S6 E10 From Heartbreak to Strength with Jodi Snowdon

Special Note: As you know, we typically record our episodes in advance. This episode was recorded at the beginning of 2026 so you’ll hear a lot about being in a new year with focus on new beginnings. And while we are already well into Lent, Jodi Snowdon’s message is powerful no matter what season we find ourselves in. We hope you enjoy this episode. 

Shownotes

We’re in a New Year, new year’s resolutions, a time for transformation.  and often in grief, we have mixed feelings. On one end, it's a fresh start, an opportunity to look to change, but on the other end, we move  into uncharted waters and the grief and heartbreak follow with us. We ask those simple questions.  God, it's supposed to be a new year. Why do I still feel miserable? Why hasn’t this pain ended? How much longer do I need to stay in this space? But this is also where God meets us and the true transformation begins.  Today’s episode, we are going to talk about why not one moment of suffering is wasted and how each of these moments can actually turn us into who God wants us to be. 

Our Guest

Jodi Snowdon is an author, podcaster, and speaker who helps women grow deeper in their faith and stronger in their relationships. Through God's strength, she emerged from miscarriage, divorce, and losing a dear friend to cancer to help women everywhere experience hope, joy, and purpose through life’s unexpected storms. She is raising two sons (one in college and one adulting) in Southern California and would love to connect with you on her website, jodisnowdon.com or on Instagram @jodi.snowdon

Scripture

• Psalm 34:18-19

• John 14:27

• 2 Cor 1:3-4

• Jeremiah 17:7-8

• Psalm 1:3

Links

• Angel Oak Tree

• Kinstugi

• Michelangelo’s Pietà statue

• “Praise You in the Storm” by Casting Crowns

• “Glory Baby” by Watermark

• Grieving the Child I Never Knew: A Devotional for Comfort in the Loss of Your Unborn or Newly Born Child by Kathe Wunnenberg

• Hope in the Dark by Craig Grischell

Prayer for the soul of Jodi’s mom with Dementia 

Journaling Questions

1. Jodi uses the analogy of a cracked pot to describe brokenness but also that it can be glued together. In what areas do you feel the brokenness but also see how God is slowly mending you back together? 

2. Reflect on Jodi’s acronym for STRENGTH. Which of these are you working on right now? 

3. Which of these might be challenging for you?

4. Where do you see God inviting you to plant roots?

Seek God and invite Him into your pain.

Tearfully allow yourself time to grieve and process the emotions.

Replace your finite view with God’s infinite perspective.

Embrace God’s character development in the midst of the chaos.

Never lose sight of God’s grace.

Give praise to God even as your heart breaks.

Trust God is good when your mind is doubting, and you don’t understand.

Honestly share your story and help another hurting heart.

5. How does Jodi’s story remind us that God will repair our brokenness? Where is he calling you right now to use this newfound knowledge?