Learning to Lament: Trusting God in a Broken World

When college sweethearts Frank and Alyson Punzi married in 2018, they envisioned a life filled with joy as they raised a family and served Jesus with their gifts and abilities.

Two years later, after the birth of their daughter, with both Alyson and Frank having finished degrees in Biblical Studies at Cedarville University, their plan was in motion and life was good. Frank was serving the Lord as an associate pastor, and their daughter brought smiles to their faces.

In an instant, however, life took a dramatic turn. Vacationing in New Jersey, Alyson walked into their room to discover Frank, her 25-year-old husband, suffering from a severe stroke. In just a matter of weeks, Frank — who appeared to be healthy and vibrant — was diagnosed with cancer.

Alyson’s life turned upside down without any notice.  

Despite the pain, uncertainty, and grief that engulfed them, Frank and Alyson clung to their faith in God. Throughout the testing and treatment, they found the strength to face a broken world through their unwavering trust in Jesus — all the way to Frank’s final breath.

In the midst of unspeakable pain and sorrow, they sought solace in praising the Lord and standing firm in their faith. They took comfort in knowing they were never alone and in crying out to the ever-present God.

In this episode of the Cedarville Stories Podcast, Alyson shares how she learned to lament through her pain, even as she was leading her very young daughter who just lost her daddy.

Alyson's story is a testament to her unwavering faith as a young widow and single mother, leaning on Jesus just as she did during the turbulent days of Frank’s cancer and ultimate passing. Her story of learning to lament will inspire others to trust in God's guidance and companionship through life's toughest trials.