047 : Navigating Grief & Change with Mackenzie Harris
Navigating Grief & Change with Mackenzie Harris
In this deeply moving episode of The Refined Sisterhood podcast, Kait and I have the honor of speaking with our friend Mackenzie Harris about a topic that is close to many hearts—navigating grief and change. Grief can take many forms: the loss of a loved one, a shift in relationships, or even the simple process of facing new seasons in life. Change, too, is inevitable, but it can feel overwhelming and uncertain, especially when it comes with pain.
Mackenzie’s wisdom and personal experiences shed light on how we can walk through grief and change with faith, resilience, and hope. She shares how she has leaned into God’s strength during difficult times, offering practical advice on how to navigate the complexities of loss and transition.
The Pain of Grief
Grief is something we all experience at some point in our lives, and it’s something that often comes with deep pain. In this episode, Mackenzie opens up about her own journey through grief and shares what she’s learned about processing loss in a healthy way. Whether you’re grieving the loss of a loved one or mourning a significant life change, Mackenzie reminds us that it’s okay to feel the pain and to take time to heal.
She shares how grief isn’t something that can be fixed overnight, and it isn’t something we need to rush through. Grief is a process, and it looks different for each person. Mackenzie encourages us to embrace our emotions, cry when we need to, and allow God to walk with us through the journey.
Trusting God Through Change
Change can be just as challenging as grief. Whether we’re going through a season of transition, facing uncertainty, or stepping into something new, change often brings fear and discomfort. But Mackenzie shares that, just like with grief, we can trust God during seasons of change. Even when we don’t have all the answers or don’t understand what’s ahead, God is always with us, guiding us.
She offers practical tips on how to trust God in the midst of change, reminding us that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Our circumstances may change, but God’s love for us remains constant. When we keep our eyes on Him, He helps us navigate through the unknown with peace and confidence.
Finding Hope in Grief and Change
One of the most powerful aspects of this episode is how Mackenzie emphasizes the hope that we have in Christ, even in the midst of grief and change. As believers, we can have hope because we know that God works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28), and He is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). This hope doesn’t mean that we won’t feel pain, but it reminds us that God is present in our pain, and He will bring healing and restoration.
Mackenzie also talks about the importance of leaning on others during times of grief and change. Community is so important when walking through tough seasons. God designed us to live in relationship with others, and having people to support us, pray for us, and just be present with us can make all the difference.
Practical Tips for Navigating Grief and Change
Throughout the episode, Mackenzie shares practical advice for navigating grief and change. Here are some key takeaways:
Acknowledge Your Emotions: It’s important to allow yourself to feel the pain and sadness that come with grief or change. Don’t try to suppress your emotions; instead, acknowledge them and bring them before God.
Lean on Your Faith: Trust that God is with you through every season of life. Remember His promises in Scripture, and allow those truths to comfort and guide you.
Seek Community: Surround yourself with people who will encourage you, pray with you, and help carry the burden. You don’t have to walk through difficult times alone.
Give Yourself Grace: Grief and change take time, and it’s okay to not have everything figured out. Be patient with yourself and allow God to heal you at His pace.
Keep Moving Forward: Even in the hardest seasons, try to take small steps forward. Whether it’s seeking counseling, journaling, or simply getting outside for a walk, keep moving toward healing, even when it feels difficult.
Embracing the Comfort of God’s Presence
The overarching theme of this episode is that even in the midst of grief and change, we can find comfort in God’s presence. He promises to never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6), and His comfort is available to us at all times. Mackenzie reminds us that we can bring our burdens to God, and He will give us rest (Matthew 11:28).
Through grief, change, and all of life’s transitions, we can cling to the truth that God is with us, guiding us through every challenge. And while grief and change can be difficult, they also provide opportunities for us to grow closer to Him and to deepen our trust in His faithfulness.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re navigating grief or a season of change, know that you’re not alone. God is with you every step of the way, and He will provide comfort, healing, and hope. Mackenzie’s story is a beautiful reminder that even in our most challenging moments, God’s love and faithfulness are unwavering.
With love,
Maddie & Kait