Dr. Elizabeth or Liz Hall is Professor of Psychology at Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University in La Mirada, California, where she researches and teaches at the intersection of suffering, meaning-making, and Christian spirituality. For over 30 years she has been exploring how faith and psychology can work together to help people flourish—especially amid suffering. She also coauthored Relational Spirituality with her husband, Todd, and has published over 150 academic works.

In my time with Dr. Hall, we discuss her most recent book, entitled When the Journey Hurts: Finding Meaning in Suffering for Heart, Mind, and Soul. In her book, and in our time together, she shares about her own personal experience with breast cancer and her learnings from her extensive research on suffering. Specifically, she discusses how suffering can lead to flourishing, how she holds on to God’s goodness and beauty amidst life’s difficulties, and how suffering can open us up to God’s presence.  Truth be told, I was surprised to come away from this conversation on suffering feeling inspired and hopeful. I deeply hope it does the same for you.

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