Loss comes in many forms, and Ruth-Ann Thompson wants people to know that hope can still be found even in life’s darkest moments.
WNZR’s Eric Brown recently spoke with Thompson, who will be a featured speaker at the Sunshine in the Shadows event on Saturday, June 28th from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Mount Vernon SDA Hill Church, located at 535 Wooster Road in Mount Vernon.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation!
Thompson says her passion for grief ministry was born out of personal experience. She was widowed at age 24 after her husband was killed in a car accident. Thirteen years ago, she also experienced the loss of a son. Through those difficult experiences, she says God showed her that it is possible to find “sunshine in the shadows.”
She says many people struggle after a loss because they feel displaced and unsure of where they belong. Her goal is to help people rediscover hope and purpose while navigating grief.
The Sunshine in the Shadows event was inspired by Psalm 23:4 and the idea of walking through the valley of the shadow of death while still looking for God’s light. Thompson emphasizes that the event is not limited to those grieving the death of a loved one. She says grief can come from the loss of a job, income, friendships, a home, retirement, or any major life change.
The event is open to anyone experiencing loss, as well as those who want to better understand how to support someone who is grieving. Thompson hopes attendees leave with encouragement, hope, and the belief that there is something better ahead than what they may be experiencing today.
During the interview, Thompson also discussed the importance of faith during difficult times. She encourages people to continue moving forward while grieving, finding strength through prayer, God’s Word, and the support of others.
She also shared the story behind one of her books, which focuses on sibling loss. Thompson says siblings are often overlooked when a family experiences the death of a loved one, prompting her to create a resource that gives them space to process their grief. The book includes journaling sections and was influenced by her own family’s experiences following the loss of her son.
Thompson says one of the most important lessons she has learned is to pay attention to siblings, cousins, and others who may not be the primary focus of support after a loss but are hurting just the same.
She encourages anyone facing grief or walking alongside someone who is grieving to attend the event and be reminded that hope can still be found in the midst of life’s shadows.
For more information, call 740-358-9687 or click HERE!
Rise and Shine 