How do you believe that you can still be the woman you intended to be after burying your child? Today I’m talking with author and speaker, Kay Warren. Kay Warren is the wife of Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life and Pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest California.

In April of 2013, Rick and Kay Warren were forever changed when their youngest child, Matthew, committed suicide.  For over a year they shed tears daily. Kay shares how devastating and traumatic it was to not only grieve the loss of her son but to also see him suffering with mental illness for the majority of his life.

At the tender age of 7, Matthew was diagnosed with depression and over the years he received other diagnosis such as OCD, personality disorder, ADHD, panic disorder and more. His entire life was consumed with illness, struggle, and suffering.

Through her experience, Kay shares with us some of the warning signs of mental illness, how she learned to work through her grief and shares what her journey to finding her “new self” has looked like.

In this heart gripping conversation, Kay challenges us to choose joy when happiness isn’t enough. Allowing herself to feel joy is a decision she has had to make and still has to make, over and over again. Kay has learned that choosing joy has not only helped her to honor who she is now, it is also honoring to her late son, Matthew.

Jerry Sittser, in his book A Grace Disguised, says, “Life will never be the same but it will be good again.” Regardless of who or what you’ve lost,  even if you feel you’ve lost yourself, what Kay has shared will help you to believe that life can be good again. Joy is available but you must choose to receive it.

Highlight from Today’s Episode:

  • Working through grief
  • Warning signs of mental illness
  • Grieving as a couple
  • Grieving in leadership

Quick Links

 ==> Click to Tweet 

 ==> Resources from Today’s Show

 ==> General Links 

Want to subscribe to the blog and grab a freebie? CLICK HERE

Did you miss last week’s fun podcast with my friend, Michelle Lewings?   Check it out here!

Kingdom Woman by Chrystal Evans Hurst and Tony Evans

Let’s Talk!

After you’ve listened to the podcast, I’d love to continue the conversation. Be sure and leave a comment!

  1. Do have a story of grief or tragic loss?  Share your story here.  I’m listening.
  2. How have you changed as a result of heartache or pain?
  3. How is the “new you” different than the “past you”?
  4. While life will be different, it can be good again.  How has your life become “good again”?

Connect with me…

How to Listen to The Podcast

If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you workout, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.

1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.

2. Listen on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Also, if you would be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher?  Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists!

3. Share today’s show –   Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post!

You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in do the same on the podcast!