The Language of Grief: New Podcast Episode
Hello dear friends,
We are launching the new season of Everything Happens with heavy hearts today. We join those grieving our teacher and author and pastor and friend, Rachel Held Evans. Rachel, 37, died suddenly on Saturday and leaves behind her husband and two kids.
I have been working on taping a fresh podcast season of rich conversations about the things that carry us, the language and community we need to support us through the realities in our lives that we did not always choose.
But instead of being able to begin with lessons about “moving on,” Rachel’s death takes me back to the beginning. To the muck of grief. Its exhaustion. Its disorientation. The unexpected way it reintroduces us to a life we did not want.
I want to introduce you to Jayson Greene. Jayson is no stranger to grief. His daughter Greta was two-years-old when a brick fell on her head, killing her.
This is a really special conversation to me, not just because it is honest—and he is refreshingly honest—but because he speaks the language of grief so fluently. He has developed gorgeous vocabulary to make sense of his own grief, and it helped me gain new words to make sense of mine.
I hope you’ll find some gems in our conversation to help you find a way forward too.
I’m so grateful you are here. Thank you for sticking by me.
Gratefully,
Kate
You are doing amazing work here, thank you!
Dear Kate,
I don’t know what to say, but I want to acknowledge your bittersweet start for a new season. So tough! Sigh. May you and all who are grieving Rachel’s death find the comfort you need at this time.
Jayson’s story was worth waiting to hear. What a powerful episode! Thank you so much.
I did cringe each time you used the unfortunate words, “What struck me…”, considering how his daughter died. But your energy and enthusiasm and genuineness helped you connect with Jayson so well.
My wife and I are dealing with our own loss. The loneliness of keeping it all together after our son came out as gay. We have been vilified by total strangers who just jump to conclusions and judge. We do not know who we can share with and trust, so we suffer in silence. Your words ring very true to me about dealing with loss. Very helpful.
I know our paths will probably never cross, but I wanted you to know that God has used you in a powerful way. Thank you for being you and sharing your story.
Keep shining, Kate.
Carl
P.S. I cannot even bring myself to give my full name, because I don’t know who will read this. You will know by e-mail, Kate.
Kate—I wanted to simply take this opportunity to let you know that your voice (carried through your books, this podcast, the many interviews you offer) and your wisdom has been a kind and honest companion to me through the grief of my divorce. But more than solace, which you have offered, I feel like reading and listening to you has changed how I see the world and my place in it. I’ve only been this powerfully moved by a writer one other time—when I was 19 and a college sophomore reading Audre Lorde’s essays. I cried when I learned she died only months before I discovered her work, and that never had a chance to thank her. I am now 48. And you are alive and I have the deep fortune to be able to come here and say thank you. Thank you.