133: Remarrying After Loss
Remarriage after widowhood carries unique challenges and unwanted transitions. Expectations that aren’t realistic often show up, creating even more grief and heartache. But hard dynamics in the beginning can move toward bonded relationships and family unity with time and effort. In this podcast episode, Ron Deal talks with Rod and Rachel Faulkner Brown about their blended family challenges after Rachel was widowed twice, had two children with her second husband, and then married Rod with two young children in tow.
About the Guest
Rod and Rachel Faulkner Brown
Rachel Faulkner Brown is a girl with a past like your worst nightmare and a future that sings with hope and healing. After marrying Rod in 2013, Rachel began her own ministry which has grown into nationwide outreach ministry to widows in 80 cities. Rachel and her ministry partner, Karen McAdams, published their first Bible study in January 2021 called Father’s House and the Never Alone widows team created a devotional for widows called His Name-Our Hope in Grief. Father’s House bible study and How to Widow Well, a 20 video curriculum for widows, is available on digital platforms, including Right Now Media. Never Alone Widows has hosted over 1200 widows for their curated retreats and conferences over the last four years and reaches thousands of widows each month through our local chapters. Although Rachel stays busy telling her story of hope, she would say her greatest role is that of wife to Rod and mom to her two teenagers, Davis and Campbell.
Rod is the lead strategic consultant for the Irresistible Church Network, which consists of 110 churches across the world. Rod has been in ministry for 26 years leading global teams on mission and leading groups for Northpoint Ministries as they have grown into one of the largest churches in America. Prior to ministry, Rod was a consultant for Chick-fil-A for 9 years during their early days of exponential growth.
About the Host
Ron Deal
Ron Deal is Director of FamilyLife Blended®️ for FamilyLife®️ and President of Smart Stepfamilies™️. He is a family ministry consultant and conducts marriage and family seminars around the country; he specializes in marriage education and stepfamily enrichment. He is one of the most widely read authors on stepfamily living in the country.