Grief needs a place to go. This is one of my favorite sayings as it relates to navigating grief. Because most often when we suffer a loss we simply need the grace and space to grieve. So, I love this conversation with my guest Leanne Friesen in this episode of the Can You Just Sit With Me? Podcast. Leanne is an ordained minister and author of the new book Grieving Room.

In this episode we discuss the nuances of grief and the importance of making space for it. Leanne shares personal stories of loss, including the death of her sister, and how she navigated through her own grief journey. We delve into the challenges of discussing grief within church settings and the need for creating ‘grieving rooms’—physical and emotional spaces to process sorrow. The episode underscores the significance of acknowledging sorrow, the coexistence of hope and grief, and practical advice for supporting those mourning. Leanne also provides insight into her book, which combines memoir and self-help to offer solace and guidance to grievers and their supporters alike.

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You’re not broken and you’re not crazy. As hard and difficult as it feels, grief is this hard.

Leanne Friesen, Author of Grieving Room

In this poignant account of a sister’s mourning and a pastor’s journey, Friesen pushes back against a world that wants to minimize our sorrow and avoid our despair. She helps those of us walking with the grieving figure out what to say and what not to say, and she offers practical ways to create ample space for every emotion and experience. Reflection questions, practices, and prayers at the end of the book offer guidance and ideas for individuals and groups.

In a world that wants to rush toward closure and healing, Grieving Room gives us permission to let loss linger. When the very worst happens, we can learn to give ourselves and others grieving room.

Main Points

  • Navigating Sibling Loss
  • Finding Grieving Room
  • The Challenges Within Church Settings
  • Words of Hope for Grievers

Episode Talking Points

  • 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Grieving Room
  • 00:52 Leanne’s Personal Grief Story and the Power of Presence
  • 04:09 The Journey Through Grief and the Concept of Grieving Room
  • 08:00 Navigating Cultural Norms Around Grief and Finding Support
  • 16:52 Personal Reflections on Grief and the Importance of Grieving Room
  • 22:05 The Ongoing Process of Grieving and Supporting Others
  • 24:17 Navigating Grief and Understanding Its Impact
  • 24:38 Supporting Young People Through Grief
  • 25:08 Personal Experiences with Grief and Funerals
  • 26:34 The Challenge of Acknowledging Grief in Conversations
  • 27:45 Identity and Grief: Holding Onto Who We Are
  • 29:35 Exploring the ‘Grieving Room’: A Guide Through Grief
  • 34:12 The Role of Faith and the Church in Grieving
  • 39:32 Embracing Hope and Healing in Grief
  • 42:46 Connecting with the Author and Accessing ‘Grieving Room’

Other Ways to Listen to this Podcast with Leanne Friesen:

About the Guest

Leanne Friesen is the author of the new book Grieving Room: Making Space for All the Hard Things After Life and Death, as well as the curator of the popular Instagram page @grieving.room, which has gathered 35,000 followers. She is also an ordained minister and mother of two, who lives in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Learn more at https://leannefriesen.com.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Grieving Room by Leanne Friesen

Can You Just Sit With Me by Natasha Smith