17-year-old son Jacob, I found a profound message of hope. In an unexpected moment, I stumbled upon a poem written by Jacob, expressing his struggles, his faith, and his ultimate surrender to God. This discovery brought me a sense of peace and reassurance that God had been working in Jacob’s life, even in ways I’d never known. (Click here to read Jacob’s poem)

Story 2: Divine Intervention in Unexpected Ways

A few years after losing Jacob, I encountered a fellow mother who had lost her son in a similar tragedy. As I grappled with how to address the question of her friend’s son being in heaven, a remarkable revelation unfolded. It turned out that the captain of a boat where her friend’s son had worked had led him to accept Christ and baptized him the summer before his passing. This story illustrates how God’s love and grace can reach individuals, even in the most unexpected and miraculous circumstances.

The God Factor: Unseen Workings of Divine Love

These stories serve as powerful reminders that God’s love for our children surpasses our own. Even when we are filled with doubt and grief, we can trust that God is at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events to bring comfort and assurance to those who are hurting. I encourage you to hold onto the truth that God’s love for our children is steadfast and unwavering.

Faith in Uncertainty: Trusting God’s Heart

In moments of profound loss and questioning, my experiences serve as a reminder that God’s love surpasses all understanding. His heart for our children is good, and He actively seeks their salvation and redemption. Even when we cannot see the hand of God at work, we can trust in His goodness and His promise to work all things for the good of those who love Him.

Embracing Faith and Healing Through God’s Presence

Recognizing Divine Moments in Our Lives

As I share my journey of faith and healing, I invite you, dear reader, to look for the subtle yet powerful ways in which God’s hand is at work in your life. By recognizing these moments of divine intervention and grace, you can find strength and peace in the midst of grief, knowing that God’s love is ever-present and unwavering. A friend of mine recently called it, The Divine Safety Net. Meaning, our God will go above and beyond anything we can imagine reaching our loved ones before they meet him face to face. We can trust His good heart in this.

Journey to Hope and Healing

Grieving parents, I want to encourage you to hold onto the truth that God’s love for our children endures, transcending earthly circumstances. I also want to extend a hand of support to those seeking solace and answers amid profound loss. If you need guidance, comfort, or connection, please to reach out to me at jenny@jennyleavitt.com or any of my social media sites. We desire to be a beacon of hope for you on the path toward healing.

Navigating the question of whether a child is in heaven can be a deeply emotional and challenging experience for grieving parents. Through personal stories, reflections, and a steadfast belief in God’s love, it is possible to find hope and healing during profound loss. As we continue our journey of faith and healing, may we hold onto the truth that God’s presence and grace are ever-present, offering comfort and assurance in our darkest moments.

Recommendations:

I delve deeper into this question and elaborate more on the personal stories shared here on our GodPrints YouTube channel:

Part One

Part Two

This is an interview where I discuss this in more detail.

This is Jacob’s handwritten poem.

The post Finding Hope: Answering the Question “Is My Child in Heaven?” appeared first on Jenny Leavitt.

I told her, “I love working with kids. If you can make an impact on a child, you just affected the rest of their life. If they fall in love with Jesus—not church or religion—it changes the course of their life forever. If they can really grasp that there’s a God who wants to be there for them, and who wants to be their best friend, it’ll change their life.

“When it changes their life, that’s when it’ll ripple out into our society. I believe that if America is going to have another great awakening, it’s going to be in our youth. This next generation is going to be sick and tired of their parents’ way of doing it, or maybe their parents are never home, never there for them.”

She told me that her pastor recently reminded her church how the early church (soon after Christ’s ascension to Heaven around 33 AD) saw all kinds of miracles. 3000 people got saved in one day! People were being raised from the dead!

She told me that her pastor then asked something that really struck her and has been rolling around in her mind ever since. It’s very similar to what my husband Myron, also a pastor, asked our church recently: 

Why are we not seeing this in the church today? If we’re serving the same Jesus, why are we not seeing that today? And not just in the church, but in our own lives?

I told my friend about the banner Myron created to hang in our sanctuary—right behind the pulpit—that says, “We are the generation called to have bold faith, that dares to dream big, destined by God to be extraordinary and created to be WORLD CHANGERS.”

She was surprised at the boldness of the statement and asked where Myron found it. I told her he wrote it. That led to an entire discussion about the history of the fellowship of churches that we are a part of, as it contributes to our bold statements of faith in God.

In a nutshell, it sprang up from the 1970s Jesus People Movement. Young people were looking for something real, something to provide answers for the turbulent times they were living in. Those young hippies were looking for a purpose bigger than themselves. A cause they could get behind to make a difference in the world.

Today, that same spirit drives the next generation to get behind social causes with passion and fire.

Human sex trafficking and racial inequality, rightfully so, are grave injustices that are worthy of fighting to correct.

But when young people, like our sons Caleb and Jacob’s peers, truly grasp the deep abiding peace that comes with being accepted by our Maker and loved just as we are, that revelation will intersect with their passion and become a force for hell to reckon with. 

When these young people experience profound and extremely personal forgiveness for every one of their sins, they will begin to not only let their light shine but fan it into a flame that spreads like wildfire across their sphere of influence.

Today, as we celebrate the birth of the Son of God, let’s remember why He came and who He came for.

The God of the universe was not happy without you and me.

His love drove Him from the throne room to a hay filled cradle. That same love drove Him to the cross. Love kept Him nailed their as the life blood drained out, atoning for our sin.

Why? Because He loves us and wants us in His family. Young, old, rich, poor, black, white. His love fought for us all.

He is not merely tolerating us, waiting to bring judgment at our first slip up. Scripture tells us he is rejoicing over us with singing! Zephaniah 3:17

When life is not as it should be, I can rest in remembering who I am in Christ,,, a daughter of a loving King, who delights in me and loves me just like he loves His son, Jesus. We are joint heirs, after all. Romans 8:17

But what about the next generation that’s rising up without that peace? Without that knowledge that God loves them the same way? 

There are precious young people searching for hope and answers. For meaning in the midst of pain and turmoil. Will you join me in sharing the good news that hope is found in Christ?

This generation is worth fighting for.

Who is one person in your life you can reach out to today in love? Let’s do this, friend!

Oh, and one more thing…Make sure to love your family and hug them tight today, too. Those of us who have lost dear loved ones know all too well that each day is a precious gift from God.

I’m so grateful for each one you and wish you all a very

Merry Christmas!

The post The Ripple Effect of Hope appeared first on Jenny Leavitt.

But it’s true.

August 30th is the same day for both. NATIONAL GRIEF AWARENESS DAY – August 30, 2023

In honor of both important events, I am sharing bonus content related to my book, GodPrints, that you won’t find anywhere else.

I hope Heaven Day reminds you of the hope we have in Christ… even in our darkest days.

Heaven Day

Christian musician Danny Gokey’s new album came out while I was recovering from emergency abdominal surgery. The words in the song, “He Believes in You”, caught my attention. They speak of how God is holding us at our darkest hour. It made me think of that bleak time in the hospital, but it also made me think of Jacob’s poem. It was a timely reminder that even when it feels like darkness is trying to grip my soul, God is still holding me.

Then I remembered a conversation with the grief counselor a long time ago. I’d been beating myself up for not progressing as fast as I would have liked.

“Jenny, looking back, do you think you’re handling it better than six months ago? A year ago? If so, that’s progress. Sometimes we don’t see it that way in the day-to-day routines of life.”

I’ve thought of that several times since then when I get frustrated with myself. Then, as I tried to work through this episode with the counselor, she pointed out how far I have come regarding how I deal with anxiety and panic attacks. I now recognize them faster, and they are shorter than they were in the past.

The counselor continued, “As you work on this, you will continue to get faster at recognizing what it is and stopping it in its tracks. Perhaps you need to be more gracious with yourself.”

It’s easier for me to be gracious with other people than it is with myself. I’m trying to work on this though, because I know God is helping me to process it better—just like I’ve asked Him to.

A friend of mine was going through a difficult situation in her family around the same time that I was recovering. I told her that honestly, sometimes I wonder, ‘Great, could this happen again?’.

When I face tough situations, I remember how I got through traumatic events before, with God’s help. Sometimes it was minute by minute until I got through that hard time and came out the other side. I have to cling to that.

I told my friend that I think it’s going to be similar for her as well. Hour by hour and day by day, she’ll need to intentionally look for moments in her life where God helped her overcome a difficult situation.

“But He’s brought you out on the other side. Then, hold on to that, my friend. My husband says with white knuckles, sometimes. Saying, ‘Nope, I am holding onto this. This is the truth. I have been through hard times before and God helped me.’”

I remember one time when I was throwing up from the chemo and couldn’t keep anything down. All I could say was the name of Jesus. No long prayers. I didn’t have the energy. But it was enough.”

The name of Jesus was enough.

I would love to say, “God, just take this away. I don’t want to go through this. Fight this battle for me.”

Sometimes He does that.

Other times, I need to stop wallowing in my stinking thinking and emotions and fight back.

Ephesians 6 talks about spiritual warfare. You know, where Paul references the helmet of salvation and all that?

Yes, He will fight for us; but we must also do our part. I must take up the shield of faith. I must engage my faith. I must purposely use the other pieces of armor that God’s already provided for me, too.

Paul ends with, “Then when you’ve done all of that — then stand.”

Then God will come.

He wants to see that I will not say, “Here. Be my genie in the bottle and just take care of this, God.”

There are so many scriptures that say, ‘Be strong. Be courageous.’ Why would He say that unless He knew we were going to need strength and courage?

Caleb and I were talking about this when he visited one time. He reminded me of the verse that says, “If God is with us, who can be against us?”. Then he pointed out, “Why would God include this if it wasn’t important for us to hear?”

I clung to those promises during my recovery and tried to keep them in mind as the anniversary of the accident and Jacob’s death neared..

Then one day, I met who’d lost her young daughter and what she shared with me changed my perspective forever.

She told me that even though the anniversary of their loss was still hard; she chose to shift her thinking. As a believer, she knew where her daughter was. She knew this life is not the end, but only a blip in time in light of the eternity that awaits us.

So she chose to call the anniversary of her child’s death, her daughter’s Heaven Day. What an astounding, yet simple, thought!

Today, I am making a choice. I’m going to change my perspective this year and focus on Jacob’s second birthday. Because August 30th is my son’s Heaven Day.

◊◊◊◊◊◊

From Jenny’s private journal entry:

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness [doing what God told you to do], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10

Thank you, Lord, for the fresh perspective on these verses today. Jesus—You knew we would suffer just for doing what’s right in Your eyes—not our own or our society’s.

You knew this would be the ultimate test of our faith when it’s not fair that we’re suffering when we “don’t deserve it”.

Thank You for reminding me that the key to processing it correctly is not where I am or what I’m going through; it’s focusing on Who is with me while I’m here, going through this. You are with me. And You will turn what the devil meant for evil into a means to help me grow. On top of all of that, You’ve given me the promise of heaven too. Thank you, Jesus!

The post National Grief Awareness Day is the Anniversary of Our Son’s Death appeared first on Jenny Leavitt.

I won’t lie, you’re going to need tissues. But it’s worth it for the hope that healing can be found. There are men who want to lead their family in Christ honoring ways.

I know the movie is older, and I don’t receive any commission or anything for recommending it. I just feel strongly that it could be helpful as families navigate the difficult grief road to see positive examples that it can be done. As a bonus, they’ve also created a discussion guide to accompany the movie.

Let me know what you think if you watch it. I’d love to hear!

https://www.courageousthemovie.com/

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Then you’ll want to listen to this interview from Focus on the Family with Christian musician Toby Mac. Toby and his wife lost their 21-year-old son, and he is very candid about his struggles, and the hope he has in Christ, in this episode.

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/episodes/broadcast/trusting-god-that-hope-is-on-the-way/

If you scroll down on the page, you will also see some helpful related resources that Focus on the Family recommends.

And just in case you didn’t know, our family’s heart is to come alongside the hurting who don’t think there will ever be brighter days ahead and help them find what we’ve already experienced: hope is available.

In fact, that’s why we created Integrity Multi Media LLC. (https://jennyleavitt.com/about/)

I love to encourage others through writing.

My husband Myron through speaking, teaching, and preaching.

And our oldest son, Caleb, is currently exploring ideas on how he can minister to those who have lost brothers and sisters as he has.

All of us are passionate about Jesus and believe in sharing his love with everyone God brings into our sphere of influence.

Is that you, dear friend? Would you benefit from reaching out to one of us?

If so, shoot me an email jenny@jennyleavitt.com.

We’d love to help if we can!

The post Resource for grieving men appeared first on Jenny Leavitt.

I marveled as I heard her share the story and knew immediately that I wanted to share it with you, friend.

If Marie can choose to trust God despite it all, we can, too.

The choice is always ours, friend. May we choose wisely as Marie and her family have.

Marie White and How God Turns Tragedy into Trust – Eric Nevins –

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