Stacy Knapp, grief companion, is on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Theology Meets World) with host Jake Doberenz to address the idol of quick fixes in the face of grief. Stacy shares how the move from her lifelong home in Los Angeles to Phoenix revealed hidden layers of loss, leading her into the work of grief companionship. Drawing on her training, Stacy explains why every transition—whether the death of a loved one or the end of a job—carries grief, and why Christians often fail to recognize or validate those losses. She distinguishes between grief (our internal experience) and mourning (its outward expression) and offers a biblically grounded vision of what it means to simply be with others, modeled after the presence of God in the Trinity. What does grief look like and how can we support others without trying to fix them?
Key takeaways from this episode:
Grief isn’t just about death. Job loss, relocation, friendship changes, and unmet expectations all create loss—and those “other losses” need to be honored too.
Small gestures matter more than timing. A note, a text, or a flower sent weeks or months after a loss may be remembered far more than anything said at the funeral.
Create from identity, not for identity. For creatives and ministry workers alike, Stacey challenges the urge to perform for affirmation, encouraging work that flows from being rooted in God’s design.
Important Links
Dr. Alan Wolfelt - www.centerforloss.com
Stacy’s website - www.welcominggrief.com/
Instagram - @stacysknapp
Facebook - www.facebook.com/WelcomingGrief
Stacy Knapp is an ordained minister serving her online and in-person community and is committed to the work of chaplaincy: the ministry of presence. She serves in different capacities and her life mission is to be present with people in their pain, so that they experience the peace of God. In addition to serving friends and families when a loved one (including pets) has died, she is equally passionate about serving those in life transitions like the loss of a job/job change, "empty nest," loss of a friendship, and more as they grieve and experience the myriad of feelings. Learn more at her website.
Follow this show and Jake’s writings at jakedoberenz.substack.com.
