Hopeful Sorrow: Lament, Faith, and the Journey towards Healing with Julie Busler

Life in ministry brings both joy and heartache. But what do you do when the grief feels overwhelming? Can you still hold on to hope? In this episode of the Ministry Wives Podcast, host Amy Petersen sits down with Julie Busler—author, speaker, and Bible teacher—for an honest conversation about grief, mental health, and the sustaining hope we have in Christ.

Julie shares her powerful story of walking through depression, trauma, and mental health struggles, and how God faithfully met her in the darkest valleys. Together, Amy and Julie talk about what it means to grieve with honesty, find strength in Scripture, and walk alongside others who are hurting.

If you’ve ever wrestled with how to reconcile sorrow and faith—or how to care for loved ones who are suffering—this conversation will remind you that grief does not erase hope. In Christ, both can coexist as we hold fast to the promise of eternity.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode with Julie Busler:

How grief and hope can coexist within the Christian life
Biblical encouragement for navigating depression and suffering
Why lament is a vital part of spiritual growth
Practical ways to support others in seasons of loss and pain
And more!

Resources & Links Mentioned:

Hopeful Sorrow by Julie Busler
Joyful Sorrow by Julie Busler
Mental Illness and the Ministry Wife (an interview with Julie Busler)

Connect with Julie

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Connect with Amy

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Connect with NAMB

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