Susie Travis: Seasons of Loss, Seasons of Growth

Trusting God Through Grief, Change, Healing, and Hope

By Susie Travis

Faith is not built in a single moment.

It is shaped through seasons.

Some seasons bring joy and celebration. Others bring grief, uncertainty, change, disappointment, or waiting. Looking back over my life, I can see that God was present in every season—even the ones I did not fully understand at the time.

This is my story of loss, healing, perseverance, spiritual growth, and learning to trust God more deeply through every chapter of life.

Growing Through Life’s Changing Seasons

Like many people, my faith journey did not grow only through easy or joyful experiences.

Some of the deepest growth came through difficult seasons that changed me personally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Over time, I learned that faith is not about avoiding hardship.

Faith is learning to keep walking with God through it.

Seasons of Grief and Loss

One of the deepest losses in my life was the death of my father in 1992.

Losing someone you love changes you. Grief reshapes your heart, your memories, and sometimes even your understanding of life itself.

Years later, I faced another difficult season when my son Sean moved to Finland in 2010.

As a mother, distance brings its own kind of ache. Even when you are thankful for opportunities and growth, there is still sadness in being far apart from people you love deeply.

Then came another painful loss when my mother passed away in 2022.

Losing both parents leaves an emptiness that is difficult to explain. Holidays change. Family traditions change. Life feels different.

And yet, through every season of grief, I experienced God’s comfort through prayer, church family, Scripture, and quiet reminders that His presence never leaves us.

When Life Changed Physically

Some difficult seasons came through health struggles and physical changes.

Around 2018, after thyroid surgery, I lost my singing voice.

For someone who loved music and worship, this was deeply painful. Singing had always been connected to worship, praise, church life, and personal expression.

Suddenly, something that had once come naturally became difficult.

There were also seasons involving joint replacements, physical limitations, and learning to adapt to changes I never expected.

These experiences taught me that identity cannot rest only in what we are able to do.

Abilities change.
Health changes.
Life changes.

But God’s love remains steady.

Over time, I learned that worship is bigger than music or performance.

Worship is trust.
Worship is surrender.
Worship is continuing to praise God even in difficult seasons.

Faith During Hard Seasons

Life also brought seasons of financial difficulty, emotional exhaustion, uncertainty, and struggles within marriage and everyday responsibilities.

Some burdens are visible.

Others are carried quietly.

There were seasons when I worried about the future, felt overwhelmed, or wondered how situations would work out.

But again and again, God provided strength through:

prayer
Scripture
worship
faithful friendships
church community
quiet reminders of His presence

Over time, I learned that faith is not pretending life is easy.

Faith is continuing to trust God one day at a time.

Spiritual Growth and Renewal

One meaningful season of spiritual renewal came through Walk to Emmaus in 2014.

That experience reminded me that spiritual growth is a lifelong journey.

Faith grows through:

worship
prayer
Scripture
study
fellowship
service
encouragement from others
difficult seasons
everyday obedience

I was reminded that Christianity is deeply personal and that no one is meant to walk through life alone.

God often strengthens us through Christian community, encouragement, and faithful relationships.

What These Seasons Taught Me

Looking back, I can see that every season taught me something different.

Grief taught me compassion.

Physical struggles taught me dependence on God.

Distance taught me trust.

Hard seasons taught me perseverance.

Christian community taught me the importance of encouragement and faithful friendships.

And through all of it, God continued teaching me that hope is real.

Not because life is perfect, but because Christ remains faithful.

A Word for Others

If you are walking through grief, uncertainty, fear, loneliness, health struggles, family separation, or difficult seasons, I want you to know this:

You are not alone.

God does not abandon us during hard seasons.

Sometimes His presence comes through:

Scripture
prayer
church family
worship
friendships
quiet strength for the next day

Faith does not mean we never struggle.

Faith means we continue walking with God through the struggle.

My story is still being written, and I am still learning, growing, and trusting God one season at a time.

But through every chapter, I can honestly say this:

God has been faithful.

Grounded in Scripture (Truth)

“To everything there is a season,
And a time for every matter under heaven.”
— Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NASB)

Reflective Questions

What season of life has shaped your faith the most?
Where have you seen God remain faithful during hardship?
What burdens do you need to place in God’s hands today?
How might your story encourage someone else?

Faith During Hard Seasons — Stories and testimonies from individuals who experienced God’s strength, comfort, and faithfulness during seasons of fear, uncertainty, grief, illness, and personal struggle.
Walking Through Grief with God — Personal stories from those who have faced loss and discovered God’s presence, peace, and hope while walking through grief.
Seasons of Loss, Seasons of Growth — A personal testimony by Susie Travis about loss, family struggles, health challenges, spiritual growth, and learning to trust God through changing seasons of life.
Walk to Emmaus and My Faith Journey — Stories and reflections from individuals whose faith and discipleship were strengthened through the Emmaus movement and their walk with Christ.
Saved by the Hand of God — Testimonies of God’s protection, guidance, and faithfulness during accidents, storms, medical emergencies, and unexpected moments of danger.
Faith Through the Storm — Stories from individuals and families who experienced God’s presence during literal and spiritual storms, including difficult life circumstances and natural disasters.
Everyday Moments of Grace — Personal stories of how God works through ordinary moments, daily life, quiet answers to prayer, and unexpected blessings.

Closing Invitation

These stories are shared by members and friends of the church to encourage others and remind us that God is faithful in every season of life.

At Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, we believe testimonies help strengthen faith, bring hope, and point others toward Christ.

Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith.

Come and see how God continues to work through ordinary people, difficult seasons, and faithful hearts at PGUM.org.