Each Widow Is Unique

Widows are like snowflakes. The general public might perceive widows as a united group with the same interests and needs. But like snowflakes, each widow is unique: even among my readers it's easy to see a wide range of differences:

• They range in age from 20's to 80's.
• Their marriage lasted from a few weeks to over 50 years.
• Their lives changed forever-in-an-instant when their husbands died in an accident, medical emergency, suicide, murder or war.
• Or their lives changed over a period time: from a few days to several years as their husbands health deteriorated.
• When their husband died their household income was cut by 60% or more, and many were forced to sell their home or go bankrupt; or they're self supporting or have been adequately provided for if they're careful with their finances.
• They might be in shock and the raw pain of early grief; they might be experiencing a range of anger--- from irritability, to bitterness, to resentment and rage; they might be desperate or depressed; or they've pretty much come to terms with their situation and are looking to guage how they're doing; some are even looking for ways to help other widows.

But my readers do have a few things in common:

• They're hanging on to hope and have a determined sort of faith, even if it's as small as a mustard seed.  
• They're willing to work through their grief and find out what God is doing with their life.
• Whether they're newly widowed, or they've been widowed for years they are welcome here, and greatly relieved to find a place of listening and understanding.

Here's how WCP (this blog) can help:

• I offer 3 venues of help for widows. 1). This blog which posts 2 or 3 times/week. 2). My book, Postcards from the Widows' Path. It's based on the book of Ruth from the Bible and you'll be amazed at the remarkable similarities between Ruth, Naomi and Orpah (not Oprah--big difference!), to your own life. 3). Free support groups on Facebook.
• Helpful information, inspiration and prayers in the archives. 
• A Memorial Wall. Click the Memorial Wall tab at the top of this page. Around the first of every month it is featured so each widow may be prayed for.  
• Tell your story. It's therapeutic when you express yourself and know that you're being heard. This is a place where others WANT to hear about YOU! This is a place where we learn from each other. Email me for writers guidelines at WCplace@gmail.com
• Share your prayer needs with me by email. I do not share your email address with others.
• Ask questions. "Is this normal? Am I going crazy? Did this happen to anyone else? Does anyone else feel like this? Where's God?" are perfectly acceptable. Don't be afraid to ask in the comment area at the bottom of each post.
• Meet new friends. I can connect you to my private Lifeboat groups on Facebook, or plan now to attend a widows conference coming up in 2016. If you're interested in starting a local widows group click the tab at the top of this blog.

Please tell your pastor and others about WCP, and use it freely throughout your grief journey. You won't belong to this blog forever--God has a bright future and plan for you! It's my privilege to walk you through this chapter of your life and to help you head into God's direction.

♥ ferree