Episode 21

The Gravity of Joy

IN THIS EPISODE:

As Rev. Dr. Angela Gorrell taught her first class at Yale called “Life Worth Living,” and studied the pursuit of true joy, she was privately grieving the loss of 3 family members within the prior 6 weeks—one to suicide, one after a long road of opioid addiction, and one, at 22 years old, to sudden cardiac arrest. Though she understood the theology of joy, she was lost in the swallow of grief in the thick of these tragedies. But she found, in the grace and mercy of God, new paths to the depth and capacity of joy, felt right alongside her grief. This episode is for anyone personally searching for joy in grief or looking to learn how to best support someone searching for the grounded, resilient reality of God, found in even the darkest places.

Episode Host:

Tara Ross & Eric Bloomquist
Episode Guest:

Rev. Dr. Angela Gorrell

RESOURCES:

The Gravity of Joy, Angela Gorrell

Angelagorrell.com – book discussion guide, “Gateway to Joy” activities

Atlas of the Heart, Brene Brown

Luke 15 – Ode to Joy; what was lost is found

Ezra 3 – indistinguishable sound of joy and weeping

Suicide Prevention Lifeline, free online chat if you’re struggling with suicidal thinking. Or dial 1-800-273-8255 (or simply 988, starting July 2022).

Trusted Christian Counselors for you to get help.