Ep 41: Sacred Ground: Finding Hope Beyond Our Sorrows with April Yamasaki
Host: Melie Williams
Guest: April Yamasaki
In this moving episode of Diamonds in Dumpster Fires, host Melie Williams sits down with author and pastor April Yamasaki to talk about grief, faith, and the quiet glimmers of grace that can sustain us in life’s hardest seasons.
After the sudden loss of her husband—lovingly called “Dearheart”—April walked through a grief deeper than she could have imagined. Out of that valley came her latest book, Hope Beyond Our Sorrows, a tender invitation to anyone carrying heartbreak to discover that God’s presence is still near, even in the shadow of loss.
Together, Melie and April explore:
What those first weeks of grief felt like and how she learned to give herself grace
Why sorrow isn’t a problem to “fix” but a journey to be honored
How to support someone in mourning (even if you’re unsure what to say)
The surprising ways joy and purpose can re-emerge after loss
How writing became part of April’s healing—and how she hopes it will comfort readers
Whether you’re grieving a spouse, a friend, a dream, or a chapter of life, this conversation offers hope that love endures, and that even amid sorrow, light can break through.
Resources & Links
📚 Buy April’s Book
Hope Beyond Our Sorrows
🌐 Connect with April Yamasaki
aprilyamasaki.com – Explore her books, articles, and devotionals.
Support the Podcast
If this conversation encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who might need it today. Let’s keep finding the diamonds together.
Connect with Melie:
Instagram: @meliewilliams