Run to the Hard Podcast

In this heartfelt kickoff to Season Two of the Run to the Hard podcast, Chris dives deep into the raw emotions and difficult questions surrounding the loss his best friend and Coach Curti's former player, Josh Delph. Josh shares his challenging relationship with his father, He opens up about the complex feelings of grief, not just for his father’s passing but for the relationship that never was and the forgiveness and regrets he has now that the window is closed on Dad.   02:22 A Dad That Valued Friends Over Family 03:58 Incapable of What a True Dad Could Be 05:10 How Did You React When You Found Out Your Dad Died? 07:50 Dad is Answering To God Now.. 10:01 Battling With Yourself to be Bold 12:13 The Power of Presence 15:26 What if I feel like I've blown it in represneting my faith  17:24 In Hindsight, Would You Have Changed Your Approach? 20:45 Our Prayer Life For The Unsaved 21:52 How do you reconcile with God for time running out on dad even though you prayed? 24:10 What Does God Say About Our Efforrts in Boldness? 26:05 Chris's Recent Story of Sharing Jesus at Chipotle 33:28 The Power of Distraction From What Matters Most 36:18 God Still Has A Plan For Everyone 38:30 The Dangers of Believing in No Authority Above Ourselves 40:42 How do you reconcile the idea that the window is closed and you won't see your dad again? 45:58 How Have You Become A Better Dad? 47:19 Dad's Reaction When You Became A Christian? 52:54 When is The Right Time to Bring Up God to Family? 55:07 Celebrating Dad & Struggling Through Respecting His Wishes 01:00:11 The Sad Fact of Not Finding Many Pictures With Dad 01:04:17 Dealing With Bitterness Towards Dad 01:06:23 What Would You Say To A Father Like Yours To Wake Them Up? 01:09:52 How Do You Grieve A Broken Relationship And an Unbelieving Father ? 01:12:24 Where Is The Hope As You Move Forward?   Challenges and Needs of This Ministry https://www.runtothehard.com/home  Love the Run To The Hard Podcast? Here are 3 Ways to support us! Rate The Podcast https://ratethispodcast.com/rtth Become a Sponsor-https://www.runtothehard.com/sponsors Share The Show Remember, "Running to the hard is better, when we run together"

In this conversation, Curtis and Chris discuss the importance of running to the hard things in life and finding joy in the midst of pain. They reflect on Curtis's late wife Michal's last words. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the hope of heaven and the need for a relationship with Jesus.   TIME STAMPS: Michal's Last Words The Origin of Her Last Words Michal's Prayer For Eternal Perspective Joy Vs. Sadness, Which One Is Winning? Michal's Dying Wishes And Lessons For Grief The Harder The Pain The Bigger The Task What Are you Doing With The Rest Of Your Life? All Christians Shoud Run To The Hard Lesson From The Letter About Running To The Hard The Importance of Time and Attention in Relationships The Roundtown Article Story The Hope For Eternity God is a God of Relationships Challenges and Needs of This Ministry https://www.runtothehard.com/home  Love the Run To The Hard Podcast? Here are 3 Ways to support us! Rate The Podcast https://ratethispodcast.com/rtth Become a Sponsor-https://www.runtothehard.com/sponsors Share The Show Remember, "Running to the hard is better, when we run together"        

In this conversation, Chris and Curtis battle with the harsh questions of who God is after loss and the questions they both have as they try to understand why God allows the hurt and the hard. The duo discuss the personal experiences of loss and grief in their lives, as well as what Michal taught us with her story of questioning God after the loss of her child. TIME STAMPS: 01:00 - Baby Jasper’s story  02:30 - Questioning God   03:00 - Pointing people to Christ in the Dark Seasons 04:00 - Chris Reflecting on Losing His Son, Lawson. 09:00 - Numbness after loss  09:30 - Spiritual high during the hope for a miracle  11:00 - Hard Questions about God’s presence in loss. 13:00 - Preparing for a loss vs. the shock of a sudden loss  14:00 - The physical and mental effects of shock after loss  15:30 - Creating a defense mechanism to not feel the grief  18:00 - When  it feels like God is off-script  19:00 - Baby Ronnie’s story 22:30 - Going to the hard dark places 23:00 - Finding God for yourself  28:00 - Is God more concerned with bringing us to Him than gaining glory from healing? 30:00 - Eternal perspective  33:00 - How do you see God’s presence in the hard seasons? 34:00 - God is at work even when we don’t feel it 38:30 - Empathizing and understanding others in their grief  40:00 - The discipline of staying in the word in grief  42:00 - Recalling to mind the goodness of God in your past - He’s the same God 47:30 - How do you reconstruct rather than deconstruct your faith after the hard? 49:00 - The untruthful, unscriptural path people can lead you down after death - mediums, guardian angels, tarot cards  52:00 - The crossroads of why we really desire heaven  56:30 - What to do when God's plan doesn't make sense to us. 01:01:00 - Facing that we are fallen humans  01:03:00 - Realizing who you are In Christ  01:04:00 - When we assume God’s plan is our plan  01:07:00 - The harder the things, the harder the task God is calling you to  01:09:30 - The Facebook post that provides spiritual perspective. 01:14:00 - Saying “Your Will be done” even when we don’t feel it  01:14:45 - Why would we ever want to rob our loved ones of heaven? 01:15:30 - Closing prayer   https://www.runtothehard.com/home  Love the Run To The Hard Podcast? Here are 3 Ways to support us! Rate The Podcast https://ratethispodcast.com/rtth Become a Sponsor-https://www.runtothehard.com/sponsors Share The Show Facebook Post Remember, "Running to the hard is better, when we run together"    

In this conversation, Curtis and Chris take an off the cuff approach where Curtis shares who Michal was, the hilarious things she did, the fierce mother she was and the impactful lessons she has left us all. TIME STAMPS: 00:60 - Tell me who Michal was? 01:30 - Brutally Honest 03:00 - MLM Life - Working up the Courage  06:00 - Dorky Homeschool Mom  07:00 - Cute & Clumsy  10:00 - Strict Homeschool Life  11:00 - Shockingly Self-Conscious  12:00 - How to Keep the Walls Down  14:00 - Crunchy Mom Life  22:00 - Not a Morning Person  23:00 - Music for the Soul  24:00 - Enneagram Obsession  27:00 - Humorously Naive  27:30 - What Would Michal Want People to Know 28:30 - Living Below the Surface in Relationships  30:00 - A Mom Who Taught  32:30 - Cracking the Code in every Relationship  https://www.runtothehard.com/home  Love the Run To The Hard Podcast? Here are 3 Ways to support us! Rate The Podcast https://ratethispodcast.com/rtth Become a Sponsor-https://www.runtothehard.com/sponsors Share The Show Remember, "Running to the hard is better, when we run together"  

In this conversation, Curtis and Chris discuss the impact of grief on others. They discuss the lessons Curtis is learning from grief while exploring the deep levels of grief experienced by those who knew her.  The conversation concludes with the friends close to us who are our ride or die who experience the worst with us and finally an eternal perspective of grief and the importance of finding community.  TIME STAMPS: 1:00 - Perspective of Grief for a Child from Afar  2:00 - Personal Lessons from Grief - Fumbling Through  3:30 - Running to the Hard Convos with Kids  7:00 - How Grief Reshapes Our View of Life  9:00 - Supporting the Friends of Your Lost Loved One 12:00 - Being Proud of the Way Your Loved One Impacted Others  17:00 - The Grief from Divorce   18:00 - The First Deep Loss/The Eternal Perspective of Loss  21:00 - Grieving Over the Souls of Others as Christians  25:00 - Shocking Statistics on Death & Loss 28:00 - Culture’s Skewed View on Death & Eternity  30:00 - Carrying Each Other’s Burdens - Grieving for Friends Losses 33:00 - Grief SHOULD Call Christians to Action  34:00 - Running to the Hard for Others Who Are Grieving  37:00 - Every Person Grieves Differently 39:00 - Learning to Listen  41:00 - Allowing for the Space for Those Grieving to Talk About Their Person 42:00 - How Grief Has Affected Friendships  49:00 - Grief Causes Awkwardness  51:00 - How Do We Act Around Our Grieving Friends? 55:00 - Growth Through Grief  01:00 - Identity After Loss 01:01 - How Far Should We Go Into Someone Else’s Grief? 01:02 - Who Are Your Ride or Die People? 01:07 - Find Your Community https://www.runtothehard.com/home  Love the Run To The Hard Podcast? Here are 3 Ways to support us! Rate The Podcast https://ratethispodcast.com/rtth 2. Become a Sponsor-https://www.runtothehard.com/sponsors 3. Share The Show! Remember, "Running to the hard is better, when we run together"      

In this episode, Curtis and Chris delve into the complex language of grief, exploring how it impacts one's sense of purpose and the unspoken communication it entails. They discuss how outsiders react to grief, the process of turning pain into purpose, and the significance of reminders and analogies, such as 'waves of grief,' in understanding and communicating the grieving process. The conversation also touches on the profound impact of grief on children, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and supporting those who are mourning. Additionally, they explore the role of faith in finding comfort and peace during times of loss. Join us for a heartfelt discussion that sheds light on navigating grief and supporting others through their journey. TIME STAMPS: 5:00 - Finding Purpose in Your Pain During Grief 14:00 - Revealing Grief Questions No One Wants to Answer 16:00 - Sharing Grief Experiences and Swapping Stories 18:00 - What to Say to Someone Who Has Lost a Loved One 20:30 - Grief is Love with No Place to Go: Understanding the Concept 23:00 - Hard but Purposeful Moments in the Grieving Process 25:30 - Waves of Grief: An Analogy for Understanding Loss  29:00 - Are We Naturally Equipped to Know How to Grieve? 32:00 - Leading Children Through Grief While You Also Grieve 36:00 - Navigating Holidays Without a Loved One 38:30 - Dealing with the Unfairness of Loss: Lessons from Michal 41:00 - The Surreal Feeling of Losing a Loved One 42:00 - Recapping How Grief Comes in Waves 44:30 - "What Do You Want Me to Know About Your Loved One?": How to Ask 52:00 - Grief Will Affect Us All: Preparing for the Inevitable  53:00 - Closing Scripture on Grief - Psalm 34:18 https://www.runtothehard.com/home  Love the Run To The Hard Podcast? Here are 3 Ways to support us! Rate The Podcast https://ratethispodcast.com/rtth 2. Become a Sponsor-https://www.runtothehard.com/sponsors 3. Share The Show! Remember, "Running to the hard is better, when we run together"

In this conversation, Chris and Curtis discuss the topics of loneliness and feeling incomplete. They talk about the heavy weight of loneliness and the awkwardness that comes with being single, whether due to divorce or the loss of a loved one. Curtis shares his personal experiences of feeling lonely and incomplete after the death of his late wife, Michal. They also touch on the temptation to seek fulfillment in unhealthy ways and the challenges of navigating relationships after loss. TIME STAMPS 0:00- Intro-"Tell Me Something Good" 3:00-Loneliness in Grief 7:00- The Loss of Loving Touch 9:00- The Confusing Feelings After The Loss of A Spouse 11:00- How Long Until The Wedding Comes Off? 19:30- Can You Feel Complete In Your Grief? 25:00- Hope & Purpose For Your Lonely Season 28:00- Faith Vs Feelings & Embracing The Truth of Scripture 31:00- Does My Grief Give Me License to Sin? 33:00- The Numbness of Grief & Lack of Empathy 39:00- What Does God Want to Do With Your Grief? 44:00- What Life Would Have Been Like Having Never Met Michal 50:00- Motivating Friends After Life-Altering Events 53:00- Curtis's Practical Advice on Doing The Little Things Each Day 56:00- Curtis's Closing Prayer Over Those Stuck In Grief  https://www.runtothehard.com/home Love the Run To The Hard Podcast? Here are 3 Ways to support us! Rate The Podcast https://ratethispodcast.com/rtth  Become a Sponsor-https://www.runtothehard.com/sponsors Share The Show! Remember, "Running to the hard is better, when we run together"

SUMMARY In this conversation, Chris and Curtis discuss the importance of the lessons that Michal taught Curtis about “Saying the Things”  The episode covers personal stories and lessons learned from Curtis & Michal’s r relationships, emphasizing the power of words of affirmation and appreciation. They highlight the need to express love and appreciation to others while they are still alive, rather than waiting until a funeral. The conversation also touches on the significance of giving full attention to others and the impact it can have. Overall, the conversation encourages listeners to be intentional in expressing their love and appreciation to the people in their lives. TIME STAMPS 0:00- Intro & Fun Michal Story 3:30-The Power of “Saying The Things” 8:30- The Impact of Words of Affirmation 15:00- The Importance of Giving Full Attention 30:00-Legacy of Words  

Join Curtis & Chris as they cover the period after the funeral, detailing the initial days and months following the loss of Curtis’s beloved wife, Michal. This episode explores the experiences of grief & support as Curtis talks about keeping his wife's memory alive. The conversation also delves into the administrative aspects of dealing with the belongings of the deceased. Curtis shares personal experiences of the emotional journey of dealing with the memories and possessions of his late wife. He also discusses the impact of grief on the children and the importance of preserving memories. The conversation travels to purpose after loss, as well as the significance of supporting and connecting with others grieving. Time Stamps 0:00 - Trying to Cope: Immediate Hours & Days After the Funeral 4:30 - The Food Frenzy: Should You Drop Off or Stay and Talk? 6:00 - Long-Term Coping Mechanisms: Weeks & Months After the Funeral 11:30 - Few & Far Between Finding Creative Ways to See the Kids. 16:30 - God’s Faithfulness: How Curtis Reconnected with Michal's Kids. 21:30 - What Do We Do with Mom’s Belongings? Navigating Sentimental Keepsakes 27:00 - A Memorable Oil Change Story 30:30 - Repurposing Mom’s Belongings: Creating Meaningful Memories 32:30 - An Unforgettable Gift: Support for Michal’s Grieving Kids 36:30 - Heartbreaking Moments: How Kids Cope with Grief 38:30 - Life Will Never Be the Same Again: Embracing the New Normal 43:00 - Finding Purpose from Grief: Turning Pain into Purpose 45:30 - Joining the Grief Club: Running to the Hard Together  https://www.runtothehard.com/home Love the Run To The Hard Podcast? Here are 3 Ways to support us! Rate The Podcast https://ratethispodcast.com/rtth  Become a Sponsor-https://www.runtothehard.com/sponsors Share The Show! Remember, "Running to the hard is better, when we run together"

In this conversation, Curtis and Chris discuss the last moments of Michal's life and the topic of heaven. Curtis shares his experience of being with Michal in the hospital and witnessing her final breath. He reflects on the doubts and questions that arose in his mind about the reality of heaven and the assurance of his faith. Chris provides biblical insights about the limited information the scriptures provide about heaven and the unspeakable joy that awaits believers. They share personal stories of loved ones who had similar experiences before passing away and the comfort and peace they found in those moments. Curtis reflects on Michal's attitude and how she faced her illness fearlessly, providing a blueprint for grief and hope. The duo also discuss the importance of preparing children for life's challenges and the value of experiencing hard things.  Curtis shares the powerful story of the funeral and how they made it a celebration of Michal's life by making a bold last-minute move that was nothing short of controversial. They end with a reminder of the hope of heaven and the assurance that Jesus is preparing a place for believers.   3:00-The Final Moments Before Michal Graduated to Heaven 9:00-Wrestling with Faith & Seeking Assurance of Heaven in Times of Loss 18:30-The Gift of Moments of Clarity Before Death 20:30- An Attitude of Accepting Hard Things 27:30- Moments After with The Body & The List of Last’s 32:30- Honoring Michal in Preparing For The Funeral 39:30 Funny & Normal Life That Still Happens Even at a Funeral 41:30- The Bold & Impulsive Grave Site Decision to Honor Michal 45:30- The Hope of Heaven   https://www.runtothehard.com/home Love the Run To The Hard Podcast?    Here are 3 Ways to support us! 1. Rate The Podcast> https://ratethispodcast.com/rtth 2. Become a Sponsor 3. Share The Show!

Join Curtis and Chris in a heartfelt discussion on preparing for grief and navigating the emotions surrounding the final ten days in the hospital. This episode covers the rapid escalation of Michal's condition, the points of preparation, and the prayers and community that surrounded them. Curtis shares his journey of coping with unanswered prayers and finding purpose in grief, emphasizing the importance of recognizing individual paths to healing and finding comfort in God's faithfulness. Reflecting on his evolving understanding of grief, Curtis shares how Michal's fearlessness in facing death transformed his and the kids perspective, further solidifying why death should have no grip on the Christian. As Curtis recalls the final moments before Michal's passing, he emphasizes the significance of having a relationship with God and embracing the eternal perspective. While acknowledging that grief holds no easy answers, he encourages listeners to find solace in the hope of eternity and the belief that this world is not our final home. Running To The Hard is Easier When You Run Together https://www.runtothehard.com/home 3:30- Hesitation for Treatment and God’s Clear Direction  8:00- The Beginning of the Last 10 Days of Michal’s Life  23:40- Is There a Right Way to Grieve?  31:30- Saying the Things While Someone Is Still Here  34:29- The Moment Preparing For Grief Becomes Reality  40:20- Fearlessness & Faithfulness in the Face of Death  51:00- The Hard Decisions of When to Turn Off the Machines  55:00- The Practicality of Death Not Seen in the Movies  58:20- Compelling Questions Michal asks in the Final Days.  101:30- Forgiveness & Preparing for Heaven 110:00- Scriptures Describing Heaven  115:30- The Final Day  119:40- The Blueprint Michal Left For Us Here on Earth  124:30- Closing Perspective on Grief  

In this episode, Chris delves into Curtis's transformative journey through divorce and the challenges he faced from isolation before he met Michal. Curtis recounts his unlikely connection with Michal, detailing how he felt a divine nudge to send a message of prayer despite his initial hesitation. This act of obedience sparked a meaningful conversation, leading to intrigue and a period of one- sided interest for a relationship.  Curtis highlights several profound “God moments” that proved God’s perfect timing and promises for a new and brighter future in bringing beauty from the ashes.   00:00- Chris’s Embarrassing Admission 07:30- The Struggle of Telling Peers You’ve Been Divorced  13:00- The Challenge to Make a List 18:00- How to Pull a Friend out of Isolation 26:00- Obeying God’s Promptings 35:30- Getting caught in the “Friend Zone”  41:00 - The “Dear John Letter”  48:30 - Trusting God’s Timing For a New Beginning 55:30-  Bonus Audio of Michal’s Facebook Message about Divorce    

Welcome to the pilot episode of the Run to the Hard Podcast! Join hosts Chris Farrell and Curtis Christopher as they dive into the powerful origin story behind the mantra, "Run to the Hard," inspired by Curtis's beloved late wife, Michal Christopher. This episode takes you on a journey through the challenges of Curtis's early life, to a messy divorce, to remarraige with a women he had never met, culminating in a devastating sudden terminal diagnosis that has him & Michal's five children experiencing fresh & painful grief unlike they have ever known. Joining this community is as easy as hitting "play" https://www.runtothehard.com/ 00:00-The Restoration of Curtis & Chris's Friendship 03:30-The Origin of "Run to the Hard" 10:00- The "Hard" in Curtis's Early Life 16:00- The Unexpected "Hard" of Divorce & Losing a Child at Birth 20:00- The "Hard" of Growing up without Dad & How God Used it 27:30- The First Coffee Date with Michal & Embracing "Hard" Questions. 30:00- The Men Stepping Up in Church- How to Support Kids without Dad 35:00- The "Hard" of Vetting, Remarriage & a Blended Family. 38:00-  The "Hard" of the Unexpected Diagnosis & Telling the Kids 49:00-  The “Hard” that God is Pushing Curtis to Run Towards 59:00-  “Running to the Hard” with Others & Finding Hope in Christ