For Beverly Shoemaker, finding meaning and purpose in her life was extremely difficult after her husband ended his own life three years after their son, Nick, died. Her husband’s decision to take his own life left Bev in an even darker place, filled with anger, bitterness, and deep depression.
Bev thought she would never ever forgive the drunk driver who killed her son and struggled to forgive her husband for leaving her the way he did. Not only did God help Bev work through the long process of forgiveness, but He also led her to a place of having meaning and purpose in her life once again, even when she didn’t realize what was happening and resisted it.
This episode is a continuation of Laura and Bev’s conversation last week. If you missed it, you can listen to it here.
Having faced serious trauma in her own life, Beverly 
is no stranger to adversity. After losing a husband to suicide and her son in a drunk driving crash, she wanted to give up. She battled depression and discouragement, loneliness and pain, yet she persevered and ultimately found hope. Now Beverly seeks to share that hope with others. She speaks to churches, schools, businesses, and military events, showing strength and courage in a way that offers hope to those listening. She makes it her mission to help others rediscover their identity and purpose after loss and trauma.
Beverly is a published blogger, Podcaster (The Resilient Heart Podcast) resilience mentor, and Inspirational speaker. She is certified through ICISF in individual and group crisis intervention. She is certified in ASIST, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training through LivingWorks.
(Note: The views and opinions of our guests outside of this podcast may not be in agreement with GPS Hope.)
Links Mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Bev on her website: theresilientheartpodcast.com or beverlyshoemaker.com
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Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!
two weeks after his second birthday and was buried on Thanksgiving Day. Jill’s faith in God is what helped her find glimmers of hope in the darkest moments. Jill has previously been a newsletter editor and chapter leader of Bereaved Parents USA. She is currently a certified Christian Life Coach for Crossroads Coaching with her goal being to share the valuable lessons she has learned on her grief journey and to help others find P.E.A.C.E. (purpose, encouragement, acceptance, clarity, endurance) on their grief journey.
two weeks after his second birthday and was buried on Thanksgiving Day. Jill’s faith in God is what helped her find glimmers of hope in the darkest moments. Jill has previously been a newsletter editor and chapter leader of Bereaved Parents USA. She is currently a certified Christian Life Coach for Crossroads Coaching with her goal being to share the valuable lessons she has learned on her grief journey and to help others find P.E.A.C.E. (purpose, encouragement, acceptance, clarity, endurance) on their grief journey.
To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.
