Shearon's Story

I wish Shearon lived right next door, but she's in TX and I'm in OH. We met through this blog, and over the phone, and have so much in common we even both became GriefShare facilitators this year. I thank God for all the widows I meet through this blog and on Facebook. I'd love to meet you, too! But in the meantime, let me introduce you to Shearon, and how the Lord helped her through widowhood and eventually brought her hope and joy even though life changed forever in one night.  * * *

Hi, Shearon! Welcome to Widows Christian Place and let me thank you for sharing your story. Would you please fill us in on how and when you were widowed?

Shearon: It was on Friday night, Sept 15, 1989, that my husband (Don) of 21 years died. We had just finished having dinner with our neighbors when he began to feel bad, so he went to lie down in our bedroom. After a few minutes, I went to check on him and he was having a massive heart attack. My neighbor called 911 and they arrive quickly, but my hubby was not responding. The ambulance took him to the hospital where he was pronounced DOA. It was that night my life changed forever. I was 39, and left with my son and daughter.
I often think about family gatherings that Don would have enjoyed so very much. I also think about other things like giving our daughter away in marriage, fishing with our son, our first grandbaby, dance recitals, our son’s wedding, and the list could go on and on. He would have laughed, rejoiced, and even cried. 
 
I'm so sorry, Shearon. It's hard to understand the paths God puts us on. What Scriptures have been most comforting to you?

Shearon: The night my husband died 2 Cor. 5:8b came to my mind… to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Right there in the emergency room God began to minister to my heart, Psalm 23 was also special, and I held verse 4 very close to my heart. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. God promised to walk with me through that valley time of life. Isaiah 61:1-3 was also a comfort. God promised to give me the oil of joy instead of mourning. This did not come overnight, but God eventually gave me joy again.

What encouragement can you give a woman who is in the early raw pain of loss?

Shearon: I would encourage her to snuggle close to God during her grief journey. The Lord will faithfully walk with her through the valley to the other side. It is important to embrace God’s Word daily by reading or listening to scriptures. I would encourage her to attend church regularly, pray, journal, listen to music, and sing praises unto the Lord. Also, she would benefit from attending a Christian based grief recovery group. GriefShare is excellent! She will be with other people who are also walking in her shoes. She will receive encouragement and daily helps as she moves through her grief to healing. Lastly, understand that her broken heart will be healed - Psalms 147:3 - He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

What did you do that helped you the most?

Shearon:  Helping other widows on their journey was the best medicine that I could ever take. I started reaching out to them one at a time, and before long I felt blessed beyond measure. It was such a positive thing that happened in my life. I really didn’t know any widows until I became one, but then God slowly began to sprinkle “God’s special women” all around me. Each lady was an experiencing God moment. Then, four years after Don died, I started a widow’s ministry at my church in Grand Prairie, TX.

We'll visit with you again, but for today, is there anything else you'd like to share?

Shearon: Yes. When we lose a spouse, our heart has been emotionally severed. It hurts very badly, and it cannot be fixed over night. OTC medicine and band aids will not repair it. Broken hearts can only be mended by the “The Great Physician.” Stay close to God, and He will stay close to you. He is faithful! Also, reach out and help others. That was the best medicine that I could take.