Grief: Mary, Martha & Jesus on Loss, Lament & Love (John 11) | Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast S3E41
Jul 05, 2026
Summary
Grief touches every life—but many of us don't know how to talk about it. In this episode of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast, Rev. Trudy and licensed marriage and family therapist Sheilah Cameron explore grief, loss, healing, and hope through the story of Jesus, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in John 11.
Detail
Grief touches every life—but many of us don't know how to talk about it.
In this episode of Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast, Rev. Trudy and licensed marriage and family therapist Sheilah Cameron explore grief, loss, healing, and hope through the story of Jesus, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in John 11. Together they discuss the stages of grief, why community matters, how to support someone who is grieving, and what Christian faith can offer in seasons of loss.
Episode 4 of our five-part series, Taking Care of Mind, Body & Spirit, explores modern wellness challenges through the wisdom of Scripture.
This conversation is for anyone grieving a loss, supporting someone who is grieving, wondering how to talk about death with loved ones, or seeking a more faithful and honest way to hold life’s joys and sorrows together. Inspired by John 11:1-3, 14, 17-24, 32-36 and Mary, Martha, and Jesus' experience of grief over the loss of Lazarus, the topics discussed include:
- Understanding the grief process
- Why community is essential during grief and bereavement
- How to support someone who is grieving
- Talking with children and family about death and loss
- The five stages of grief – and their limitations
- How Mary and Martha grieve differently, and what their responses can teach us
- Finding hope in the story of Lazarus
- Faith, lament, and resilience during difficult seasons
- How Mary and Martha grieve differently, and what their responses can teach us
This series features conversations with the women pastors of First United Methodist Church of San Diego and Sheilah Cameron, Director of New Life Counseling Center. Join them over five weeks as they explore information overload, purpose fatigue, mental health, grief, and identity through the lens of biblical prophets and key figures in Jesus’ life.
Reflection Questions:
- What gets in the way of your grieving?
- What hope do you see in this story?
- Is grief ever a good thing?
Join the Conversation:
Whether you're a lifelong Christian, exploring progressive Christianity, deconstructing faith, or simply searching for hope, we’d love to continue the conversation.
- Convergence discussion group on Sundays at 12 PM
- Online Patreon community to connect with other listeners
Timestamps
00:00 Welcome: Grief Is Part of Life
00:50 John 11: Jesus and the Raising of Lazarus
03:39 Why Community Matters in Grief
05:19 Learning to Talk About Death
10:02 The Five Stages of Grief Explained
12:20 Martha, Mary, and the Permission to Feel
15:14 How to Support Someone Who Is Grieving
17:29 Memorial Services, Rituals, and the Healing Process
22:36 Advice for Anyone Living Through Grief
26:10 Reflection Questions & Closing
Please note: This conversation is for reflection and encouragement and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you’re grieving or struggling with your mental health, consider reaching out to a licensed mental health professional, a trusted support person, or a crisis resource in your area, such as the New Life Counseling Center, a mental health ministry of First United Methodist Church of San Diego.
Topics: grief, Christian grief, grief support, loss, bereavement, mental health, Jesus, Lazarus, Mary and Martha, John 11, stages of grief, progressive Christianity, Christian podcast, spiritual growth, counseling, healing after loss.
