In this episode of Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope), I talk with Carol Renfro, a mom just two years into this journey of child loss. Carol’s only child, Jeff-Free (known as Free), died by suicide at the age of 33. Though her grief is still very fresh, she leans heavily on God and has found unexpected joy in the midst of deep pain.
Carol shares her son’s story, her raw emotions, and the ways she has experienced God’s comfort, even through something as simple as watching the night sky. You’ll hear how she has learned to bring her pain to the Lord, allowing Him to meet her there with His truth, comfort, and hope.
This episode is a beautiful reminder that we don’t have to hide our feelings from God. He already knows. What He desires is for us to come honestly to Him so that He can exchange our pain with His peace and help us carry the unbearable weight of child loss.
Whether you’re new in this journey or years down the road, Carol’s testimony will encourage you to keep looking up and trusting that God can take the ashes of grief and make something beautiful.
Carol Renfro lost her son and only child to suicide on 
July 18th, 2023. He was 33 years old. Shortly after, she and her husband moved next door to the little 105-year-old Baptist Church that her husband pastors. Carol retired from her job as Administrator of an assisted living facility and now spends her days helping with needs of the church and leading the women’s ministry. Her hobbies are crafting, decorating and working in her flower beds. She loves spoiling her 3-year-old grandson as much as possible and the rest of her day is filled with taking care of the needs of her beloved pets. Carol gives all the glory to our Lord for providing the comfort and strength she prays for and so desperately needs every moment of every day.
(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:
- GPS Hope Share and Care Groups – connect with other pareavors in your area or learn how to start a group.
- Reflections of Hope – September Edition – daily readings and scriptures for encouragement through a difficult month.
- Forever Free Grief Support (Carol’s page)
Birthdays:
We lovingly remember and celebrate the lives of:
Nathan Hatfield was born on August 25 and left us at age 16.
Corey Thompsen was born on August 28 and left us at age 28.
Samantha Kesich was born on August 28 and left us at age 22.
Visit gpshope.org/birthdays to submit your child’s name and date so we can honor them, too.
The special song written for our children’s birthdays I Remember Well can be heard here.
Remember to Hold On Pain Eases; there is HOPE!
To have Laura come and minister at your event, contact us at office@gpshope.org.
Grieving Parents Sharing Hope (GPS Hope) is here to walk with parents through the darkness of child-loss, guiding them to a place of hope, light and purpose.
It is a safe place for anyone who has lost a child from this earth. There is no shame or judgment in where you are in this journey, including if you are struggling in your relationship with God or your faith has been completely shattered.
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