A conversation about faithful friendship, miscarriage, grief, fear, and the quiet power of simply being present.

Episode Summary

What does it look like to love someone through suffering when you can't fix what's broken?

In this deeply personal episode of Joy in Suffering, Melissa is joined by her lifelong friend, Carrie Barresi, whose friendship has spanned more than forty years. Together they reflect on growing up together, navigating chronic illness, walking through miscarriage and the loss of a parent, and discovering that some of the greatest acts of love aren't found in having the right words—but in faithfully showing up.

Carrie shares how watching Melissa's lifelong health journey shaped her own faith, the loneliness she experienced after multiple miscarriages, and how Psalm 23 became an anchor during the devastating loss of her mother. Melissa and Carrie also discuss the well-meaning comments that often hurt those who are grieving, why grief is never linear, and how God's presence meets us in every valley.

Whether you're walking through suffering yourself or wondering how to support someone you love, this conversation offers hope, wisdom, and practical encouragement for the journey.

In This Episode

• How a friendship of more than forty years has shaped both Melissa's and Carrie's faith
• Loving someone through chronic illness when you can't fix their pain
• The hidden grief of miscarriage and why people often don't know what to say
• Losing a parent and finding peace through Psalm 23
• Why grief isn't something we simply "get over"
• Common phrases that unintentionally wound people who are suffering
• Learning to surrender fear instead of trying to control the future
• Why faithful presence is often the greatest gift we can offer
• What "just showing up" really looks like in everyday life

Scripture for the Season

Psalm 23 (NIV)

"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing..."

Carrie shares how this familiar psalm became a lifeline during the loss of her mother and continues to bring peace whenever fear begins to rise.

Song for the Season

Be Not Afraid – John Michael Talbot

A beautiful reminder that God walks beside us through every valley and every fear

Word of the Month

Presence

Sometimes the greatest ministry isn't finding the perfect words.

It's showing up.

God's presence changes us—and our presence can become one of His greatest gifts to someone who is hurting.

Reflection Question

Who in your life needs your presence more than your answers this week?

What would it look like to simply reach out, listen well, and remind them they're loved?

Resources Mentioned

• Bearing the Unbearable – Joanne Cacciatore
• Faith Over Fear: Trusting God Through Life's Uncertainties –(Featuring a chapter by Melissa Winters)
• The Courage to Say Yes –(Featuring a chapter by Melissa Winters)

Connect with Melissa

If this episode encouraged you, I'd love to continue walking this journey with you.

Subscribe to the newsletter on Substack for monthly encouragement, Scripture, and reflections for women navigating chronic illness, grief, and hard seasons.

Share This Episode

If someone came to mind while listening, would you share this episode with them?

Sometimes the greatest encouragement begins with one simple act of showing up

Mentioned in this episode:

A Quick Favor

"I'm looking for 3-5 women to hop on a short, no-pressure 15-minute call with me, just to hear a little about your journey with chronic illness, grief, or a hard season, and the words you would use to describe it. No catches, no upsells, just me wanting to understand my listeners better so I can serve you well. As a thank-you, I will send you my free faith quiz, "What Is God Growing in Your Life Right Now?" If you're willing, just send me a DM on Instagram and I will set up a time that works for you."

A Christian podcast conversation on anxiety, depression, faith, and finding hope in the darkest seasons

💛 A Quick Favor?

I'm looking for 3-5 women to hop on a short, no-pressure 15-minute call with me, just to hear a little about your journey with chronic illness, grief, or a hard season, and the words you would use to describe it.

No catches, no upsells, just me wanting to understand my listeners better so I can serve you well. As a thank-you, I will send you my free faith quiz, "What Is God Growing in Your Life Right Now?"

If you're willing, just send me a DM on Instagram and I will set up a time that works for you.

💛 Episode Summary:

In this episode, we're talking about walking through anxiety, depression, and psychosis — and finding your way back to trust in God's goodness. If you've ever wondered whether you've gone too far to come back, or if the silence between you and God feels too heavy to carry, this conversation will encourage you to trust that hope is still there, even when you can't feel it yet.

🌿 In This Conversation, We Talk About:

1. The moment fear and distorted thinking took hold, and how it became a spiritual battle for trust
2. What happens when the songs that once lifted you start to feel like accusation — and what God is doing in that silence
3. How unconditional love from a small group of faithful friends became the crack of light that led to healing

📖 Scripture (NIV):

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." — 2 Corinthians 12:9

"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." — Psalm 42:5

Also referenced in this episode: Genesis 3, Psalm 51:6, Joshua 1:9, Romans 8:28-29, Galatians 6:2

🎶 Song Mentioned:

"Joy in the Morning" by Tauren Wells, performed by Anna Holand on the Hope Ignited live album

Watch/Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0NLneSBJg4

Listen to the full Hope Ignited Live Album on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5iTjrMryenlLgHLtLXhDJn

✨ Word of the Week: Hope

When everything in you wants to believe the darkness is permanent, hope is the pinpoint of light that says otherwise. This week, we're holding onto hope, not as a feeling, but as a choice to trust God even before we can feel Him.

💭 Reflection Question:

Where in your life right now do you need to trust that God is weaving something beautiful, even from the broken pieces?

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

Hope Ignited: Set Free from the Grip of Anxiety and Depression by Maria I. Morgan

Order on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Ignited-Free-Anxiety-Depression/dp/B0GT2298FM

About My Guest:

Maria I. Morgan is the award-winning author of Hope Ignited: Set Free from the Grip of Anxiety and Depression, a book born out of her own journey through chronic anxiety, depression, and the long road back to wholeness through faith. Her passion is helping women find freedom through a faith-centered, holistic approach to healing that addresses the body, soul, and spirit. She lives in Georgia with her husband, Steve.

Connect with Maria:

Website: https://www.mariaimorgan.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariaimorgan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriterMariaIMorgan

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to follow the podcast so you don't miss what's coming next.

💛 Signature Truth:

Your story isn't over.

Your pain has purpose.

And somehow… even here… joy can still grow.

Mentioned in this episode:

A Quick Favor

"I'm looking for 3-5 women to hop on a short, no-pressure 15-minute call with me, just to hear a little about your journey with chronic illness, grief, or a hard season, and the words you would use to describe it. No catches, no upsells, just me wanting to understand my listeners better so I can serve you well. As a thank-you, I will send you my free faith quiz, "What Is God Growing in Your Life Right Now?" If you're willing, just send me a DM on Instagram and I will set up a time that works for you."

A Christian podcast on chronic illness, fatherhood, and faith in suffering

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we're talking about what it looks like for a father to love his daughter through a lifetime of chronic illness. If you've been walking through chronic illness, caregiving, or wondering where God is in the hard seasons, this conversation will encourage you to find hope even when nothing seems to be getting better.

In this conversation, we talk about:

• What it was like for my dad to watch me suffer and not be able to fix it
• How our family moved across the country more than once searching for healing
• The moment my dad's faith was tested most — and how it came back stronger

Scripture:

Proverbs 3:5-6 — Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Romans 5:3-5 — We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Song Mentioned:

My Little Girl — Tim McGraw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZVsGVE1qCg

Word of the Month: Faithfulness

Through every move, every setback, and every moment faith was tested, what carried this family through was faithfulness — both God's faithfulness to never leave, and the faithfulness it takes to keep showing up for someone you love even when you can't fix their pain.

Reflection Question:

What would it look like for you to keep showing up for someone you love, even when you can't fix their pain

Resources Mentioned:

The Courage to Say Yes — a collaboration book I'm honored to be a part of, releasing June 18th. Want a signed copy? DM me! Otherwise you can grab it on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0d4rUZNf

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

If this episode moved you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it — whether that's a woman walking through chronic illness or someone who loves her. And be sure to follow the podcast so you don't miss what's coming next in the View from the Valley series.

Your story isn't over.

Your pain has purpose.

And somehow… even here… joy can still grow.

BONUS EPISODE CONTENT — THE COURAGE TO SAY YES

A Christian author shares how saying yes to God in the middle of suffering led to something beautiful

💛 Episode Summary:

In this bonus episode, I'm stepping away from our usual format to share something personal — a surprise I have been holding close to my heart. If you have ever felt God nudging you toward something that felt too hard, too vulnerable, or just too much for the season you were in, this short episode is for you. Sometimes the most meaningful yes comes right in the middle of our hardest no.

🌿 In This Episode:

— The personal announcement I have been waiting to share with you

— What it looked like to say yes to God during a hard season

— How this project connects to everything this podcast is about

— A special invitation just for you

📖 Scripture:

Proverbs 3:5-6 — "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

🎶 Song Featured:

"The Light Through the Window" — original music created for Joy in Suffering: Where Faith Meets the Hard Places

Listen here: https://suno.com/s/SZAw3sWPQ2JNggiP

✨ Word of the Month: Faithfulness

Faithfulness is not just a word we use to describe God — though He is faithful beyond what we can comprehend. It is also the quiet, steady choice we make to keep showing up, keep trusting, and keep saying yes to Him even when the process is hard. This month we are sitting with faithfulness — His toward us, and ours toward Him.

💭 Reflection Question:

Is there something God has been asking you to say yes to that you have been putting off? What would it look like to trust Him with just one small step today?

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

The Courage to Say Yes — Collaboration Book

I am so excited to share that I am a contributing author in this brand new book releasing June 18th!

Want a personally signed copy with a handwritten inscription just for you?

Simply reply to any of my emails at encouragement@melissajwinters.com and I will get one to you!

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to follow the podcast so you don't miss what's coming next.

💛 Your story isn't over.

Your pain has purpose.

And somehow… even here… joy can still grow.

A sister's story of faith, chronic illness, and finding joy in suffering

💛 EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this episode, we're talking about what it means to love someone through chronic illness — not as a caregiver, but as the person who simply stays. If you've been walking through a long season of suffering, or if you love someone who has, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone, and that joy can still be found even in the hardest places.

🌿 IN THIS CONVERSATION, WE TALK ABOUT:

How chronic illness reshapes an entire family — not just the person who is sick

What it means to walk through your own valleys while loving someone else through theirs

How music, faith, and showing up without answers can be the most powerful gifts we give

📖 SCRIPTURE:

Psalm 37:5

"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will act."

Galatians 6:2

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

🎶 SONGS MENTIONED:

"Standing Outside the Fire" — Garth Brooks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_gOHxKqh4s

"Wonder" — Natalie Merchant

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7K5pBPAJqEo

✨ WORD OF THE MONTH:

Surrender

Surrender isn't giving up. It's trusting that God is already in the room.

💭 REFLECTION QUESTION:

Is there someone in your life right now who needs you to simply show up — not with answers, but just with your presence? And if you are the one suffering, is there someone you could let in this week?

🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Faith Over Fear: Trusting God Through Life's Uncertainties — collaboration book featuring Melissa Winters (available now)

The Courage to Say Yes — collaboration book featuring Melissa Winters (COMING JUNE 2026)

Connect with Jenny:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenny.winters.3597

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennylzim

🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

If this episode moved you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it — whether that's a woman walking through chronic illness or someone who loves her. And be sure to follow the podcast so you don't miss what's coming next in the View from the Valley series. 🌊

💛 SIGNATURE TRUTH:

Your story isn't over.

Your pain has purpose.

And somehow… even here… joy can still grow.

Subtitle (SEO Boost): A Christian podcast on chronic illness, caregiving, faith, and hope in suffering

💛 Episode Summary:

In this episode, we're talking about loving someone through chronic illness, navigating suffering through faith, and finding joy even in the hardest seasons.

If you've been walking through chronic illness, caregiving, grief, or emotional exhaustion, this conversation will encourage you to hold onto hope, trust God's plan, and remember — you are never walking through suffering alone.

🌿 In this conversation, we talk about:

• What it's really like to love someone through years of chronic illness
• The emotional weight caregivers quietly carry — and rarely talk about
• How faith anchored both a mother and daughter through uncertain seasons
• Learning to surrender what we simply cannot control
• Finding joy and a deeper closeness to God even in the middle of suffering

📖 Scripture:

• Psalm 34:18 (NIV) — "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

• Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) —"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

🎶 Songs Mentioned:

• Hold On to Me — Lauren Daigle-
• https://youtu.be/FQbt9ADhCJc?si=ielOU3KAGbz_bvPa

• Rest For My Soul — Austin French-
• https://youtu.be/AAYt88GIZSs?si=WvAm5cFx2IeBtVP

• You and Me Against the World — Helen Reddy-
• https://youtu.be/gWA8QpqFlIQ?si=HB7yDVs9p-kgiFCL

One song my mom and I kept coming back to through the years was You and Me Against the World by Helen Reddy. It said something we didn't always have words for — the closeness, the love, the resilience we carried together through so many hard seasons. If you know it, you'll understand why.

✨ Word of the Month: Surrender

Sometimes surrender isn't giving up — it's trusting God with what we cannot control.

This conversation became something more than I expected. Hearing my mom's side of our story gave me a deeper understanding of faith, love, suffering, and the quiet strength that's been carried through our most difficult seasons. I hope it does the same for you.

💭 Reflection Question:

What would it look like to surrender the season you're walking through to God — instead of trying to carry it all alone?

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• A View From the Valley — the series this episode is part of. Stay tuned for the next conversations in this series as we hear from more of the people who walked closest through my valley.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to follow the podcast so you don't miss what's coming next. New episodes drop every other Wednesday — with some bonus solo encouragement episodes in between. 💛

💛 Signature Truth:

Your story isn't over. Your pain has purpose. And somehow… even here… joy can still grow.

Description:

What do you do when joy doesn’t just feel distant… but impossible?

In this episode of Joy in Suffering, Melissa explores what it looks like to hold onto faith when joy feels out of reach.

Through Scripture, honest reflection, and gentle encouragement, this episode reminds you that joy is not the absence of pain — it’s the presence of God within it.

Word of the Month:
Perspective
God doesn’t always change our circumstances, but He can gently change how we see them.

Scripture for the Season:

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
— Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT)

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)

Psalm 16:11 (NLT)

Romans 5:3-6 (NLT)

Song for the Season:

Blessings — Laura Story
Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CSVqHcdhXQ

Featured Resource (Books Mentioned in Episode):

This resource was mentioned in today’s episode and may encourage you if you’re walking through a similar season.

Even the Ashes Bloom — Sarah S. Brown
Get the book: https://a.co/d/01moai5D

Connect with Sarah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorsarahsbrown/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsarahsbrown
Website: https://sarahsbrown.com/

"Jesus Listens: Daily Devotional Prayers of Peace, Joy, and Hope" (A 365- Day Prayer-Book)

Key Takeaways:

Joy is not the absence of pain
Joy is rooted in God’s presence, not feelings
Joy can be quiet and steady
God is still working, even when you don’t feel it

Keywords:

Finding joy in suffering
Faith in hard seasons
Christian encouragement
Chronic illness and faith
Hope in pain
Spiritual growth

Call to Action:

If this episode encouraged you, follow the show and share it with someone who may need this reminder today.

Footer:

If you’re in a season where joy feels out of reach, remember this:

You are not alone.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him,
so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
— Romans 15:13

Description:

There are seasons when suffering feels isolating.

Chronic illness can quiet your world.
Grief can make everything feel heavier than it once did.
And sometimes, even faith can feel fragile.

In this episode of Joy in Suffering, Melissa shares a gentle reminder for anyone walking through a hard season:

You are not alone.

Through Scripture, personal reflection, and honest encouragement, this episode creates space to remember that God is near—even when He feels quiet—and that your story is not being lived unseen.

Word of the Month:
Perspective
God doesn’t always change our circumstances, but He can gently change how we see them.

Scripture for the Season:

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18

Song for the Season:

Flowers — Samantha Ebert
Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g8u9J3J3pA

Featured Resource (Quiz + Bundle):

What Is God Growing in Your Life Right Now? — Finding Joy Where You’re Planted
https://jenniferthayerknight.com/seeds-of-faith-bundle/ 

If this episode resonated with you, this short, gentle quiz is designed to help you reflect on where you are right now and what God may be growing in your life—even in a hard season.

This e is part of the Seeds of Faith Bundle, includes 23 additional free faith-based resources created to encourage you in whatever season you’re in now.

Inside the bundle, you’ll find:

• Bible study tools
• Devotionals
• Encouragement for chronic illness, grief, and difficult seasons
• Healing resources and more

You can access the full bundle through the link above.

Featured Resource-”Even the Ashes Bloom”

This resource was mentioned in today’s episode and may encourage you if you’re walking through a similar season.

“Even the Ashes Bloom” — Sarah S. Brown
Get the book: https://a.co/d/01moai5D

Connect with Sarah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorsarahsbrown/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsarahsbrown
Website: https://sarahsbrown.com/

Key Takeaways:

You are not alone in your suffering
God is near to you even when He feels quiet
You can feel alone and still not be abandoned
Growth can still be happening in unseen places

Keywords
Christian encouragement for hard seasons
Chronic illness and faith
Finding God in suffering
Faith during difficult times

Call to Action:

If this episode encouraged you, follow the show so you don’t miss what’s coming next.

If someone comes to mind who needs this reminder today, share this episode with them.

If you’re in a season where joy feels out of reach, remember this:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him,
so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
— Romans 15:13

Episode Summary:
In this episode, we’re talking about chronic illness, faith, and finding joy in suffering.
If you’ve been walking through chronic illness, grief, or a season of unanswered prayers, this conversation will encourage you to find hope and begin anchoring your joy in Christ—even in the middle of pain.

In This Episode:

• Melissa shares her personal story of living with chronic illness from childhood
• What it looks like to walk through long seasons of suffering and uncertainty
• A faith-centered perspective on finding joy in the middle of pain

Scripture:

• Isaiah 43:2–3
• John 16:33

Song Mentioned:
“Forty One” — Samantha Ebert

Word of the Month:
Perspective

Sometimes joy doesn’t come because our circumstances change…
Sometimes it begins when God gently changes the way we see them.

Reflection Question:
What has your season of suffering taught you about where your hope comes from?

Resources Mentioned:
None mentioned in this episode

Listen & Subscribe:
If this episode encouraged you, be sure to follow the podcast so you don’t miss what’s coming next.

Signature Truth:
Your story isn’t over.
Your pain has purpose.
And somehow… even here… joy can still gro

Takeaways

• Joy in the midst of suffering
• Anchoring joy in Christ

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Joy and Suffering