Today’s guest is Jeanne Rodriguez, Author, Women’s Director at Bayside Church in California. Today she
discusses her new book, “When Hope Met Hopelessness.” Rodriguez shares her story of tragedy and loss and her journey to discovering a new closeness with the Lord in her new book, “When Hope Met Hopelessness.” In just twelve short days, Jeanne Rodriguez goes from the overwhelming elation of welcoming her daughter-in-law into the family to the unfathomable heartbreak of learning her son is fighting for his life and her daughter-in-law is dead. By her son’s side, while trying to come to grips with her grief, Jeanne cannot envision ever being happy again. Why does she feel so disappointed when the Bible promises hope does not disappoint?
With refreshing candor, Rodriguez acknowledges her inability to understand God’s plan while chronicling her transformation from broken to whole, from sorrow to joy. She says, “I discovered that it’s all right to be angry at God and even to yell at Him, but I also learned that the Lord hears our cries, understands our pain, and loves us deeply,” Rodriguez says. “I wrote my book to encourage others through their grief—talk to God, cry out to Him—and share a beautiful healing story.” Embraced by family, friends, her community, and her church throughout her despair, Rodriguez’s story also illustrates the power of rallying around loved ones in their time of greatest need.
Jeanne Rodriguez has served for over twenty-five years in women’s ministry, including speaking at women’s events and serving as the former women’s director at Bayside Church in Lincoln, California. With a Master of Arts in pastoral care to women from Western Seminary, Jeanne is passionate about helping women know Jesus and experience His love. She is currently the CEO of the Crystal Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship Fund, founded by her son after the death of his wife. She and her husband, Rubén, live in Citrus Heights, California. They are grateful for the blessings of their two sons, Kevin and Victor; daughters-in-law, Katie and Bailey; and grandson, Quinn. For more information, visit Jeanne’s website, Jeannerodriguez.com, or find her on Instagram: @Jeanner7212, Facebook, Jeanne Fitzpatrick Rodriguez.