Giving Grace to Everyone—Including Yourself
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About The Podcast
Jason McKenzie’s seemingly perfect life—his own business, an active lifestyle, a loving marriage—was devastated in an instant when his wife Natalie committed suicide in 2011. Though he kept his pain inside for years, he eventually realized just how desperately his experience, wisdom, and compassion were needed at a time when the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic was driving suicide rates sky-high. In this conversation with Paul Amos, Jason touches on grief, patience, and staying faithful through dark times. He also offers powerful advice, learned through experience, for those who have contemplated suicide themselves: Never lose sight of the bigger picture, and always be willing to offer forgiveness—not only to others, but to yourself.
Show Notes
Mentions:
- Jason’s 10 Year Video
- Love Like Lexi Project
The Love Like Lexi Project exists to provide students with hope, self-worth, and purpose while raising awareness around adolescent suicide. The project aims to strengthen self-esteem among students and provide positive social connections and support within the student’s family, peer groups, classrooms, and school. Finding hope and community can be a key protective factor for students’ emotional wellness.
Timestamps:
0:00—Intro/what does redemption mean to you?
1:33—Jason’s philosophy on life and turning pain into something positive
3:02—The story of Natalie and her death
12:28—Dealing with the feelings that arise from grief—especially anger at God
17:39—How Jason started using his grief to help others
26:53—The role of God and giving grace to others
31:12—The virtues and rewards of patience
34:46—Being willing to love again
38:51—How adventure and physical fitness has driven Jason’s life
42:49—Advice for those contemplating suicide
45:44—The “Love Like Lexie” organization
50:12—Closing/outro
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