Finding Hope Amidst Grief at Christmas with Doug and Laurie Bunnell (Re-Aired)

How do you hold on to hope when grief feels overwhelming—especially during the holidays?


In this honest and powerful episode of the Collide Podcast, we sit down with Doug and Laurie Bunnell to talk about walking through profound loss and choosing hope in the midst of deep grief. They vulnerably share about their experience with unimaginable loss and how God has met them in their pain, offering insights on grief, faith, resilience, and hope—particularly during the Christmas season. Whether you’re navigating loss, carrying quiet sorrow, or entering the holidays with a heavy heart, this episode will remind you that hope can still be found, even in the darkest moments.
Meet Doug and Laurie Bunnell


Doug Bunnell is a pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham, WA and Laurie Bunnell is a Preschool Director. Together, they are deeply committed to loving and serving people with compassion and authenticity. Their story is a powerful testimony to God’s faithfulness in suffering and the courage it takes to keep trusting Him through grief.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• What it looks like to walk honestly through grief without rushing healing
• How faith can be stretched—and strengthened—through devastating loss
• Why hope is still possible, even when circumstances don’t change
• How to navigate the holidays while carrying grief


How This Episode Will Encourage You


If you’ve ever faced loss that feels impossible to carry—especially during a season meant for joy—this episode will offer comfort, permission to grieve honestly, and hope that you are not alone. You’ll be reminded that God meets us in our sorrow and gently invites us to keep going, one faithful step at a time.


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