Unlocking Joy After Grief | Christian Grief Support, Life After Child Loss, Bereavement, Hope and Healing for Grieving Moms
**New episodes are released in seasons as I’m able. For weekly, faith-filled encouragement for your grief, I invite you to join my email list! Subscribe here: http://subscribepage.io/unlocking-joy-newsletter
Does the thought of having to live in a world without your child cripple you? Do you lay awake at night with the ”what if’s” and the ”why’s” constantly playing in your mind, wondering if you’ll ever feel peace again? Does everything seem hard, even the little things? Do you just want someone to understand how you feel?
I see you friend. In this podcast you will find the hope you’re looking for, the healing you’re longing for, and the key to living again after losing your child, all through the only way it’s possible - Jesus.
Hi, I’m Courtney. Wife and mama to 6 kiddos, 1 in heaven waiting for us - and that’s why I’m here. I lost my precious 4 year old son, Sam, in 2017 and the pain and grief that instantly took over was crippling. Everything I went through after that horrific night threatened to consume me.
But here I am. Years have passed. And the ONLY.WAY. I made it through was Jesus. His strength and his love carried me through a time that I could NOT have carried myself. His goodness and faithfulness were my life preservers that kept me from drowning. The hope and healing I was searching for was found in him. And it’s my joy to share with you everything this journey has taught me so far.
Get ready for encouragement for your faith, tactical tips in dealing with your grief, finding hope and healing for your shattered heart, and learning how to live again. If you are screaming YES to not having to walk this road alone and letting Jesus carry you through, then I’m ready to lace up my shoes and begin walking this road with you.
Learn ＞＞ www.unlockingjoy.com
Connect ＞＞ courtney@unlockingjoy.com
Facebook ＞＞ @unlockingjoy
Instagram ＞＞ @unlockingjoy
Listen on:
Episodes
Thursday Oct 16, 2025
Thursday Oct 16, 2025
When grief steals your words, prayer can feel impossible.
In this episode, I’m showing you how you can find your words again using the Lord’s Prayer. The Lord’s Prayer isn’t just something to memorize. It’s a model for how to connect with God when you don’t know what to say.
Join me as we walk through this five step outline so you can begin praying again.
✨Free Resources:
Find all of my free resources in my shop
💚Connect With Me:
Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com
Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com
Shop >> https://unlockingjoy.gumroad.com/
Instagram >> @unlockingjoy
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Grief has a way of reshaping every part of our lives. Nothing is the same after losing our child. That day we lost our child started a journey none of us wanted to be on.
In this episode, I’m sharing four powerful lessons I’ve learned along my own grief journey. My hope is that these lessons will offer you encouragement, remind you that you’re not alone, and help you find glimpses of hope as you walk your own path toward healing.
🔗Links Mentioned in Episode:
How Close is God in Your Grief? 4 Ways He Shows Us He's Near
The Grief No One Talks About: Why Everything Feels Different After Loss
✨Free Resources:
Find all of my free resources in my shop
💚Connect With Me:
Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com
Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com
Shop >> https://unlockingjoy.gumroad.com/
Instagram >> @unlockingjoy
Thursday Sep 11, 2025
Thursday Sep 11, 2025
Grief can make this life feel so long. When we think of all the time we have to live without our child here on this earth it can feel like more than a lifetime. But as Christians, we can rest in the truth that this grief, this pain is not the end of our story. This world is not our home.
In this episode, I want to remind your heart of your true home, where every tear will be wiped away and our joy will be complete. I pray this episode will give you fresh hope and comfort over your grieving heart.
🔗Links Mentioned in Episode:
The Grief No One Talks About: Why Everything Feels Different After Loss
✨Free Resources:
Find all of my free resources in my shop
💚Connect With Me:
Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com
Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com
Shop >> https://unlockingjoy.gumroad.com/
Instagram >> @unlockingjoy
Thursday Aug 21, 2025
Thursday Aug 21, 2025
Can AI actually help in your grief journey?
In today’s episode, I’m sharing 3 ways you can use AI tools like ChatGPT to support your healing. Whether that’s writing letters to your child, finding comforting scripture, or even processing the emotions that feel too heavy to carry alone. This isn’t about replacing your faith or community, it’s about having a gentle tool available whenever you need it.
If you’re curious how technology can come alongside your grief, this one’s for you.
🔗Links Mentioned in Episode:
Age your pictures with Bylo https://bylo.ai/features/age-filter
Animate your pictures with Artlist.io
ChatGPT
Free Grief Prompts for ChatGPT
✨Free Resources:
Find all of my free resources in my shop
💚Connect With Me:
Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com
Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com
Shop >> https://unlockingjoy.gumroad.com/
Instagram >> @unlockingjoy
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
Have you ever tried doing something you once loved, only to find it doesn't feel the same after losing your child?
In this episode, we talk about the part of grief that no one talks about. I’ll share my own experience and walk you through why this happens, what it means, and how we can get through it. If you feel like you don’t even know who you are anymore - this one’s for you.
🔗Links Mentioned in Episode:
Sign up for my weekly emails
Psychology Today article
How Close is God in Your Grief? 4 Ways He Shows Us He's Near
Rediscovering Who You Are After Losing Your Child
✨Free Resources:
Find all of my free resources in my shop
💚Connect With Me:
Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com
Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.com
Shop >> https://unlockingjoy.gumroad.com/
Instagram >> @unlockingjoy
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Summer doesn’t have to be busy to be beautiful. In this episode, I’m sharing simple and practical ways to create a peaceful, joyful summer - even if life feels overwhelming.
Let’s talk about how to slow down, be present in the little things, and choose joy in this season. You don’t have to do it all.
Let’s make space for what really matters.
🔗Links Mentioned in Episode:The Power of Distractions in Your Grief JourneyWhat are Your Priorities? How to Find Out AND How to Find Time For Them
✨Free Resources:Find all of my free resources in my shop
💚Connect With Me:
Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.comShop >> https://unlockingjoy.gumroad.com/ Instagram >> @unlockingjoy
Thursday May 22, 2025
Thursday May 22, 2025
Do you ever have those days where everything feels heavy and you're just trying to make it through the day? I see you friend.
In this episode, I’m want to share some encouragement for you on these days that come in our grief. And give you some simple tips to help you keep going when you feel like giving up.
If you're grieving, overwhelmed, or just tired, I want you to know - you’re not alone, and it’s okay to not be okay.
Let’s walk through this together, one small step at a time.
🔗Links Mentioned in Episode:
Sign up for my newsletterHow Close is God in Your Grief? 4 Ways He Shows Us He's Near3 Ways Walking Outside Can Play a Role in Your Healing JourneyFREE Lifesaver Verse DownloadGriefshare Support GroupWhile We’re Waiting Facebook Group
✨Free Resources:
Find all of my free resources in my shop
💚Connect With Me:
Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.comConnect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.comShop >> https://unlockingjoy.gumroad.com/ Instagram >> @unlockingjoy
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
Grief can feel overwhelming when you’re just starting your journey, and you may be wondering where to begin. Are you feeling lost or unsure of how to take your first steps toward healing?
In this episode, I’m sharing 6 essential tools and resources that can help guide you through this difficult time and provide support along the way. Stay tuned to discover what could make a difference in your grief journey.
🔗Links Mentioned in Episode:FREE January Scripture CalendarSleeping After Child Loss: 5 Tips to Help You Fall Asleep After Losing Your ChildPlant Therapy Essential Oils (aff link)3 Simple Ways to Create a Peaceful HomeHow my Lifesaver Verse Has Kept Me From Drowning in my Grief JourneyFREE Lifesaver Verse DownloadThe Power of Distractions in Your Grief JourneyStruggling to Find a Grief Community? 3 Places You Can Look!How Close is God in Your Grief? 4 Ways He Shows Us He's Near
✨Free Resources:
Find all of my free resources in my shop
💚Connect With Me: Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.comShop >> https://unlockingjoy.gumroad.com/ Instagram >> @unlockingjoy
Thursday Dec 05, 2024
Thursday Dec 05, 2024
The holiday season is so hard when you’re walking through the grief that comes with losing your child.
Just getting through this season seems hard enough. Thinking about feeling joy too? I know it seems impossible.
But that’s why I wanted to bring you this episode. To not only tell you it is possible to feel joy during this season, but also to give you 4 ways you can experience that joy this season.
✨Free Resources:
Find all of my free resources in my shop
💚Connect With Me: Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.comShop >> https://unlockingjoy.gumroad.com/ Instagram >> @unlockingjoy
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
This time of year brings about all sorts of emotions, especially as grieving parents. This year, it’s causing me to really think about what’s important in my life. What are my priorities? Am I spending enough time in my life doing what matters most to me?
How can you answer that? Is your life so busy that at the end of the day, you look back and think “I didn’t do anything that really mattered to me”.
If so, friends, this episode is for you! I give you 3 steps you can take to claim back your time and start spending time on your priorities.
Don’t let the busyness of life steal time away from what matters most to you.
🔗Links Mentioned in Episode:Clockify App
✨Free Resources:Find all of my free resources in my shop
💚Connect With Me: Learn >> www.unlockingjoy.com Connect >> courtney@unlockingjoy.comShop >> https://unlockingjoy.gumroad.com/ Instagram >> @unlockingjoy