“[Grief] is going to stay there whether we want it to orrecognize it or not. Grief finds its way into our bones and if we don’t address it, if we don’t hold it, if we don’t find ways to metabolize it, it’ll remain and more times than not it comes out sideways.”

Grief is a part of life, but too often, we don’t make space for it—especially in the church. In this episode, hosts Steven Carrizal and Cheryl Russell talk with Ben Ries, a hospital chaplain, about the importance of grief and lament. Why does grief matter in our faith? What happens when we ignore it? And how can churches create spaces where people can grieve honestly and find hope? Join us for this meaningful conversation on walking through sorrow with faith and community.

Dr. Ben Ries is a staff chaplain at Peacehealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, WA. Before stepping into chaplaincy, he served as a minister in churches in the Pacific Northwest for eighteen years followed by seven years in higher education administration at Abilene Christian University - Dallas. Ben has a Master's of Divinity from Abilene Christian University and Doctor of Ministry from Lipscomb University. He and his wife, Jen, have three adult children who are beautiful humans and a delight to be around. Ben and Jen spend their free time together camping, hiking, playing games, and laughing. Feel free to reach out via email at benries78@gmail.com.