193:Learning to Wait When You Feel Stuck, Discouraged, and Forgotten with Shannon Brink

In Episode 193, Daniel and Christina chat with Shannon Brink, a nurse practitioner and author. The episode delves into the theme of waiting, particularly through personal struggles and relationships. Shannon shares her battle with insomnia and the lessons she has learned about waiting on God, emphasizing empathy and support for loved ones in similar situations. The discussion highlights the emotional and spiritual dimensions of waiting, its impact on personal growth, and the importance of community and genuine connection during challenging times.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

• The theme of waiting in life and its emotional impact.
• Personal struggles, particularly insomnia, and their influence on faith.
• The importance of empathy in relationships during waiting periods.
• Supporting loved ones who are also experiencing waiting.
• The dual nature of hope: for the present and the future.
• The challenges faced by couples during prolonged suffering.
• The significance of community and shared experiences in times of waiting.
• The role of vulnerability and honesty in relationships and parenting.
• The transformative potential of waiting for personal growth.
• Trusting in God’s timing and presence amidst uncertainty.

Resources Mentioned IN This EPisode:

• Waiting is the Night: Finding Hope When You’re Stuck on the Other Side of Dawn by Shannon Brink
• Shannonbrink.org

Journal Prompts For Self-Reflection:

1. How do you typically handle seasons of waiting in your life? Do you see waiting as frustrating, refining, or something else?
2. The episode discusses how waiting is a lifelong process. How do you feel about that reality? Does it bring comfort, frustration, or something else?
3. How has waiting on something in your life shaped your relationship with God, yourself, or with others?

Discussion Questions With Your Spouse:

1. How can we support each other better when one of us is going through a difficult waiting period?
2. Have there been times when waiting has strengthened or strained our relationship? How did we navigate it?
3. What are some unhelpful responses we’ve received from others during difficult waiting seasons? How can we avoid doing the same to each other?

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Meet Shannon Brink: