What Are You Resources?

This page is a supplement to chapter 11 in my book, Postcards from the Widows' Path.

Asking for help to find resources is a dreaded situation, I know. But don't give up, help is out there! In most cases the widow must take the initiative and reach out for help. (People cannot read your mind). And be persistent!! Luke 18. Contact people and organizations that can help you. From people you know (individuals, family members and your church) to those you don't yet know (government programs, grief groups, and financial and biblical counselors), there are a variety of helps available.

Biblically, the first line of help is your family and then your church (I Timothy 5), but not exclusively. Don't quit searching! 

Look what Proverbs says three different times:
Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
Proverbs 15:22  Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.
Proverbs 24:6  For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety. 

When you find many wise people telling you the same thing you can be more certain it's the better path to take. Be wary of those who will profit from your decisions but don't decline paying for expert, professional advice. Also, choose your "counselors" much like you'd choose a doctor--the first one you go to might not always be the best one. Find someone you can talk to comfortably without intimidation, but who will be honest with you and not just say what they think you want to hear. 

Family members you can talk to:

Pastors or Bible study/small group leaders you can talk to:

Counselors or chaplains that your church or denomination uses for referrals:

Financial advisers recommended by friends and relatives:

Other widows your can network with and socialize:

Grief support groups in your area:

Widowhood basics: (widowers see some resources at the bottom of this page)

Miriam Neff's "From One Widow to Another" is like a handbook for widows and full of practical and emotional helps. Also her 5 session DVD series along with workbooks. Check out her website: Widow Connection

Postcards from the Widows' Path guides you through phases of widowhood--Grieving, Changing, Working, Waiting and Blessing--and can be used individually or with a group. This book is loved by thousands and walks you hand-in-hand through the widow empowering Book of Ruth. It's a life changer!

Finances:

I'm sorry but you've got to know your finances. Here are some a good places to start. Also use Google or other searches for the most up-to-date information.

Widows Connection Finances Page  This page also has the link to Social Security and some of the basics you need to get started.

Crown Financial has a variety of online financial studies you can enroll in at very little cost. They also have financial mentors and career counselors.

Online and other support groups:

A Widow's Might  (Facebook)

Widow Might   (Minnesota)

Grief support:

Loss of a Spouse seminar. This is from GriefShare and my friends Marisol and Ronett are among the participants.

GriefShare  this link should take you straight to the page where you can type in your zip code and find a group near you for this national and international ministry.

Grief Care Fellowship  these dear people, based in Florida, veterans of Word of Life ministry, have created an entire course for churches to train people for peer ministry to those who grieve.

Journeying Through Grief booklets by Stephen Ministries. I've sent these out to special friends over the years. For approx. $10 plus shipping you receive a set of 4 wonderful booklets to give to people at various points during their first year of loss.

For Widowers:

National Widowers Organization (secular)

A Grace Disguised by Jerry Sittser

The Group (secular) video clip from The Today Show. The Group: Seven Widowed Fathers Reimagine Life by Donald L. Rosenstein and Justin M. Yopp