Joy and grief—can they really exist together?
During the holidays, grief often feels heavier, memories feel sharper, and the ache of who’s missing seems impossible to ignore. But what if joy doesn’t disappear in grief… what if it stands beside it?
In today’s heartfelt conversation, Heather O’Brien (Heal With God Podcast) joins me, Christina Smith, as we talk honestly about navigating holiday grief, emotional triggers, and the unexpected moments where God brings light into our darkest seasons.
I share a personal story from my own journey—hosting our annual family cookie night just five days after losing my mom. In that moment, I discovered something I didn’t know was possible: joy and grief can truly co-exist. God met me in both, and He wants to meet you there too.
Together, we explore how to grieve on purpose, how to take your thoughts captive when emotions feel overwhelming, and how to honor your grief without losing your joy.
If you’re facing the holidays with a heavy heart, this conversation offers comfort, clarity, and hope. God is close to the brokenhearted, and He is with you in every season—joyful or painful.
🌿 What We Cover
• Why grief often intensifies around the holidays
• What “fantasy grief” is and how it keeps us stuck
• Taking your thoughts captive (2 Cor. 10:5) in emotional seasons
• How to plan your grief instead of being overwhelmed by it
• The power of choosing joy even when you’re hurting
• Practical ways to support someone who is grieving
• Healthy ways to avoid isolation when depression whispers “withdraw”
• How God meets us—even in the hardest places
📖 Scriptures Mentioned
Ecclesiastes 3:1 • 2 Corinthians 10:5 • Psalm 34:18
Philippians 4:8 • Romans 8:37
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – “I choose joy.”
00:20 – Can joy & grief co-exist?
01:47 – Christina’s story: holidays after multiple losses
03:06 – Why grief hits harder during the holidays
05:19 – Grieving relationships that never became what you hoped
06:40 – “Fantasy grief” and the lies that accompany it
08:52 – How to grieve on purpose
10:44 – Taking thoughts captive in heavy seasons
14:42 – Cookie night five days after losing my mom
17:32 – Joy & grief as two sides of the same coin
20:35 – Preparing emotionally & spiritually for the holidays
22:44 – Supporting someone who is grieving
25:31 – Heather’s final encouragement
27:18 – Closing reminder: God is always at work
🤝 Partnership: Birch Gold
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✨ Connect with Heather O’Brien
Prophetic Healing Workshops: heatherobrien.net/workshop
Podcast: Heal With God
✨ Connect with Christina Smith, Host of Witness the Wonder
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@witnessthewonder
Instagram, Facebook & TikTok: @witnessthewonder
Website: https://www.ChristinaSmithOfficial.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/witnessthewonder
💖 Partner with Witness the Wonder
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