If you've ever whispered, "God, what do I do with this grief I can't even name?" — this episode is for you.

So many parents are trying to stay faithful… while quietly carrying spiritual pain no one else sees.
Grief that doesn't have a name.
Disappointment that feels "un-Christian" to admit.
Anguish that lingers, even when you're doing all the "right" things.

In this episode, we talk honestly about the kind of pain that doesn't fit into neat categories — and the courage it takes to stay when your heart feels like it's breaking.

What we cover:

• Why unspoken pain doesn't disappear — it just goes underground

• The difference between doubt and honest faith

• How lament can actually be one of the most faithful things you do

• Naming grief when your child is still alive

• What to pray when you're too tired for long prayers

• Why your sorrow does not disqualify your faithfulness

Take this with you:
You are not just a parent in pain.
You are a parent in position.
And God is still working in the dark.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Last week's episode on releasing shame (Ep 1: "It Wasn't Your Fault")

• Scripture-based reflections on grief and lament

• A simple practice of honest prayer you can begin this week

Resources for you:

1. Morning Worship Text Series (Free)
   This is something I personally use to start many of my weekdays. It's short, simple, and it grounds my heart before I ask for anything. The time of worship includes a song and Scripture read aloud.
   You'll get a morning text with a link to worship — you can listen whenever it fits your rhythm.
   Here's the link: https://sing.theworshipinitiative.com

2. Devotional Recommendation:
   The Hidden Face of God: Finding the Missing Door to the Father Through Lament by Michael Card
   This book will meet you in the deeper place. If you're craving more intimacy with the Father — especially when He feels quiet — this is for you. {This is an affiliate link - it doesn't change anything for you on your end but helps support my ministry if you decide to purchase through this link}

Let's stay connected:
If today's episode spoke to you, would you take a moment to share it with someone who's navigating a similar journey?
You're not alone — and neither are they.

💌 Subscribe, review, or send me a message with what stood out. I'd love to hear from you.

You can connect with Melinda: melinda@melindapatrick.org

As we begin a new year, many parents are carrying more than they expected — unresolved relationships, unanswered prayers, and the quiet weight of loving a child through pain, distance, or deep disagreement.

In this first episode of the Still Faithful series, we slow down together and begin with something essential: releasing shame.

This episode is for parents who are questioning themselves, their faith, or what faithfulness looks like after a hard year. It's a grounding invitation to look back honestly — without self-blame — and to begin moving forward with steadiness, clarity, and grace.

This is not about fixing your child or forcing outcomes.
It's about strengthening you.

• The difference between faithfulness and outcomes

• How to look back at the past year without self-condemnation

• What you may be carrying that was never meant to be yours

• Why faithfulness can coexist with heartbreak

• How to begin a new year grounded rather than striving

• Where have I been harder on myself than God has been?

• What did faithfulness look like for me this past year — even if it felt quiet or unseen?

• What responsibility or guilt do I need to release as I move forward?

You can be deeply faithful and deeply heartbroken at the same time.
Faithfulness does not require resolution — only presence.

As we move through this series, we'll continue to explore how to stay spiritually anchored, emotionally steady, and rooted in love — even when the story isn't finished.

Still Faithful is a season created for Christian parents navigating painful, unresolved parenting journeys — including estrangement, distance, and moments when a child's choices challenge deeply held beliefs.

This series is designed to help you:

• Stay grounded when parenting hurts

• Discern next faithful steps without pressure

• Love well without losing yourself

• Trust God even when outcomes are uncertain

As this year comes to a close, I want to take a moment with you — not to fix anything, not to sum it all up, but simply to pause.

Reflect on these questions:

What did this year ask of you that you didn't expect?

What did you continue to do this year, even when it hurt?

As this year closes, there may be things you're still carrying that were never meant to come with you into the next one.

For just a moment, imagine setting those things down — not forever, but for now.

They do not need to define the threshold you're crossing.

When we return in the new year, we'll be entering a slower, more intentional season together — one focused on helping you stay grounded and faithful when parenting hurts.

If you need a place to land as the new year begins, I'll be here.

For now, take care of yourself.

Rest where you can. Celebrate where you can.

And know that you are not alone.