About Us


The Brave Penny Nonprofit organization was founded to support those who grieve.  The name Brave Penny was suggested by our co-founder, Heather Rodriguez.  “Brave,” for the courage of those who seek healing and recovery from a loss that has caused heartache and disruption in their life.  “Penny” was Sharon Fox’s sister who was murdered in 1996.  Sharon and her family were shocked not only by the violent death of her sister, but the conviction of Penny's husband.  This event prompted the creation of the ministry for Brave Penny, with a mission to Embrace Those Who Grieve.

Brave Penny exists to serve those who have had losses not only from the death of a parent, spouse, sibling, adult child or infant, but also other forms of grief.  Those losses can include the grief experienced by Birthmothers who have chosen adoption for their child, abortion, a broken relationship, death of a pet, or a shattering traumatic event.  The decision to seek a Christian pathway to contentment is difficult.  But, when those who grieve take steps to heal their broken heart, there can be a genuine sense of restored joy.

Soon after the death of Sharon’s sister, Shadowlands Grief Recovery Program was developed.  It is based on God’s Model of Grieving the death of his son, Jesus (found in Matthew Chapter 27).  Shadowlands is a six-session program which also includes current secular research on the effects of grief, coping skills and scripture. The name Shadowlands comes from Psalms 23 - “I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.”

The intention of Shadowlands is for participants to see that grief is not a destination but rather is a season.  Those who grieve should not be defined by a grief event.  They should feel their value is because they are God’s child.  To live abundantly, even when we have experienced suffering from a loss, is God’s plan.

The Shadowlands program is offered via Zoom and in person at Christ Church Plano TX.  There are published dates for upcoming programs on this web-site and christchurchplano.org.  Note, for groups of eight or more, alternative scheduling can be arranged.)

Programs for clergy, chaplains, community volunteers and lay leaders are available.  General training on grief, what adults need to know about child grief, and suicide survivors training are offered upon request.

Since the creations of Shadowlands, Sharon Fox has written two grief related booksReframing Adoption and A Precious Loss, both available in English and Spanish.  Also available is Grieving With God - Journal.  A children’s Christmas book titled The Stone Carver’s Son has also been published.  We invite you to scroll through the thirty articles on this website which address topics such as suicide, adoptions, biblical commentary on Lazarus, Psalm 23, and Joseph of Arimathea.

Thank you for visiting the Brave Penny website.  May the materials inspire, heal, and raise you to praise God for his love and compassion for all who grieve.

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