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

Looking for meaningful ways to deepen your family’s connection with God outside of Sunday Mass? Download our free guide to discover 10 practical and fun faith-based activities that will bring your family closer to Christ—no matter how busy life gets. From sharing gratitude at the dinner table to watching faith-filled media together, these ideas make living your faith easy and enjoyable.