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The Next Podcast: Moving Forward with Grief and LossThe NEXT Podcast Episode 27 - Choosing LifeIn this special post-Easter edition of the NEXT Podcast, Jay shares raw, honest reflections recorded the day after Resurrection Sunday. After taking time away to intentionally reflect on Holy Week, Jay opens up about where he is in his grief journey—five years, four months, and six days after Christine’s passing.This “Current Mood” episode explores themes of resilience over recovery, how love—not just faith—has carried him through the darkest seasons, and why choosing life each day is an act of worship.Jay also shares a deeply personal story about Christine’s childhood drea...2025-04-2215 minThe Next Podcast: Moving Forward with Grief and LossNEXT Podcast Episode 24 – Mourning My Sister in ChristGrief isn’t just about losing a spouse—it’s about losing all the roles they filled in your life. One of the deepest losses I’ve faced is losing Christine not only as my wife, but as my sister in Christ—the one who prayed with me, encouraged me, and challenged me in my faith.In this episode, I reflect on:• How Christine’s faith and friendship shaped our marriage• Why losing a spouse changes every other relationship in your life• The struggle of missing spiritual intimacy and deep conversations• How grief u...2025-03-2017 minThe Next Podcast: Moving Forward with Grief and LossThe Next Podcast: Episode 22 – Mourning FriendshipGrief is layered. When we lose someone we love, especially a spouse, we’re not just mourning one loss, but many. There are different levels of grief that unfold over time, and each one requires space to process.In this episode, I reflect on my own grief journey, the stories of widowers I met at a recent men’s conference, and the deep impact of losing not just a spouse, but a best friend. Christine was my greatest encourager, my safe place, my confidant—and losing that level of friendship left a void I never could have prepar...2025-03-0515 minThe Next Podcast: Moving Forward with Grief and LossThe NEXT Podcast Episode 21 – Growth Through PainPain changes us. Grief marks us. But it doesn’t have to destroy us.In this episode of the NEXT Podcast, I share more of the story of my wife Christine’s battle with cancer—the heartbreak, the questions, the moments of worship, and the growth that came through pain. Grief gave me a limp, but it also led me deeper into trust, faith, and dependence on God.Join me as I talk about:• The moment Christine and I chose worship over fear• How grief challenges our faith—but can also deepen it2025-02-2617 minThe Next Podcast: Moving Forward with Grief and LossNEXT Episode 15: The Fallout of GriefLoneliness, grief, and faith often collide in ways that feel overwhelming. In this episode of the NEXT podcast, Jay Cookingham reflects on five years of navigating grief after the loss of his bride, Christine. He shares how lament meets loneliness with worship, why pacing yourself through sorrow is essential, and how God’s unstoppable love anchors him through it all. This raw and passionate conversation offers practical steps for anyone struggling with the fallout of grief and longing for hope.2025-01-1525 minThe Next Podcast: Moving Forward with Grief and LossEpisode 12: Christmas HangoverWhat happens when the festivities are over, and you’re left with the emotional and mental exhaustion of navigating Christmas during grief?
I’ll share personal reflections on what it’s like facing the holidays without my bride, Christine. Together, we’ll explore how the encouraging words of loved ones, even after they’re gone, can become a source of strength to carry us through the heaviness of special days.
We’ll also revisit the beautiful Christmas story and the hope it offers to all of us. This episode is about finding light in the darkness, re...2024-12-2718 minThe Next Podcast: Moving Forward with Grief and LossEpisode 10: Resilient or Resentful? (Part 1)In this episode of the NEXT podcast, we dive into one of life’s pivotal crossroads: will grief make us resilient or resentful? Jay shares his journey of wrestling with the pain of losing his wife, Christine, and how God transformed his heart through intimate conversations, worship, and a deep hunger for His Word. Explore how desperate resilience is cultivated—not by escaping pain, but by inviting God into the hardest moments. You’ll learn how surrendering to God’s promises can reshape your perspective and give you the strength to face the “why me” questions with a faith-filled “why not me.”2024-12-1113 minThe Next Podcast: Moving Forward with Grief and LossHonoring Memories and Finding Hope in the Holidays: Part 1In this heartfelt episode of the NEXT podcast, Jay Cookingham shares his journey of navigating grief during the holiday season, reflecting on the memories of his beloved wife, Christine.
As the five-year anniversary of her passing approaches, Jay offers personal insights and practical steps for those facing the holidays with heavy hearts. From honoring traditions to finding moments of worship and gratitude, he explores ways to balance joy and sorrow, encouraging listeners to find comfort in God’s presence and purpose even in seasons of loss. Tune in for hope-filled encouragement and practical steps to help you th...2024-11-1314 minThe Next Podcast: Moving Forward with Grief and LossThe Weight of Paper: A Widower’s Journey After LossIn this heartfelt episode of the NEXT podcast, host Jay Cookingham shares about the deeply emotional and often overwhelming process of dealing with the paperwork after the death of his wife, Christine. Titled "The Weight of Paper: A Widower’s Journey After Loss," Jay shares his personal experience navigating the endless forms, signatures, and legalities that come with losing a spouse. He reflects on the emotional toll it takes, offering insights into how grief complicates this already difficult process. Join Jay as he discusses the challenges of moving forward and the steps he took to cope, both practically and em...2024-10-2311 min
Bridge Builders Community ChurchMother's Day Reflections - AudioTwo Mother's Day reflections from Christine Cookingham2019-12-2643 min