TPP #88 | God Showed Up with Ashley Cochrane Olson

The Parable Podcast with Danielle Zapchenk

May 3 2023 • 51 mins

Can you remember a moment in your life when God showed up?  Today you will meet Ashley Cochrane Olson who is the Founder & Executive Director of Crowned for Ashes, a dream she formed along with her husband Chris in 2014. Ashley will share on today's episode that she spent 5 years as Chris’s caregiver following a series of medical issues arising from a 2013 deployment before his unexpected passing in 2018. By trade, Ashley is a lifestyle and branding photographer based in Florida and believes in choosing joy regardless of the circumstances your life with bring.  I can't wait for you to hear this beautiful story about how God continued to show up in Ashley's life.

"I am remarried now, but that does not heal the fact that I lost Chris. Aaron does not take Chris' place in my heart. I am not whole again because of Aaron.  I am whole because of Jesus. And I need Him as much on my best day as I did on my worst day. He will never stop inviting me into more healing. "
- Ashley Cochrane Olson


Ashley has one of the most beautiful stories I have ever heard. Does it have pain, beauty, and loss. Absolutely, what story of ours doesn't?  But, the good news is that God was with Ashley through it all and he continued to show up for her in ways only He could.  My prayer as you listen to Ashley's story you see not only the love story in her life but the overarching love story God has for each one of us.

Our Conversation Points:

  • I am not a professional widow
  • God showing off with Rainbows and Bald Eagles
  • What is Crowned for Ashes and how did it come to be?
  • Losing your husband and being angry with God
  • Widowhood isn't your identity, Christ is your identity
  • The journey of finding love after loss
  • How God is using Ashley today because of her late Husband Chris

Reflection Questions:

  1. Make some time to talk with God and allow Him into your daily life so you can see all of the ways He is consistently showing up for you.
  2. Is there someone in your life that you need to completely surrender to God? Maybe you need to build up your willingness to surrender.

Connect with Ashley

Instagram | Website

Connect with Crowned for Ashes

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Donate

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