Redeeming Grief with Rachel Faulkner Brown
In this moving episode, Carol McLeod speaks with Rachel Faulkner Brown, author of Widow’s Might, to share her extraordinary journey through love, devastating loss, and unshakable faith. Rachel recounts marrying her college sweetheart and the heartbreak of becoming a widow at just 23. Years later, after finding love again, she faced yet another tragic loss. Yet her story is somehow one of hope, not despair. Rachel opens up about how grief taught her the power of worship, the necessity of community, and the strength that comes from trusting God through life’s deepest sorrows. Her journey led her to found a ministry for widows, helping others navigate similar heartache with faith and courage. This episode is a tender reminder that God can bring beauty from brokenness and that no story is ever beyond redemption. Learn more about Never Alone Widows at https://www.neveralonewidows.com/
Significant Women with Carol McLeod | Carol Mcleod Ministries · Rachel Faulkner Brown
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Show Notes
In one of the most moving episodes of the Significant Women podcast, Carol McLeod welcomes Rachel Brown—author, speaker, and founder of Never Alone Widows—for a powerful conversation about love, loss, and the miraculous restoration that only God can bring.
Rachel opens up about marrying her college sweetheart Todd and building what felt like the perfect life. But just three months into their marriage, a tragic and unexpected health crisis took Todd’s life—leaving Rachel a widow at only 23. With raw honesty, she shares the shock of sudden grief, the sacred moments of heartbreak, and how Jesus met her in the wreckage.
Now, twice widowed and walking in deep joy and renewed purpose, Rachel is helping thousands of women heal and find hope. This episode will speak to your soul—whether you’re grieving, supporting someone who is, or simply wondering where God is in your hardest moments.
Key Takeaways:
- Rachel’s sweet love story and simple church-gym wedding.
- The sudden, life-shattering death of her husband Todd at age 27.
- The surreal and sacred moments of early grief—and the body’s protective instincts.
- The small comforts that became lifelines: Sunday night rituals, Pizza Hut, and the book Give Me Jesus by Anne Graham Lotz.
- How Rachel turned her pain into purpose by ministering to widows nationwide.
- Why healing, freedom, and joy are not just possible—they are promised through Christ.
About Rachel Brown:
Rachel Brown knows the profound pain of loss and the miraculous power of restoration. Twice widowed, she uses her story to inspire women to find joy, purpose, and freedom.
She is the founder and leader of Never Alone Widows, the largest Christian widows’ ministry in the U.S., where she equips women to rediscover joy, embrace their identity in Christ, and live with renewed hope.
Rachel is an ordained minister, a national speaker for Folds of Honor, and the co-creator of resources such as Father’s House, the There Is More podcast, and the How to Widow Well video series. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband Rod and their two children, Davis and Campbell.
Connect with Rachel:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelfaulknerbrown
Website: www.neveralonewidows.com
Resources Mentioned:
- Give Me Jesus by Anne Graham Lotz
- Rachel’s new book Widow’s Might: A 365-Day Devotional (discussed later in the episode)
Subscribe & Share:
If Rachel’s story touched your heart, please subscribe, rate, and review the Significant Women podcast. Share this episode with someone walking through grief—they’ll be reminded they’re not alone.
Have a prayer request or feedback?
Email Carol at: [email protected]
She and her team would love to pray for you.
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The Significant Women Podcast with Carol McLeod is edited and produced by WileyCraft Productions. Visit https://wileycraftproductions.com/ to learn more.