Stories of Hope and Healing
“I bought Go Hopeful three months after my husband’s sudden death. At that point, I had read half a dozen grief books that all said the same generic things. This one was different. Jerry writes like someone who actually understands what it feels like when your entire world collapses. The exercises in chapters 4 and 6 helped me process guilt I didn’t even realize I was carrying. I still have hard days, but I finally have tools that actually work instead of just comforting words that don’t change anything.”
Margaret T.
“The Faith-Based Grief Recovery course came into my life when I was seriously questioning whether my faith was strong enough to survive what I was going through. My daughter died in a car accident, and I was angry at God in ways I’d never experienced. Jerry’s teaching gave me permission to bring that anger into my relationship with God instead of pretending it wasn’t there. The community forum connected me with other believers who were also wrestling with hard questions. I’m still grieving, but my faith is stronger now than it was before, which I never thought would be possible.”
Robert K.
“After my divorce, I felt like I had failed at the most important relationship of my life. The shame was crushing. Jerry’s coaching helped me understand that I was grieving the loss of my marriage and the future I had imagined, not just dealing with anger at my ex. That reframe changed everything. He gave me practical strategies for co-parenting while still protecting my own healing, and he helped me work through the guilt that was keeping me stuck. Six months of coaching gave me tools I’ll use for the rest of my life.”
Amanda L.
“I attended the Hope Now Conference expecting generic grief platitudes. What I got was honest, practical teaching that acknowledged how hard this journey actually is. The afternoon workshop where we created personal hope plans was incredibly valuable. I left with a concrete roadmap instead of just feeling inspired for a day. The connections I made with other attendees have continued beyond the conference. We check in with each other monthly, which has been more helpful than I can express.”
Michael D.
“Go Hopeful was recommended by my pastor after I lost my job of 22 years. I didn’t think of it as grief at first, but Jerry’s book helped me see that’s exactly what it was. I had built my entire identity around my career, and when that disappeared, I didn’t know who I was anymore. The chapters on rebuilding identity and finding purpose after loss spoke directly to my situation. The devotionals have become part of my morning routine. They’re short enough to complete even on days when I can barely function, but meaningful enough to actually shift my perspective.”
Thomas R.
“The grief recovery retreat was the best investment I’ve made in my healing. Being in a place where I didn’t have to explain my pain or put on a brave face was incredibly freeing. The individual coaching session with Jerry helped me identify patterns that were keeping me stuck. The small group discussions showed me I wasn’t alone in the specific struggles I was facing. I went home with clarity about my next steps and actual hope that I could take them. That weekend marked a real turning point in my journey.”
Lisa H.
“My son died by suicide two years ago, and the grief has been complicated by so many layers of guilt, anger, and unanswered questions. Most grief resources don’t address this kind of loss adequately. Jerry’s Navigating Complicated Grief course was exactly what I needed. It didn’t shy away from the hardest parts of my experience. The module on processing guilt and the session on trauma were particularly helpful. I finally feel like I have permission to grieve in a way that honors the complexity of what I’m going through.”
Patricia M.
“I’m a pastor, and I bought the Supporting Others Through Grief course to better serve members of my congregation. What I didn’t expect was how much it would help me process my own losses that I’d been pushing aside to care for others. The section on avoiding caregiver burnout was convicting and necessary. The practical conversation guides have changed how I approach people in my church who are grieving. I now have language and strategies for offering real support instead of just saying I’m praying for them, which of course I am, but they need more than that.”
Rev. James T.
“The monthly Hope Gatherings in my area have been a lifeline. After my wife passed, I felt isolated even though I have family and friends who care. They just don’t understand what this is like. At these gatherings, I’m with people who get it without me having to explain. The teaching topics are always relevant to something I’m struggling with. Last month’s session on managing anxiety after loss gave me tools I use daily. The friendships I’ve made there have expanded my support system in ways I desperately needed.”
David S.
“I took the From Surviving to Thriving course three years after my mom’s death. I had done the initial grief work, but I realized I was just going through the motions of life without really living. This course challenged me to pursue goals I’d abandoned and rediscover parts of myself that grief had buried. The module on navigating guilt when you start feeling happy again was exactly what I needed. I finished the course and within two months had enrolled in the graduate program I’d postponed and started dating again. I’m actually living now, not just surviving.”