In this episode, host Alexandra explores the physical and spiritual reasons behind our body’s “fight, flight, or freeze” response. She talks about how physical tension—the tight shoulders, clenched jaw, or knot in your stomach—is a signal that our nervous system perceives a threat. However, as believers, we can use this moment of awareness as an invitation to lean into our faith. Alexandra offers three practical, faith-based steps to stay grounded and present with God, even in difficult conversations or moments of stress. This episode is a guide to moving from a place of fear to a place of trust, using our bodies as a tool for worship and connection with Christ.

The 3 Steps:

1. Awareness: The first step to staying grounded is simply noticing your physical reaction without judgment. This is a form of “taking every thought captive” and bringing it to God, as described in 2 Corinthians 10:5: "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
2. Breath: Use your breath—a gift from God—to center yourself. Practice deep, intentional breathing as an act of stillness, connecting your body to the present moment and God's presence, as Psalm 46:10 reminds us to “Be still, and know that I am God.”
3. God’s Truth: When your mind spirals with fear, consciously replace those thoughts with God's truth. Recall verses like 1 John 4:18, which says "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear," and remind yourself that you are safe and loved in Him.

Call to Action:

This week, notice your body's tension without judgment but with curiosity. Use your breath as a tool for stillness, and lean on God's truth to anchor you in His love instead of your fear.

And remember, God's love is always near...

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In this deeply compassionate episode, I sit down with Dr. Jerry Woodbridge—a Christian author, grief advocate, and educator—to explore the complex journey of grieving with faith, honesty, and hope.

What You’ll Discover

• Grief isn’t linear. Dr. Woodbridge likens it to “having a thousand hornets around your head” or bouncing on a trampoline while climbing stairs—progress, setbacks, repeat.
• Identity after loss. The unexpected transition into widowhood isn’t a choice anyone makes. Dr. Woodbridge reflects on how that identity shift challenged both her role and faith.
• Children and grief. Kids aren’t little adults. Dr. Woodbridge explains how avoiding their grief can lead to long-term emotional struggles, and how stories can offer healing validation.
• Writing to heal and help. Through her faith-based children’s book Joy Overcame Sorrow, she gives young readers—and the adults who love them—language and solace in the midst of loss.
• Metaphor of sorrow and joy. She shares a beautiful visual: “Both sorrow and joy can coexist like liquids in a coffee cup, with love bridging the gap. We grieve because we love—and that same love makes room for joy, even alongside the sadness.”

Why Listen

This episode is a sanctuary for anyone walking with grief—or alongside someone who is. Whether you’re a parent, friend, pastor, or caregiver, Dr. Woodbridge’s insight is balm for the wounded heart.

Learn More About Dr. Jerry Woodbridge

Visit her website to explore her books, helpful resources, and connect with her directly: drjerrylwoodbridge.com

Related Content

Be sure to check out episodes 29 through 36, an eight-part summer series where I share my journey through grief, how I met Christ, and how He transformed my life—from the very beginning to a reflection on what living by faith looks like now: Episode 29, Episode 30, Episode 31, Episode 32, Episode 35, Episode 36

Scripture References

These Scriptures were thoughtfully embedded throughout Joy Overcame Sorrow and grouped by theme—perfect for personal meditation or guiding children through grief:

God Sees Every Tear | Psalm 56:8; Psalm 119:28
Trusting in His Care | Luke 12:24; Jeremiah 17:7
Hope for the Future | Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 9:18
Comfort in Mourning | Matthew 5:4; Hebrews 13:8
Joy Restored | Psalm 126:2; Jeremiah 31:12–13; Isaiah 35:10
Peace Within | Proverbs 14:30; Luke 2:46

Reflection Question:

How might God be inviting you to hold both sorrow and joy together in this season of your life?

Call to Action:

Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes, and share this episode with someone who may need encouragement today.

Remember: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

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Want to go deeper? Let's connect—set up a FREE Discovery Call today. See you next time!

Patience is more than waiting—it is a discipline of the heart. It allows us to govern our emotions, trust God’s timing, and respond with wisdom instead of rushing in fear or doubt. Practicing patience strengthens our relationships, nurtures our spiritual growth, and helps us live faithfully and peacefully in every area of life. True strength is not in conquering others or achieving instant results but in mastering our own spirit (Proverbs 16:32).

In this episode, we explore:

• What patience really is: both enduring trials steadfastly and being long-suffering with others, while hope-filled trusting God.
• Why impatience leads to anxiety and doubt: rushing past faith increases fear and stress.
• How Scripture defines patience through Greek and Hebrew words.
• Practical ways to grow in patience at home, at work, and in our spiritual life.

Biblical Definition of Patience:

• Greek (New Testament):
  • Makrothymía – long-tempered, patient with people (Galatians 5:22–23; 1 Corinthians 13:4)
  • Hypomonḗ – steadfast endurance through trials (James 1:3–4; Romans 5:3–4)
• Hebrew (Old Testament):
  • ’Erek Appayim – slow to anger, patient like God (Exodus 34:6; Psalm 103:8)
  • Qaváh – to wait, hope, and look to God’s action (Isaiah 40:31)
  • Yāchal – to wait, expect, trust, and hope in God (Psalm 130:5)

Why Patience Matters:

• Patience = Wisdom: Proverbs 14:29 – “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
• Patience = Faithful Action: James 5:7–8 – like the farmer, we do our part and trust God for the rest.
• Patience = Love & Fruit of the Spirit: 1 Corinthians 13:4, Galatians 5:22–23 – patience is integral to love and godly character.
• Patience = Peace, Strength & Hope: Psalm 37:7, Isaiah 40:31, Romans 8:25 – waiting on the Lord renews strength and aligns us with His will.

Patience is active, not passive. It strengthens the prefrontal cortex (decision-making, planning, impulse control) and calms the amygdala (our emotional alarm system). Practicing patience gives us the power to endure, love, and act faithfully, even when life feels rushed or uncertain.

Practical Applications:

• Family & Parenting: respond calmly, teach respect and self-control.
• Work & Ministry: avoid burnout, focus on long-term goals, and rely on God.
• Spiritual Life: waiting on God strengthens faith, trust, and hope.
• Daily Habits: pause before reacting, pray, practice gratitude—small acts grow patience.

Closing Scripture:

Proverbs 16:32 – “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”

True power is a calm, regulated spirit—one that sustains family, nurtures relationships, and allows God’s plans to unfold in His perfect timing.

Final Encouragement:

Surrender your fears and doubts to God. Let patience guide you, trust His timing and watch Him fulfill His plans for your life, which are always greater than we can imagine.

Thanks for listening! Your support means the world. Join our Curious for Christ Facebook Group and become an Insider for weekly inspiration and encouragement on your faith journey.

Want to go deeper? Let's connect—set up a FREE Discovery Call today. See you next time!