S1E3 - Joy and Pain: Music and Mourning Part 1 with Christal Brown Heyward

In Part 1 of this heartfelt episode, Rev. Dr. Juana Jordan sits down with Christal Brown Heyward, a certified grief coach, thanatologist, and worship leader who has transformed personal compassion into powerful ministry. Christal shares the touching story of how "A Time of Refreshing" was born—starting with simple home visits to a friend who lost her son, bringing a keyboard, a meal, and sacred space for honest conversation. What began as acts of friendship grew into a calling, leading Christal to pursue a Master's degree in Thanatology (the study of death) to better serve her community. She discusses why conversations about death remain taboo, the importance of marrying music with mourning, and introduces us to her innovative "Grief Boot Camp" approach that creates safe spaces for people to navigate the unknown terrain of loss with practical tools and spiritual grounding.