Parables of Grief--When Words Fail: How Presence Matters More Than Advice for the Grieving
03/10/25 • 17 min
We all want to say the perfect words to comfort someone who's grieving, but what if the most powerful gift isn't words at all?
After my husband died unexpectedly, I discovered that true comfort often came from the most unexpected places. There were neighbors who showed up with "grief groceries" – practical items like paper plates and toilet paper when I couldn't think clearly enough to shop. There was the friend who texted daily for months without expecting responses. And there was the beautiful moment when someone shared Isaiah 54:5 with me: "For thy maker is thine husband, the Lord of hosts is his name."
Through these experiences and many others, I learned a profound truth about mourning with those that mourn: presence matters more than perfection. Like the rabbit in the children's book "The Rabbit Listened," sometimes the greatest gift we can give someone in grief is to simply be there – not to fix their pain or tell them how to feel, but to witness their journey without judgment or comparison.
In this episode, I share what helped me most as a widow, what didn't help (like being asked "Are you over it yet?"), and how we can all become better companions to those walking through loss. Whether you're grieving yourself or supporting someone who is, these practical insights will help you understand that healing doesn't come from perfect words but from genuine connection that helps the grieving not feel so alone.
Join me, Mama Bear Wendy, as we explore how to truly walk alongside each other in grief. Share this episode with someone who might need these insights, and visit mamabearwendy.com to learn about my upcoming grief support groups and companion sessions.
If you would like more grief support please see my website at Mamabearwendy.com for upcoming grief groups and 1:1 opportunities.
Although your experience and path will be unique, there is hope ahead in this path and you are not alone. I can see your pain and we will walk this road together. Here is a big bear hug from Mama Bear Wendy, your fierce support in the journey of grief, until next time.
If you enjoy this podcast please consider donating to help us keep going.
"Wendy has a beautiful way of sitting in the deep end of the ocean with you. Her presence alone is healing. She meets you where you’re at and doesn’t push you any further than where you want to go. She gently nudges you into new places with new perspectives. She is highly intuitive, sensitive and compassionate. She brings a depth to the table you rarely see. Her experiences have given her an extraordinary level of understanding and a safe place to walk to as she is a safe harbor fill of strength and integrity. She is raw and real and beautifully vulnerable and she is exceptional at conveying the words that are hard to find. She is a rare one." Christi D.
We all want to say the perfect words to comfort someone who's grieving, but what if the most powerful gift isn't words at all?
After my husband died unexpectedly, I discovered that true comfort often came from the most unexpected places. There were neighbors who showed up with "grief groceries" – practical items like paper plates and toilet paper when I couldn't think clearly enough to shop. There was the friend who texted daily for months without expecting responses. And there was the beautiful moment when someone shared Isaiah 54:5 with me: "For thy maker is thine husband, the Lord of hosts is his name."
Through these experiences and many others, I learned a profound truth about mourning with those that mourn: presence matters more than perfection. Like the rabbit in the children's book "The Rabbit Listened," sometimes the greatest gift we can give someone in grief is to simply be there – not to fix their pain or tell them how to feel, but to witness their journey without judgment or comparison.
In this episode, I share what helped me most as a widow, what didn't help (like being asked "Are you over it yet?"), and how we can all become better companions to those walking through loss. Whether you're grieving yourself or supporting someone who is, these practical insights will help you understand that healing doesn't come from perfect words but from genuine connection that helps the grieving not feel so alone.
Join me, Mama Bear Wendy, as we explore how to truly walk alongside each other in grief. Share this episode with someone who might need these insights, and visit mamabearwendy.com to learn about my upcoming grief support groups and companion sessions.
If you would like more grief support please see my website at Mamabearwendy.com for upcoming grief groups and 1:1 opportunities.
Although your experience and path will be unique, there is hope ahead in this path and you are not alone. I can see your pain and we will walk this road together. Here is a big bear hug from Mama Bear Wendy, your fierce support in the journey of grief, until next time.
If you enjoy this podcast please consider donating to help us keep going.
"Wendy has a beautiful way of sitting in the deep end of the ocean with you. Her presence alone is healing. She meets you where you’re at and doesn’t push you any further than where you want to go. She gently nudges you into new places with new perspectives. She is highly intuitive, sensitive and compassionate. She brings a depth to the table you rarely see. Her experiences have given her an extraordinary level of understanding and a safe place to walk to as she is a safe harbor fill of strength and integrity. She is raw and real and beautifully vulnerable and she is exceptional at conveying the words that are hard to find. She is a rare one." Christi D.
Previous Episode
Parables of Grief: Lessons from Ruth and Naomi
Join Mama Bear Wendy as we journey through the poignant narratives of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz, uncovering the profound lessons these characters have to teach us about navigating loss and grief. This episode invites you to explore the powerful themes of love, loyalty, and the importance of community support during our darkest times.
We start by recognizing the fundamental human experience of grief, emphasizing the power of companionship and understanding in healing. Moving through the intricacies of Ruth and Naomi's relationship, we delve deeply into how their bond reflects resilience and faith amidst bitter circumstances. Wendy shares personal anecdotes that resonate with their stories, encouraging listeners to connect with their experiences and recognize the divine glimpses of healing within everyday life.
A central theme is the transformative power of choice, as embodied by Ruth’s unwavering loyalty toward Naomi, illustrating how our decisions can empower us, even in sorrow. We witness the unfolding of hope and renewal as we discuss Boaz's role as a redeemer, emphasizing the essential nature of community in helping us through loss.
Throughout the episode, listeners are reminded that it’s possible to embrace both love and pain as we navigate our grief. Ultimately, the stories of Ruth and Naomi inspire us to seek out the Savior in our suffering, holding onto hope even when life’s challenges become overwhelming.
Don't forget to visit mamabearwendy.com for additional grief support and resources that can guide you on your healing journey. Subscribe for more insightful discussions that help you find strength and community in your grief.
If you would like more grief support please see my website at Mamabearwendy.com for upcoming grief groups and 1:1 opportunities.
Although your experience and path will be unique, there is hope ahead in this path and you are not alone. I can see your pain and we will walk this road together. Here is a big bear hug from Mama Bear Wendy, your fierce support in the journey of grief, until next time.
If you enjoy this podcast please consider donating to help us keep going.
"Wendy has a beautiful way of sitting in the deep end of the ocean with you. Her presence alone is healing. She meets you where you’re at and doesn’t push you any further than where you want to go. She gently nudges you into new places with new perspectives. She is highly intuitive, sensitive and compassionate. She brings a depth to the table you rarely see. Her experiences have given her an extraordinary level of understanding and a safe place to walk to as she is a safe harbor fill of strength and integrity. She is raw and real and beautifully vulnerable and she is exceptional at conveying the words that are hard to find. She is a rare one." Christi D.
Next Episode
Parables of Grief--Living Up to Your Spiritual Privileges in Times of Profound Loss
When tragedy strikes, our understanding of God's protection undergoes a profound metamorphosis. Just as a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, grief can change us into something entirely new—if we allow it. Today, Mama Bear Wendy explores what it means to live up to our spiritual privileges during times of profound loss.
The death of a spouse creates a defining moment that challenges our most fundamental beliefs. After losing her husband, Wendy's prayers transformed from what she calls a "shopping list" of requests to something deeper: prayers seeking alignment with God's will. This shift represents a spiritual awakening that often accompanies deep grief, where we stop bargaining with the universe and start seeking understanding.
Drawing inspiration from Emma Smith's remarkable self-written blessing, Wendy examines how this valiant woman—who experienced multiple child losses and persecution—didn't ask for protection from suffering when given the chance to write her own blessing. Instead, Emma sought wisdom, self-knowledge, and discernment. This historical example beautifully illustrates how living up to our spiritual privileges isn't about escaping hardship but developing the spiritual gifts to navigate it with grace.
For widows especially, unique spiritual opportunities exist. There's a special connection through the veil that allows continued relationship with departed spouses who "have not abandoned their sacred callings" to family. By recognizing and actively engaging with these privileges—through temple service, patriarchal blessing study, and consistent spiritual practices even in difficult circumstances—we can experience profound support and healing. Join Mama Bear Wendy as she offers hope and practical wisdom for those walking the challenging path of grief.
If you would like more grief support please see my website at Mamabearwendy.com for upcoming grief groups and 1:1 opportunities.
Although your experience and path will be unique, there is hope ahead in this path and you are not alone. I can see your pain and we will walk this road together. Here is a big bear hug from Mama Bear Wendy, your fierce support in the journey of grief, until next time.
If you enjoy this podcast please consider donating to help us keep going.
"Wendy has a beautiful way of sitting in the deep end of the ocean with you. Her presence alone is healing. She meets you where you’re at and doesn’t push you any further than where you want to go. She gently nudges you into new places with new perspectives. She is highly intuitive, sensitive and compassionate. She brings a depth to the table you rarely see. Her experiences have given her an extraordinary level of understanding and a safe place to walk to as she is a safe harbor fill of strength and integrity. She is raw and real and beautifully vulnerable and she is exceptional at conveying the words that are hard to find. She is a rare one." Christi D.
Parables of Grief - Parables of Grief--When Words Fail: How Presence Matters More Than Advice for the Grieving
Transcript
Hello friends , this is the Parables of Grief podcast and this is your host , Mama Bear Wendy , I'm here to share some love and light with you on your journey through grief and loss . I hope , as our healing paths connect for the next few minutes , we can walk together and find strength for the road ahead . One scientist suggests that what the grieving need most is to have other
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