How to Not Just Survive But Thrive in Suffering
Suffering is not a detour from God's plan for your family. It is the path. Jim and Meghan sit down with Megan Hjelmstad, Army veteran, author, speaker, and women's mentor, to explore the theology and practice of redemptive suffering. Drawing from years of chronic illness, surgeries, and pregnancy loss, Megan shares how suffering united to Christ becomes a doorway to freedom, joy, and deep purpose. Her book, Offer It Up: Discovering the Power and Purpose of Redemptive Suffering, grew from her own story and the gaps she saw in resources for women navigating real, everyday pain.
What’s in this episode:
The theology of suffering and why it is not God's fault or punishment
Megan's personal story of chronic illness, surgeries, and pregnancy loss
The turning point when she realized God was intimately present in her pain
A powerful quote from Jesus to Saint Faustina on the value of suffering
Why feelings of repugnance toward suffering actually increase its spiritual value
The morning offering as a daily practice for uniting suffering to Christ
Megan's redemptive routine of assigning intentions to each day of the week
The story of Saint Therese offering laundry for her bishop and its surprising fruit
Building muscle memory for offering so it becomes second nature
One resource every Catholic family should know: The Catechism of the Catholic Church
Book she is currently reading: Soul of the Apostolate
Advice to her younger self: Communion over content
Final wisdom for listeners: Brutal honesty in prayer is the way to go
Resources Mentioned:
Offer It Up: Discovering the Power and Purpose of Redemptive Suffering – Megan's book on hope and redemptive suffering; includes a free digital companion. Audiobook also coming this summer
meganhjelmstad.com – Books, speaking, and mentorship
The Soul of the Apostolate – A compelling case for why interior prayer life is more powerful than all activity
Blessed Is She – Catholic women's ministry Megan contributes devotions to
The Catechism of the Catholic Church – The most underutilized resource for Catholic families, recommended for family holy hours