In this episode of the Can You Just Sit With Me podcast, host Natasha Smith delves into the complexities of grief with guest Jillian Benfield. They discuss Jillian’s personal journey through life’s unexpected challenges, including her son’s Down Syndrome diagnosis and multiple relocations, and how these experiences have shaped her advocacy and writing.
There is always a struggle and there is always something to be grateful for at the same time. And so this ‘and’ lens has helped me through my very darkest times and it also helps me through the lighter times as well.
Jillian benfield
Through sharing psalms, scientific findings, journaling prompts, and personal stories of parenting children with disabilities and medical complexities, Jillian offers encouraging, practical ways we can be real about our hard things & be grateful for the good things.
Get the book here.
In this episode, Jillian emphasizes the concept of ‘both/and’, acknowledging that life can be both difficult and beautiful at the same time. Together, Natasha and Jillian explore how gratitude and God’s presence can coexist with grief, offering practical and emotional insights for listeners navigating their own losses. Jillian’s books, ‘The Gift of the Unexpected’ and ‘Overwhelmed and Grateful,’ are highlighted as valuable resources for understanding and embracing this duality.
Main Points:
- The “Both/And” Approach to Grief and Gratitude
- Isolation and Identity Shift Through Loss
- The Role of Faith and Grace in Navigating Chaos
- Hope Through Solidarity and Resurrection
Episode Talking Points:
- 00:00 Welcome and Introduction
- 00:53 Jillian’s Story: Embracing Grief
- 04:24 Navigating Life’s Challenges
- 10:19 The Power of Gratitude
- 22:22 Finding Hope in Faith
- 30:47 Conclusion and Resources
Other Ways to Listen to this Podcast with Jillian Benfield
About the Guest:
Jillian Benfield is a former journalist and news anchor. She is a disability advocate, speaker, and author of The Gift of the Unexpected and her latest book, Overwhelmed & Grateful.
Jillian regularly advocates for the full inclusion of people with disabilities in her writings and community. And as a part of the National Down Syndrome Congress’s National Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition. Connect with Jillian here.
Mentioned in this Episode:
The Gift of the Unexpected and Overwhelmed and Grateful by Dr. Jillian Benfield
Can You Just Sit With Me and Black Woman Grief by Natasha Smith
