S6 E15 Hope and Strength in Healing with Marie Heidemann
Show Notes
As we enter the month of May, we recognize that in our Catholic faith, it is a month dedicated to Mary. But it is also a month dedicated to Mental Health and awareness. And while there have been great strides made in terms of helping those who have suffered the loss of a loved one or are in any state of grief and sorrow, there are resources, how can we integrate our faith into our healing? And how can this help us understand that redemptive suffering can help us move forward in our lives?
Our Guest
Marie is an Arizona native who has called North Texas home since 2006. A cradle Catholic, her faith was shaped through years of Catholic education and the influence of her grandmother, the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, an Irish immigrant priest from her childhood parish, and the Franciscan Friars who led her high school.
She was married for 17½ years and is the mother of five children. After the sudden loss of her husband in September 2019, she felt called to walk alongside others in their healing, which led her to earn a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Divine Mercy University graduating in 2023.
Today, Marie is the founder of Spes Et Fortitudo Counseling in Colleyville, Texas, where she integrates her faith and clinical training to support those she serves. She loves spending time with her children, close friends, and traveling whenever she can.
Connect with Our Guest
Devotion
Scripture
“Jesus wept.” (John 11:35)
Resources mentioned in this episode
Additional Links
MGP S6 E3 The Lord is Near to the Brokenhearted with Kate LeFaivre
St. Francis de Sales quote: “Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them—every day begin the task anew.”
S3 E3 A Widow’s Camino: The Road to Healing with Sherry Hayes-Pierce
Prayer for Marie’s husband, Michael and all those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
Journaling Questions
In the beginning of the episode, Marie stated that “God allowed for us to just experience life, although not always easy, but always reminding us of our faith all around us.” What are some instances of your life where you can look back to see that God was present?
Marie spoke about the meaning behind the name of her counseling practice, Spes Et Fortitudo, Latin for hope and strength. In thinking about your own times of grief and loss and sorrow, are there places where you found hope and strength through others? Take some time to reflect on this and, perhaps, journal about it.
How do you deal with changes and adjustments in your life? Have you found helpful tools to use during these times, for example a prayer or scripture verse?
Marie mentioned how much of an impact her faith community had on her early on in her loss and even now. Do you have a supportive faith community or trusted friends or family members with whom you feel safe sharing when you are feeling down or lost?
Throughout the episode, Marie and Jennifer spoke about several resources available to help those in need of support. Did any of them speak to you? Take some time to explore each of them to see if one could benefit you.
In thinking of your own times of loss or sorrow, where did you find comfort, strength, and support? Have you asked God to be part of your healing journey? Why or why not?
Marie and Jennifer discussed the importance of having patience with yourself through your own process of grieving. Is this something that you find difficult? How do you think having more patience with yourself could benefit you personally?
What is your morning glory?
