We all know it's impossible to avoid suffering. But what if there was a way to respond to the suffering in your own life—from serious tragedies to everyday difficulties—in a way that ultimately led to peace? In this powerful episode of The Chris Stefanick Show, I sit down with Dave VanVickle, a husband and father who’s walked through some of the deepest suffering imaginable. From raising multiple children with serious health challenges to losing his beloved wife Amber to cancer when she was only 40 years old, Dave has faced hardship and grief that would break most people. But through this pain, Dave found a path that allows him to surrender his suffering to Christ and transform it into a peaceful acceptance grounded in love. Suffering is STILL hard, but Dave shares a perspective of gratitude and grace that will help you to offer up your daily crosses and not take any of your blessings for granted. This episode isn’t just about grief—it’s about finding hope in the resurrection when you're living through Good Friday. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:51 His children's health challenges 7:20 His wife Amber's journey through cancer 14:33 What it means to “offer it up” 17:28 Managing grief 19:24 Preparing your spouse for death 26:30 The peace that surpasses understanding 29:00 Learning to live again after loss 32:13 Living in the moment with gratitude and love 35:41 When you feel abandoned by God Jesus didn’t suffer so you wouldn’t have to. He suffered so you’d know how to. If you’re in pain, if life doesn’t make sense right now—this conversation is for you. You’re not alone. Christ is with you in the cross, and he’s preparing you for heaven through these trials. ........ Sign up for the Daily Anchor for FREE and receive daily reflections, updates, and encouragement from Chris Stefanick to help you live with the joy you were made for: https://www.reallifecatholic.com/subscribe ........ Support the creation of this content by becoming a Missionary of Joy with a monthly gift to Real Life Catholic: https://moj.reallifecatholic.com/ ........ The Chris Stefanick Show will soon be premiering on EWTN+ Streaming! You can start watching more great content at: EWTN.com/ondemand/ ........ Join Chris Stefanick and Fr. Dave Pivonka on pilgrimage to Assisi: https://www.canterburypilgrimages.com/tour/1226/
