Grief is not something we would ever choose, and yet, at some point, we all find ourselves walking through it. Maybe it’s the loss of a loved one, the shattering of a dream, a shift in relationships, or even the realization that life doesn’t look the way we thought it would. Grief comes in many forms, and sometimes, we don’t even recognize we’re grieving.

In this episode, I want to have an honest conversation about grief—what it is, what it isn’t, and how, in the hands of our Shepherd, it can actually be a gift. I know, that may sound impossible, especially if you’re in the middle of deep sorrow. But grief invites us to know God in ways we never would otherwise. It teaches us to lament, to remember, to heal, and ultimately, to trust that even in our pain, God is present and at work.

If you’re carrying grief today—whether it’s fresh or something that’s been with you for a long time—I hope this episode reminds you that you are not alone. The Shepherd walks with you through the valley, and even when you can’t see it, He is making all things beautiful in His time.

• Grief can be a gift that reveals God's character.
• Lament is an essential part of processing grief.
• Grief is not just about loss; it's about love and value.
• Grief can transform us and deepen our relationship with God.
• God's comfort is most profound in our moments of grief.
• Grief allows us to remember and honor what we've lost.
• Healing comes from engaging with our grief.
• Grief can lead to personal transformation and growth.
• We are invited to grieve together as a community.
• Grief ultimately points us to hope and redemption.

Chapters

00:00 | Understanding Grief as a Gift

07:02 | The Pain of Grief

16:47 | Grief as a Sacred Tool

27:02 | Grief: A Tool for Healing and Transformation

Today’s episode of Everything Made Beautiful might wreck you in the best way. I’m joined by two of my dear friends, Malorie Elrod and Katelyn Duckworth, who are on a mission to love on adoptive families and birth moms through Funding Love. And before you think, "Well, I don’t have an adoption story, so this episode isn’t for me," let me stop you—because, as believers, our whole story is one of adoption into God’s family.

Mal and Kate are here to share about the heart behind Funding Love, an organization that provides all-expenses-paid Disney vacations to adoptive families and birth moms. But this isn’t just about Mickey ears and fireworks—it’s about creating space for healing, bonding, and community for people navigating the complexities of adoption.

We get honest about the unspoken struggles—the loneliness that can follow adoption, the misconceptions about birth moms, and why the enemy loves to isolate us when we’re most vulnerable. You’ll hear powerful stories, laugh, and maybe even consider how you can step into the adoption space somehow.

Also, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to have your heart entirely undone by the love of God, imagine being a birth mom who has spent years feeling unseen—only to be lavishly loved, with no strings attached. That’s what Funding Love is doing, and I can’t wait for you to hear about it.

By the end of this episode, you might just be looking up flights to Orlando for the Funding Love Gala at the Four Seasons in April—because, listen, we are all about this sweet organization. If you’re looking for a way to love on families, support women, and be a part of something beautiful, this is it.

keywords

adoption, birth moms, Funding Love, community support, open adoption, Disney World, post-adoption support, family bonding, motherhood, emotional healing

takeaways

• Adoption is a calling that can transform lives.
• Open adoption allows for ongoing relationships with birth families.
• Birth moms deserve support and recognition in the adoption process.
• Funding Love provides unique experiences for adoptive families and birth moms.
• Shared experiences can foster deep connections and healing.
• Disney World serves as a magical backdrop for family bonding.
• Post-adoption support is crucial for families adjusting to new dynamics.
• Community is essential for both adoptive families and birth moms.
• Every adoption story is unique and deserves to be heard.
• Love and support can come from unexpected places.

Chapters
00:00 | Introduction to Adoption and Its Importance

07:03 | Understanding Open Adoption

10:00 | The Birth Mom Perspective

13:03 | Introducing Funding Love

15:59 | Challenges Faced by Adoptive Families

19:07 | The Role of Birth Moms in Adoption

23:02 | The Burden of Shame and Guilt

24:02 | The Power of Community for Birth Moms

25:19 | Understanding the Purpose of Disney Trips

26:53 | Creating Magical Experiences for Adoptive Families

31:16 | The Role of Magic Makers in the Experience

33:03 | Lavishing Love on Adoptive Families

34:16 | Pampering Birth Moms with Unique Experiences

38:58 | Stories of Transformation from the Trips

41:14 | The Power of Shared Experiences

43:02 | Full Circle Moments in Adoption

45:19 | Building Trust Through Fun

47:10 | The Importance of Support for Birth Moms

49:27 | Imagining a Perfect Day

53:25 | The Call to Action for Supporting Adoption

58:31 | New Chapter

Links:
Funding Love Website: https://www.fundinglove.com/
Funding Love Donations: https://www.fundinglove.com/donate
Funding Love Gala: https://www.fundinglove.com/funding-love-gala
Funding Love Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fundinglove/
Malorie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malyourpal/
Katelyn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katedawnduck/

Everything Made Beautiful is shaking things up! In this episode, we kick off something brand new—introducing my daughters, Maggie and Ali, as occasional recurring co-hosts! We dive into girl talk, covering everything from Maggie’s dream of swimming with sharks to Ali’s rekindled love for reading. We laugh about my not-so-secret pedestrian rage (yes, I have opinions on slow walkers), get real about the misconceptions of growing up in a ministry home, and share what it looks like to take ownership of our own faith. And because we’re not about pretending life is perfect, we also open up about lessons learned the hard way—mistakes, growth, and God’s grace in the middle of it all. This is the start of something special, and we can’t wait to take you along for the ride. So grab your coffee, settle in, and join us for this honest, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation.

takeaways

• Maggie is an event producer at Walt Disney World.
• Ali is a senior in high school and aspires to be a cosmetologist.
• Family quirks can be both funny and cringe-worthy.
• Growing up in a Christian family comes with misconceptions.
• Finding personal faith is a journey for both Maggie and Ali.
• Mistakes can lead to valuable lessons and personal growth.
• Guilt is often unhelpful and can hinder progress.
• High school drama fades in importance over time.
• Friendships remain strong despite physical absence.
• Advice to younger selves emphasizes perspective and self-worth.

Chapters

00:00 | Introducing the New Co-Hosts

04:07 | Life Updates from Maggie and Allie

05:58 | The Decision to Co-Host

08:45 | Surprising Facts About Each Other

11:37 | Misconceptions of Growing Up in a Christian Family

14:32 | Personal Faith Journeys

17:18 | Navigating Church Life as Kids

20:16 | Awkward Church Kid Moments

24:48 | Navigating Guilt and Responsibility

28:01 | Lessons from the Past

31:13 | Advice to Our Younger Selves

32:44 | Fun Rapid Fire Questions

34:22 | Closing Thoughts and Future Conversations

35:12 | New Chapter