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Ep 102 - A Father's Journey Through Grief and Faith with Todd Whitehurst

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Todd Whitehurst, author of "Underneath The Weeping Tree," a 40-day devotional born from his family's journey through miscarriage and infertility.

After a life-threatening illness forced him into retirement and stripped away his identity as a contractor, Todd discovered something profound: sometimes our greatest brokenness leads to our most meaningful breakthroughs.

When his daughter experienced three miscarriages, Todd initially tried to do what many fathers do—fix the problem.

But through his own season of forced stillness and spiritual searching, he learned that being present in pain is more powerful than trying to eliminate it.

Drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Jesus weeping with Mary and Martha, Todd shares how he transformed from someone who compartmentalized grief to someone who could sit underneath the weeping tree with those he loves.

Key Topics Discussed

  • The male perspective on pregnancy loss and infertility
  • Moving from fixing to presence in grief support
  • How personal brokenness can lead to deeper healing
  • The difference between religion and relationship in times of loss
  • Why grief doesn't follow a timeline
  • Finding joy and resurrection after seasons of mourning
  • The danger of busyness and comparison in stealing our capacity for authentic living

Powerful Quotes from the Episode

  • "Jesus wept. He knew he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead, but instead he stepped into their pain with them and wept with them."
  • "Sometimes healing is not the yes answer. What happens when the answer is no? But there is always resurrection that follows."
  • "It's okay to not be okay. Everyone's telling me to be okay, and somehow I'm supposed to act like nothing ever happened."
  • "Busyness silences the heart. In my busyness and comparison, when the world told me I was doing great, that's actually when I was sick."
  • "I wouldn't trade the pain I went through for finding out how to love my daughter deeper in a way I never would've learned any other way."

About the Guest

Todd Whitehurst is the author of "Underneath The Weeping Tree," a deeply personal devotional written for those walking through grief, loss, or seasons of sorrow. With a background in construction and disaster recovery, Todd's life took an unexpected turn when a blood infection nearly claimed his life and forced him into retirement. Through his own journey of loss and his daughter's experience with miscarriage and infertility, Todd discovered his calling to offer comfort and hope to others in their darkest seasons.

Resources Mentioned

  • Book: "Underneath The Weeping Tree" - available on Amazon
  • Contact: Todd welcomes personal stories and offers discounted copies to those in need
  • Email: [email protected] 

Episode Themes

  • Permission to Grieve: Society rushes us through grief, but healing requires time and space
  • Masculine Vulnerability: Men can learn to sit with emotion rather than solve problems
  • Faith Through Suffering: How spiritual practices can provide comfort without offering easy answers
  • The Power of Presence: Being with someone in pain is more valuable than trying to fix their pain
  • Redemption Through Brokenness: Our deepest struggles often become our greatest gifts to others

For Listeners Who Are Grieving

This episode offers validation that grief has no timeline and that feeling "not okay" is perfectly acceptable. Todd's message is clear: you are seen, you are not broken, and resurrection follows even the darkest seasons. If you're struggling financially, Todd offers free copies of his book—simply reach out via email.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and sharing it with someone who might benefit from Todd's message of hope and healing.

Connect with Sharna:

 

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 

For those seeking guidance and support, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone, and there are resources and communities ready to help you through your healing journey.

Thank you for tuning in, and if you found this episode valuable, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. We look forward to supporting you in the next episode.

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 Disclaimer: Please note that the information shared in this podcast is not intended as medical advice. For personal medical advice and support, consult with your healthcare provider.

Your Feedback Matters: If you found value in this episode, kindly leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback is crucial in helping us deliver content that supports, informs, and heals.

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Sharna Southan Pregnancy Loss Practitioner & Trauma informed Coach

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instituteofhealing_pl/ || https://www.instagram.com/instituteofhealing.losssupport/ 

W: www.sharnasouthan.com 

Sending you so much love and light on your healing journey. đź’›