In episode 126, “Losing a Child and Husband”, we talk about how to stay mentally strong through the death of a child and death of a spouse. Lisa Schoenrock joins us to talk about how she has pressed on through tragically losing her son, and then few years later losing her husband. We are in the interview portion of our book study mini series over Amy Morin’s 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do. Learn how to take back your power, embrace change, face your fears, and train your brain for happiness and success.
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The Schoenrock family is filled with the love of Jesus, and they are still on a mission to spread the gospel as far as they can. Randy, Lisa, Derek, and Blake have all shown the love of Christ to others, and this is only a fraction of their story. We at Witty & Gritty want to honor them and remember the lives of Blake and Randy. They are a true mark of fully relying on God.
Shocking Tragedies
In 2012, Blake was a happy, healthy college student training for a triathlon. A fit, young man who had crossed the line of faith early in life had successfully completed a triathlon, and was heading home in just a few days to be home with his family.
Ten days after the race, Lisa received the phone call that no parent wants to hear. Blake had an unexplainable heart attack and was in the hospital down by his college. The family rushed to where he was and the doctors were baffled that Blake was still even alive.
“He coded 12 times and we don’t know how he’s here, but he’s still here.”
Blake’s Doctors
The medical staff got Blake stable enough for the family to see him. Blake fought for 6 days, which the family refers to as “the six days of miracles”. God made a way for them to bring Blake back to Dallas where he passed. In episode 126, Lisa shares her heartfelt story, and shares the ups and downs during this time in their lives.
Fast forward to 2020, through a series of events, Randy developed COVID pneumonia and was hospitalized. He received every treatment they could give him. Lisa shares with us, in episode 126, the rollercoaster story of Randy’s time in the hospital. You don’t want to miss it; scroll up and press play to hear.
“I’m going to miss you so much, but you’re going to see Blake soon. But if you have any fight left in you, please just stay with me.”
Lisa Schoenrock
Lisa, her family, and her community rallied in prayer for God to keep Randy here on Earth. She talks of what it’s like losing a child and husband along with other memories. They prayed and received miracles along the way, but it became evident that God was going to heal Randy in Heaven. Randy succumbed to his condition in January of 2021.
What Can Help
Throughout Lisa’s interview in episode 126, she tells us what she and others did throughout these tragedies, and what they are still doing today. Here are some steps you can take that will bring you closer to God when dealing with the terrible parts of life:
- Pray in every room of your house (or whatever space you’re in)
- Consistently pray every single day throughout the day
- Pray for specifics and go into details
- Be vulnerable with your community
- Ask your community to cover you and the situation in prayer
- Have loved ones get you out and about, get off the couch
- Take one day, one hour, one minute at a time
- Listen to what God is saying
- Seek help from your church
- Find things to be thankful for
- Remember stories about your loved ones
- Let Jesus work in you
We asked Lisa, “What would you say to our listeners who are currently suffering tragedy?” Hear her full response in episode 126:
“Hang on tight, and if you don’t know Jesus, you better get to know Him because you won’t survive without Him.”
Lisa Schoenrock
Lisa’s church, Community Life Church, now hosts an event called Blake’s Run. Blake’s mission in life was to tell the world about Jesus, and now his legacy lives on through this annual event. Blake’s Run helps fund college kids to tell the world about Jesus. If you feel compelled to join, donate, or even learn more about the event, click HERE.
What You Need to Know
Along with Lisa’s spiritual advice, she leaves us with extremely practical tips on what to do if you have not already set this in place with your spouse or loved ones:
- Join online communities (link below)
- Join grief groups at your church (link below)
- Have a power of attorney
- Know all of the passwords
- Have all of the necessary paperwork
We are so grateful that Lisa came on the show to share her story and how she is leveraging it for God’s glory. We are praying over our listeners and those who are reading these show notes (you!). If Lisa’s story has inspired you in any way, please share this with someone you love.
We hope you had some great take aways from “Losing a Child and Husband”, and that you have practical, actionable steps you can take. Be sure to check out this entire 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do mini series (13 Things mini series) about a simple & proven way to become more mentally tough. You can do this! We’re here to help. Click the affiliate image below to get your copy of Amy Morin’s book.
