In this episode, Joy invites listeners to see the hard and holy seasons of life through a new lens. What if the desolate places aren’t evidence of God’s absence but proof of His presence? What if the wild is actually where we are most formed, refined, and readied for what’s next?

Through story, Scripture, and reflection, Joy shares how nearly every person God used powerfully—David, Joseph, Esther, even Jesus—spent time in the wilderness. It’s there that old identities fall away and new roots take hold.

Scripture:

Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you; when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze”.

Playlist:

The ⁠Oh, Good Grief Playlist⁠, featuring the songs that carried us through. Today’s song: “Unraveling” by Cory Asbury.

Connect with Joy:

Website: simplybloom.org

Facebook: @simplybloom

Instagram: @simplybloomjoy

Email: joy@simplybloom.org

If this episode encouraged you:

Share it with someone who may be in a hard season.

Subscribe + review to help others find this space.

You are loved.

In this first episode, Joy shares the story behind Oh, Good Grief. She opens the door to a vulnerable chapter of her life — one marked by loss, betrayal, church hurt, grief, resilience, and the slow journey of becoming whole again.

This episode is for anyone who has ever retreated into the quiet to heal, who has loved deeply and been hurt deeply, who has wondered if they’d ever find their way back to themselves, or to community.

What we explore:

• Why this podcast exists — and why now

• The difference between healing and hiding

• The sacredness of community during seasons of unraveling

• How grief and goodness can coexist

• What it means to steward suffering well

• The slow work of becoming softer, wiser, and more like Jesus

Scripture:

Genesis 50:20 (MSG): “You planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good… life for many people.”

Playlist:

The Oh, Good Grief Playlist, featuring the songs that carried us through. Today’s song: “Constant” by Maverick City.

Connect with Joy:

Website: simplybloom.org

Facebook: @simplybloom

Instagram: @simplybloomjoy

Email: joy@simplybloom.org

If this episode encouraged you:

Share it with someone who may be in a hard season.

Subscribe + review to help others find this space.

You are loved.