How do you keep going when the heaviness of grief is such a big part of every day life? How do you embrace new blessings while continuing to mourn all that you've lost?

In this second half of my conversation with Markie Ribera, we explore what it means to keep going after unimaginable loss ... not by moving past our grief, but by learning to carry it alongside the joy and hope we have in Christ.

After losing their four young children and Markie's mother in a devastating house fire in February of 2022, Markie and her husband, Carlos, have continued to see God's faithfulness in unexpected ways. They've welcomed three more little boys into their family, and Markie shares how they've learned to embrace the joy of raising them while keeping the memories of their older siblings alive.

We also talk about the importance of lament, why the church needs to make room for sorrow, and practical ways to navigate those especially difficult dates on the calendar. Markie shares how the body of Christ surrounded her family in the aftermath of their tragedy, and how that experience inspired a developing ministry called Keep Going, Really!

The name itself carries a special meaning, honoring the initials of their four children in Heaven while offering a simple but powerful message to others who are suffering: You really can keep going. Not because the road is easy, but because Jesus walks it with you.

I hope you'll be encouraged by this conclusion of our conversation and reminded that grief and joy can coexist, that God is worthy of our trust even in our deepest sorrow, and that because of Jesus, we can keep going, really!

Links and Resources

Markie's Website and Writing

• Keep Going, Really! — Markie's website, family story, blog, and developing ministry.
• Even IF — Markie's reflections on God's sovereignty and trusting Him through suffering.
• Tunnel Week — Navigating the difficult anniversaries and dates surrounding her family's loss.
• Invisible Dates — Remembering the milestones that often go unnoticed by others.

Books and Music

• Just Be Honest by Clint Watkins — An invitation to bring our grief and difficult emotions honestly before God.
• Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop — A resource on biblical lament. Markie mentions Vroegop's teaching during our conversation.
• Worthy of My Song – Phil Wickham — A worship song that has been especially meaningful to Markie in her grief.
• Crazy People – Casting Crowns — A song that reminds Markie of the people who surrounded her family with love and practical support.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! ~Jill

** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry.

We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting!

Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parents

Click HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country.

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel

Click HERE to follow our public Facebook page

Click HERE to follow us on Instagram

Click HERE to follow us on Twitter

Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministry

Contact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org