From Heartache to Hope: Mother Trusts Christ in Aftermath of Son’s Suicide - Wende Gaikema

Wende Gaikema was totally blindsided when her son, Matthew, committed suicide at just 22 years old, weeks from graduating from Texas A&M University. Navigating the journey of extreme grief in the aftermath of Matthew’s death was unfathomably painful. In retrospect, Wende offers practical wisdom for many of the common issues faced by those experiencing traumatic loss. She discusses the reality of grieving with the hope of Christ - the rawness, bitterness, and pain throughout the healing process. She also highlights the need for others to come alongside those who are grieving, surrounding them for the long haul with loving arms and empathetic hearts. Wende is the founder of Coach Wende and the author of an insightful book, From Heartache to Hope: Navigating the Choices in Your Suicide Loss Journey.


TAKEAWAYS

1 Thess. 4:13-14 reminds us that we do not grieve as people with no hope

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34

There are many layers of emotional shrapnel to deal with in the aftermath of suicide

Contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline via call, text, or chat if you need help at 988lifeline.org


🛠 TOOLS AND RESOURCES FROM EPISODE
Pop Culture Purge Tour: text TOUR to 55444
From Heartache to Hope book: https://amzn.to/4grWegu
While We’re Waiting: https://whilewerewaiting.org/
988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/

🔗 CONNECT WITH WENDE GAIKEMA
Website: https://www.coachwende.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wende.gaikema

📢 THIS EPISODE SPONSORED BY
Institute for Creation Research: http://icr.org/tina
WAVwatch (get 15% off with code TINA): https://wavwatch.com/tina
Medi-Share: https://www.medishare.com/tina-griffin
Tiny Revival (get 10% off with code TINA): https://tinyrevival.com/TINA

🔗 CONNECT WITH COUNTER CULTURE MOM
https://linktr.ee/CounterCultureMom

📺 WATCH OUR PREVIOUS SHOWS
https://theccmshow.lightcast.com/

📲 GET OUR APP & FREE PARENT MEDIA GUIDE
https://counterculturemom.com/download-new-app/

💵 SUPPORT THE MISSION
2025 Recap & 2026 Goals: https://bit.ly/2026CCM
Make a Tax-Deductible Donation: https://counterculturemom.com/partner/

#counterculturemom #counterculturemomapp #thecounterculturemomshow #TinaGriffin #WendeGaikema #SuicidePrevention #ChristianFaith #ChooseLife #ChristianHope #JesusSaves #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealth #DepressionRecovery #HealingJourney #GodsLove