When the unthinkable happens in our lives, a tragedy or a loss so great, we may not know how we could ever move forward. Perhaps we can find comfort in these words from the Psalms: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” [Psalm 34:18]  Though our lives may be changed irrevocably from events so dark we can’t fathom a way out of our pain, when we turn to God, He listens and brings solace in our most desperate hours. 

In this week’s episode, unthinkable tragedies weren’t the end of the story for our two guests, but the beginning of hard and beautiful work they would do toward bringing comfort and healing to survivors and those experiencing deep loss. At sixteen, Kechi Okwuchi was one of two survivors of a plane crash that claimed the lives of 59 of her classmates and friends. Her will to survive, and her subsequent journey toward becoming a finalist on America’s Got Talent as well as becoming an advocate for burn survivors and for victims of bullying was driven by the desire to do something meaningful with her life in honor of her friends and the families they left behind. Singer/Songwriter Anne Wilson lost her brother in a devastating car accident, and ever since then, her songs have been crafted toward bringing healing to others who have also suffered great loss. Both of these women stand in the place of their hurt and heartache to comfort other survivors in finding hope for another day.

Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned:

Jesus Calling Podcast

Jesus Calling

Jesus Always

Jesus Listens

Past interview: Coping with Grief bonus episode

Upcoming interview: Kristoffer Polaha

Psalm 34:18 NIV

Kechi Okwuchi

America’s Got Talent

More Than My Scars

Anne Wilson

“My Jesus” song

Grand Ole Opry

“No Place Like Home” song

My Jesus album

Interview Quotes:

“I just remember saying in this faraway voice that didn't even sound like me; ‘I don't know, maybe we should pray.’” - Kechi Okwuchi

“The parents of those kids–my friends and my classmates–they were praying for me and they saw my life as the one good thing that came out of [the accident].” - Kechi Okwuchi

“I really didn't care about winning—I never did throughout the show. It was just a matter of gratitude that I even made it this far, and I ended up with a more, I think, substantial gift than just being on [America’s Got Talent].” - Kechi Okwuchi

“We all have it within us to access the strength needed to overcome obstacles that are before us.” - Kechi Okwuchi

“To be able to know and have the truth that Jacob is with Jesus, that's what got us through. And that's what is our anchor, especially now, knowing that God is using his story for good, has been such a blessing to our lives.” - Anne Wilson

“I wanted to write songs that specifically spoke to people walking through deep pain and loss.” - Anne Wison

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Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel:

Audio Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PrbuwH

Video Playlist: https://bit.ly/2PsmEkJ

What’s Good? Playlist: https://bit.ly/3i7VUlZ

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