Julie Fillinger

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Sonya’s Story of Quiet Courage and the Impact of Forgiveness

In this week’s Women of Faith episode of Courage for the Journey , I sit down with my friend Sonya Fortner to talk about grief, faith, forgiveness, and the quiet courage it takes to keep trusting God in the middle of deep loss.

A Story Rooted in Faith and Friendship

Sonya and I go back many years through church, our children, and shared experiences that connected our hearts long before tragedy entered either of our stories. In this episode, I share memories of her daughter Hannah’s faith journey, baptism, and the special ways God was already at work in her life.

Grief That Changes You

After the heartbreaking loss of both of our children, Sonya and I found ourselves connected in a deeper way—through grief few people can fully understand. We talk honestly about the silent understanding that exists between hurting people and the courage it takes to let others see your pain while God is still healing you.

The Healing Power of Vulnerability and Forgiveness

One of the most powerful parts of Sonya’s story is her willingness to share how God continues to work through ongoing struggles. We discuss how vulnerability helps others heal, why forgiveness matters, and how God can bring purpose even through suffering we never would have chosen.

Why These Stories Matter

I continue to believe one of the bravest things we can do is tell the truth about what God has carried us through. When we share our stories, others begin to realize they are not alone—and that God can still be trusted in the middle of heartbreak.

If you have ever wrestled with grief, unanswered questions, or learning how to keep walking by faith after loss, I pray this conversation encourages you.

Interview Questions

1. I want to back up and ask you to tell our listeners a little about your childhood background. What significant details stand out?

2. So, you started experiencing challenges at a young age. But it seems your mom was a constant presence that helped you feel secure. What do you want our listeners to know about her?

3. Your mom died a year or so after Hannah, what impact has your faith made on your ongoing grief journey?

4. There are still some unresolved questions that linger surrounding the ATV incident. But you have chosen to forgive those involved. How have you been able to do that? And how has forgiveness helped you release your anger?

5. How have your prayers been impacted?

6. A big turning point in my grief journey was the realization that joy and sorrow could coexist. I distinctly remember when I could laugh without feeling guilty. How has your perspective changed over the years?

7. It’s hard for those on the outside looking in to understand how it’s possible for the peace of God to be evident in our lives when we should be falling apart. I try to tell them that the same peace is available to them, too, regardless of the hard thing they are enduring. What have you learned about not giving up too soon that would encourage those who are listening?

8. Not everyone who suffers child loss has confidence that they will ever see their child again. We know some of those parents and they seem to get stuck with no hope. But we do have the confidence that our children are safe with Jesus. And we don’t grieve as those who have no hope. Can you describe how the blessed hope of knowing you will spend eternity with your child makes all of the difference in your perspective?

9. God is able to make beauty from ashes. What do you sense is God’s priority for you in this season of life? And can you tell us how your sister is a big part of that?

Closing

I want to thank Sonya for coming in today. People often tell me I’m brave, but what they usually mean is, “I don’t know how you survive losing a child. I don’t know how you keep getting out of bed.”

And honestly? Grief is hard. We’re not here to paint a rosy picture.

But what I want people to know deep in their soul is this: life is harder than we ever imagined, but God’s grace is stronger still.

Whatever God asks us to endure, He gives grace and strength for the journey. You can test Him on that. He has never failed to be faithful. Never once.

I don’t feel brave at all. The courage comes from knowing God can be trusted to keep His Word.

And I see that same quiet courage in Sonya. I know her story is going to encourage so many people and bring glory to God.

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