The Purpose Project Podcast

Trusting God When Life Doesn’t Make Sense | Grief and Faith in the Messy Middle
Episode 2 | Mar 10, 2026
Episode Summary
What happens when the life you expected suddenly disappears?
In this episode of The Purpose Project Podcast, Valerie Jones continues exploring the space she introduced in Episode 1 — the messy middle — by stepping into one of the most painful and personal parts of her own story.
Valerie reflects on the story of Lazarus in John 11 and the tension between expectation and reality. Mary and Martha believed Jesus would come immediately when they called for Him, yet when He finally arrived, Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 
It’s a story many of us can relate to in our own lives — moments when we pray, trust, and hope for intervention, only to find ourselves waiting and wondering in silence.
In this episode, Valerie shares the devastating loss of two of her children and the grief that followed, a season that forced her to wrestle deeply with questions about faith, suffering, and God’s character. 
Rather than rushing toward answers, this conversation gently explores an often-overlooked truth: faith and grief can exist in the same story.
Even knowing resurrection was coming, Jesus wept. 
And sometimes the most courageous expression of faith is simply choosing to stay.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
Why the story of Lazarus speaks so deeply to seasons of waiting and disappointment.
Valerie’s personal story of grief and the loss of two of her children.
Why strong faith does not mean the absence of sorrow.
How grief and belief can exist together without canceling each other out.
The honest prayer that  can carry us in difficult seasons: “Lord, I believe… help my unbelief.”
Scripture Referenced:
John 11 (1-3, 17-25, 35)
Mark 9:24
Featured Quote:
“Faith doesn’t eliminate sorrow — but it changes how we carry it.”
Connect with Valerie:
Website: https://thepurposeproject.us
Instagram: @purposeprojectcoach
About the Podcast:
The Purpose Project Podcast is for Christian women leaders navigating the messy middle — the space where expectations and reality don’t line up, but God is still present. Host Valerie Jones creates thoughtful, faith-rooted conversations where Biblical truth, emotional health, and spiritual growth belong together for life and leadership. This is not about spiritual bypassing or rushing toward resolution; it’s an invitation to live faithfully in the tender, in-between seasons.
Special Thanks:
This episode of The Purpose Project Podcast is recorded at Merrill & Associates in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Messy Middle: An Invitation When Faith Feels Hard
Episode 1 | February 10, 2025
Episode Summary
If you love Jesus but feel tired, unsure, or are quietly holding the tension between what you prayed for and what your life actually looks like right now — this episode is for you.
In the very first episode of The Purpose Project Podcast, host Valerie Jones names the space many Christian women leaders find themselves living in: the messy middle. It’s the season where faith is still present, but stretched. Where clarity hasn’t come yet. And where old versions of certainty no longer fit.
This episode isn’t about fixing that space or rushing toward answers. It’s about learning to stay present with God there — and discovering that nothing has gone wrong.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
Why The Purpose Project Podcast exists and the kind of space it’s here to hold
What the messy middle is (and what it’s not)
Why a quieter, heavier, or simply different season doesn’t mean you’re behind or that your faith is failing
A gentle invitation to come as you are, not as who you think you should be by now
Scripture Referenced:
Matthew 11:28–30
Featured Quote:
“You don’t have to have it all together. You can’t rush healing–healing is hard work. And you don’t have to walk this season alone.”
Connect with Valerie:
Website: https://thepurposeproject.us
Instagram: @purposeprojectcoach
About the Podcast:
The Purpose Project Podcast is for Christian women leaders navigating the messy middle — the space where expectations and reality don’t line up, but God is still present. Host Valerie Jones creates thoughtful, faith-rooted conversations where Biblical truth, emotional health, and spiritual growth belong together for life and leadership. This is not about spiritual bypassing or rushing toward resolution; it’s an invitation to live faithfully in the tender, in-between seasons.

Welcome to The Purpose Project Podcast, where faith meets real life. In this trailer, host Valerie Gibson Jones shares the heart behind the show, explaining who it’s for and what you can expect in each episode — honest conversations, faith-centered encouragement, and practical insights for women who want to live with clarity, courage, and purpose in seasons of transition.