Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? - How to Navigate Life's Big and Small Losses with Chuck & Ashley Elliott

How to Navigate Life's Big and Small Losses with Chuck & Ashley Elliott

08/30/23 • 60 min

Today I am thrilled to be joined by Chuck and Ashley Elliott, content creators who you may recognize from platforms such as YouVersion or RightNow Media. Beyond their online presence, Chuck is a pastor at Bethel Church in Evansville, Indiana, while Ashley serves as a licensed counselor.

Recently, Chuck and Ashley co-authored a transformative book titled I Used to Be ____. Life can take unexpected turns, and when you find yourself grappling with loss- whether it's the loss of a relationship, a job, a sense of security, or an identity- you enter the realm of "used to be." It's a space that can feel stifling, leaving you trapped in memories of what once was. But Chuck and Ashley are here to remind you that while it's natural to dwell in this space for a while, it's not where you're meant to stay.

This episode dives deep into the heart of grief and the path to healing. This is such a powerful conversation that I am so excited to share.

4:39 – Chuck and Ashley 101

Meeting at Lee University
Finding their love for ministry together
The story behind I Used To Be _____

11:56 – Experiencing grief

Grief is not linear
Everyone’s journey is unique
What does God want for us?

27:33 – There is hope

God does not want us to stay stuck in these places
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
God is worth the sacrifice

38:00 – What God teaches through suffering

Through suffering and grief, God can do his best work
John 3:30

47:47 – Navigating seasons of loss

Acknowledge big and small losses
Breathe and be patient with yourself
The complex interplay between grief and joy

47:47 – Supporting those in grief

Find creative ways to offer support
Don’t feel like you have to say the perfect thing
Be present

FEATURED QUOTES

Don’t feel like you have to say the perfect thing because there is no perfect thing to say. When you show up, you don't have to say something to take away their pain.

Give yourself permission to take care of yourself. When you don't feel like you're okay, tell someone you don't feel okay.

You can be joyful and grieving at the same time. You can laugh and cry at the same time.

https://www.chuckandashley.com/

This episode dives deep into the heart of grief and the path to healing. This is such a powerful conversation that I am so excited to share.

4:39 – Chuck and Ashley 101

Meeting at Lee University
Finding their love for ministry together
The story behind I Used To Be _____

11:56 – Experiencing grief

Grief is not linear
Everyone’s journey is unique
What does God want for us?

27:33 – There is hope

God does not want us to stay stuck in these places
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
God is worth the sacrifice

38:00 – What God teaches through suffering

Through suffering and grief, God can do his best work
John 3:30

47:47 – Navigating seasons of loss

Acknowledge big and small losses
Breathe and be patient with yourself
The complex interplay between grief and joy

47:47 – Supporting those in grief

Find creative ways to offer support
Don’t feel like you have to say the perfect thing
Be present

FEATURED QUOTES

Don’t feel like you have to say the perfect thing because there is no perfect thing to say. When you show up, you don't have to say something to take away their pain.

Give yourself permission to take care of yourself. When you don't feel like you're okay, tell someone you don't feel okay.

You can be joyful and grieving at the same time. You can laugh and cry at the same time.

https://www.chuckandashley.com/

Previous Episode

It's My 38th Birthday! These Are The Five Daily Prayers I'm Praying This Year

Hey there, amazing listeners! I’m excited to share today’s special episode with you. You see, today marks a significant milestone for me: I'm celebrating my 38th birthday! What better way to celebrate than with all of you?

Birthdays, especially as we grow into adulthood, carry this intriguing blend of excitement, reflection, and dread. Lately, I've been pondering this unique tension surrounding birthdays, especially the big ones ending in “0.” Now, I'll admit when I hit 30, I wasn't exactly thrilled. But as the years rolled by, my mindset shifted, and I find myself loving my late 30s.

What's changed, you ask? Well, it's this newfound appreciation for life that I've developed. Life is a precious, fragile thing, and I've been deeply reminded of this truth the past couple of years. So, for my birthday special, I'm sharing five heartfelt prayers with you – prayers for my own growth, for my kids, my husband (whose 40th we won't mention), and my friends.

These aren't just for birthdays; they're wishes for the year ahead, full of hope and purpose. I invite you to listen in, no matter where your own birthday falls. Together, let's embrace the journey, celebrate life, and look forward to the amazing possibilities each new year holds.

4:39 – Prayer of Gratitude

Expressing deep gratitude for life’s blessings
Asking for wisdom and guidance through a posture of gratitude
Practicing daily gratitude

5:55 – Prayer of Praise

Praising God for who He is, what He’s done, what He’s doing and what He will do
Praising God for your growth in mind, body, and spirit
Appreciating God’s involvement in the details

6:51 – Prayer of Reflection

Looking back on the journey of life, with all its challenges, successes, regrets, and growth
Letting go of regrets and fears that have weighed you down
How do I use the regrets and mistakes that I've made to grow and to move forward?

8:04 – Prayer for Wisdom

James 1:5 – God grants wisdom to those who ask
Seeking guidance for decisions, steps, and the next right things to do in your life journey
Learning from those who have experienced much in life

10:25 – Prayer for Joy and Celebration

Cultivating a joyful spirit and embracing celebration
Finding joy in the little things
Making the most of opportunities, being present in the moment, and creating meaningful connections

FEATURED QUOTES

We are all living on borrowed time. And so a birthday is something to celebrate.

How do I use the regrets that I have or the mistakes that I've made to grow and to move forward?

Wisdom is the prayer that we pray that God always says yes to.

Next Episode

The Enneagram & Marriage with Christa Hardin

I am so excited to be joined by Christa Hardin this week, founder of Reflections Counseling Center and the host of the immensely popular Enneagram and Marriage podcast, which has over a million downloads. For over two decades, Christa has been helping couples find renewal and happiness together. Utilizing the Enneagram, alongside other research-based marriage tools, she works to offer couples a deeper understanding of their unique strengths and shadows.

This episode brings a powerful exploration of how our individual personalities influence our ability to communicate in relationships. We’ll also dive into the exciting release of Christa's new book, "The Enneagram in Marriage: Your Guide to Thriving Together in Your Unique Pairing," which is set to hit the shelves this month.

4:02 – Christa 101