Why Christians Need Lament: Finding God in Grief
Episode Recap
In this heartfelt conversation, Angela Adkins welcomes Dr. Cassey St. Rose—licensed professional counselor, Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Counseling, wife, mother, grandmother, and founder of The Healing House Counseling in St. Marys, Georgia. Together, they explore the often-overlooked subject of lament and why grieving is not only natural but necessary for Christians.
Angela vulnerably shares her own grief journey after losing her mother and sister, as well as her deep sorrow following the recent assassination of Christian leader Charlie Kirk. She explains how grief can shake faith, stir anger, and raise difficult questions about God’s goodness. Dr. St. Rose compassionately affirms these struggles, reminding listeners that Christians should not silence their pain but bring it honestly before God.
Dr. St. Rose draws from Scripture, C.S. Lewis’s A Grief Observed, and her counseling experience to describe grief as a tearing apart of the soul. She explains that lament is an ancient biblical practice—a way of turning to God, expressing complaint, boldly asking for help, and ultimately choosing to trust. This process doesn’t erase sorrow, but it allows believers to walk through grief without becoming trapped in bitterness or despair.
Together, Angela and Dr. St. Rose also discuss:
The many forms of grief: sudden loss, prolonged illness, loss of dreams, divorce, or even transitions like becoming an empty nester.
Common myths about grief, such as the belief it should only last a year or that it follows a neat, linear set of “stages.”
The physical, emotional, and spiritual indicators of grief, from fatigue and insomnia to struggles of faith.
The importance of forgiveness in healing, especially when grief is tied to injustice or violence.
The role of community and corporate lament—reminding the church to stand with those in sorrow, not rush them into joy.
Angela closes the episode with hope, reminding listeners of God’s promise in Psalm 30:5—“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
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0:00 Intro
0:43 Meet Dr. Cassey St. Rose
2:00 Angela’s grief journey
3:36 Collective grief
4:44 What is grief?
6:00 C.S. Lewis on loss
7:08 Grief as a “bear”
8:34 Faith struggles
11:03 Types of grief
14:09 Empty nest grief
17:03 Signs of grief
20:49 Depression & exhaustion
23:12 Guilt, anger & fear
27:46 Anxiety & grief
33:13 Grief triggers
38:16 Myths about grief
43:52 Anger & response
47:58 Forgiveness & healing
53:03 Community & support
59:35 What is lament?
1:02:26 Four steps of lament
1:10:31 Trust in Christ
1:12:32 Corporate lament
1:16:00 Best books on grief
1:18:12 Why grief hurts
1:18:50 Prayer
1:20:55 Closing encouragement
Key Highlights
Grief is universal—no one is exempt, and it touches every part of life.
Lament is biblical—a quarter of the Psalms are laments, showing us how to cry out to God honestly.
Stages are not linear—grief is chaotic, with emotions often circling back unexpectedly.
Faith in tension—grief may not destroy faith, but it can challenge what we believe about God’s goodness.
Forgiveness brings freedom—releasing bitterness opens the door to healing.
Community matters—grief should not be carried alone; the body of Christ is called to mourn together.
Hope remains—through lament, Christians can hold grief in one hand and trust in the other, knowing God is near to the brokenhearted.
Listen & Share
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Contact Information
Dr.Cassey St.Rose
Healing House Counseling
https://healinghousecounseling.net
Call: 910-708-0298
